Hydrofoil Safety Strut Assembly for Controlled Collision Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrofoil crafts face dangerous and costly issues during sudden retraction due to fixed hydrofoils causing abrupt deceleration upon collision with water objects, leading to structural damage and unsafe conditions for passengers and crew.
Innovation Solution
A safety strut assembly with a first linkage mechanism using cam elements to maintain foil orientation parallel to water flow and a second linkage mechanism to stabilize the actuator, allowing the hydrofoil to pivot freely, combined with a mechanical fuse device for safe retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the hydrofoil is fixedly attached to the strut, then the structure is simple and strong, but during sudden retraction the foil remains in fixed position causing abrupt deceleration and structural damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrofoil is made dynamically adjustable through a pivot connection that allows it to change orientation relative to the strut. The control rod and linkage means enable the foil to rotate about a transverse axle, transitioning from a fixed to a variable configuration based on operational needs
Solution Approach 2:
The angle of attack of the hydrofoil is changed as a parameter to control lift and drag forces. By varying the angular orientation of the foil relative to the water flow through the linkage mechanism, the system optimizes hydrodynamic performance and ensures safe retraction
2Reliability
If the hydrofoil is pivotally mounted to allow free rotation, then safety during retraction is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional linkage mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control rod serves multiple functions by being integrated into both the strut and the hydrofoil linkage system. This single component connects to both the strut (via second linkage means) and the hydrofoil (via first linkage means), coordinating their relative movements without requiring separate control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The control rod assembly acts as a multi-functional element that simultaneously controls the angular orientation of the hydrofoil, absorbs impact forces during retraction, and maintains the mechanical fuse device functionality. This universal component reduces the need for additional specialized parts
3Reliability
If a mechanical fuse device is added for safe retraction, then reliability during collision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical fuse device is pre-configured in the linkage mechanism to activate automatically upon collision. This beforehand prepared safety feature ensures that when impact occurs, the system has already positioned components to allow controlled energy dissipation through the pivot connection and linkage geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical fuse device operates autonomously without external control or intervention. The linkage mechanism itself provides the safety function through its geometric design and mechanical properties, allowing the system to self-regulate during collision events without additional active control systems
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
Prevents abrupt deceleration by maintaining hydrofoil orientation, ensuring safe and controlled retraction, reducing structural damage, and enabling cost-effective, reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
The first linkage means comprises a first drive ring mounted around the foil axle, wherein the first drive ring on the radial inner surface is provided with at least one first ring cam element, and wherein the foil axle on its radial outer surface is provided with at least one foil axle cam element, wherein the at least one foil axle cam element and the at least one first ring cam element are arranged to mutually engage and disengage.
Implementation Method 2
Hydrofoil crafts have foils which move through the water during flight, that is, during foil-borne operation of the craft, and develop lift in much the same manner as an airplane wing.
Data Source
AI summary
Safety strut assembly (9) for a hydrofoil craft (1) comprising a strut (12), which is attached to the hull (10) of the craft by means of a transverse oriented strut axle (40) for pivotal movement with respect to the hull, the assembly further comprising: a control rod (33) passing down through the strut (12); a linear actuator assembly (28); a hydrofoil (13) pivotally mounted to the bottom portion of the strut (12) about a transverse oriented foil axle (35); first linkage means (34) connecting the hydrofoil (13) to the control rod (33); wherein the first linkage means (34) comprises a first drive ring (48) mounted around the foil axle (35), wherein the first drive ring is provided with one first ring cam element (45), and wherein the foil axle (35) is provided with one foil axle cam element (46).