Hydrofoil Sled Lift for Low-Power Payload Towing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing towing apparatus and methods for watercraft payloads lack the ability to efficiently utilize a wide range of towing watercraft, including those with smaller towing power, and do not effectively reduce drag and protect sensitive payloads during transport.
Innovation Solution
A watercraft payload carrying system featuring a longitudinally extending body with a hydrofoil having a greater chord thickness on the tow side, which creates lift to raise the payload above the waterline, reducing drag and protecting sensitive components, and includes modular components for versatile payload attachment and stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional towing apparatus is used, then payloads can be transported, but the range of towing watercraft options is limited and smaller towing power watercraft cannot be effectively utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the towing apparatus by incorporating a hydrofoil with specific geometric characteristics (chord thickness distribution) that alter the hydrodynamic properties. This enables the system to operate with smaller towing power watercraft by reducing the power required to move the payload through water.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydrodynamic principles by employing a hydrofoil that generates lift and reduces drag through water flow. The hydrofoil's specific chord thickness design creates favorable pressure distribution that reduces the towing power required, enabling use with smaller watercraft.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If payloads are towed in traditional manner, then transport is achieved, but drag is high and sensitive payloads are exposed to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hydrofoil as an intermediary component between the towing watercraft and the payload. This hydrofoil acts as a mediator that generates lift to raise the payload partially out of the water, reducing drag and protecting sensitive payloads from water exposure and damage while maintaining transport efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular components are used for payload attachment, then versatility is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the towing apparatus into modular segments including a separately attachable hydrofoil and standardized payload receivers. This segmentation allows for versatile payload attachment while keeping individual components relatively simple and easier to manufacture, though the overall system complexity increases due to the number of separate parts that must be assembled and disassembled.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables efficient towing with smaller power watercraft by reducing drag and protecting sensitive payloads, enhancing stability and versatility through modular design and lift generation.
Implementation Method 1
a first hydrofoil coupled to an underside of said longitudinally extending body and having a chord thickness greater on the tow side
Data Source
AI summary
The multiple embodiments of the present invention involve a watercraft payload carrying system for which a payload can be carried and moved in a liquid such as water. The system includes a hydrofoil that when the system is accelerated, the hydrofoil lifts the system and the payload is raised relative to the waterline. In an embodiment the watercraft payload carrying system can have multiple interconnected modules where each module has a hydrofoil and receiver for carrying a payload. In an embodiment, the watercraft payload carrying system is modularly designed where the hydrofoil and receiver are removably attached.