Hydrofoil Truncated Head Joint for Lower Strut Bending Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrofoil systems expose struts to considerable forces due to bending, the struts are prone to pop-out, in case they are exposed to considerable forces, and the bending of the hydrofoil systems are prone to considerable wear and tear, which ultimately may lead to undesired wear and tear, which ultimately may result in the bending of the hydrofoil systems being prone to the bending of the hydrofoil systems, which are prone to the bending of the hydrofoil systems.
Innovation Solution
The hydrofoil adjustment arrangement adjusts the angle of attack by a primary rotation of the hydrofoil adjustment arrangement, which reduces the bending forces on the struts by allowing a secondary rotation about a roll axis, using truncated heads and adjustment rods to minimize strain and maintain a streamlined shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional hydrofoil system is used with struts connecting the hydrofoil to the hull, then the hydrofoil can be supported and positioned, but the struts are exposed to considerable bending forces that cause wear and tear and may lead to damage or destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the hydrofoil system adjustable through rotation about the pitch axis. The angle of attack can be dynamically changed by rotating the hydrofoil relative to the strut, allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability reduces the bending forces on the strut by optimizing the hydrofoil's orientation, thereby improving strut durability while maintaining support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the angle of attack parameter of the hydrofoil. By rotating the hydrofoil about the pitch axis, the angle between the hydrofoil chord line and the water flow direction can be changed. This parameter adjustment allows the hydrofoil to operate at optimal angles for different speeds and loads, reducing excessive bending forces on the strut and minimizing wear and tear.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hydrofoil is fixed in position relative to the strut, then the structure is simple and stable, but the angle of attack cannot be adjusted to optimize performance or reduce forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a rotation mechanism that allows the hydrofoil to dynamically adjust its angle of attack relative to the strut. The hydrofoil can rotate about the pitch axis, enabling it to adapt to varying operating conditions such as different speeds, loads, and water conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability enhances the system's versatility without requiring complex multi-axial mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the hydrofoil assembly into separable components: the strut, the hydrofoil, and a rotation mechanism connecting them. This segmentation allows the hydrofoil to be independently rotated about the pitch axis to adjust the angle of attack, providing adaptability while keeping each component relatively simple in design.
3Force
If the hydrofoil allows rotation about multiple axes to reduce bending forces, then the forces on struts are reduced, but the mechanism becomes more complex and may affect the streamlined shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a single-axis rotation mechanism about the pitch axis, which allows the hydrofoil to dynamically adjust its angle of attack. This dynamic adjustment reduces bending forces on the strut by optimizing the hydrofoil's orientation during operation, while maintaining relative mechanical simplicity through the single-degree-of-freedom design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by providing rotation capability specifically about the pitch axis, which is the critical axis for angle of attack adjustment. The rotation mechanism is localized to the connection between the strut and hydrofoil, allowing force reduction where most needed while keeping the rest of the structure simple and streamlined.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hydrofoil watercraft (1) is disclosed. The hydrofoil watercraft (1) comprises a hull (2), a hydrofoil (301) arranged to allow the hydrofoil watercraft (1) to be advanced in a foiling advancement in which the hull (2) is spaced apart from a water surface, and a hydrofoil adjustment arrangement (300) arranged to adjust an angle of attack of the hydrofoil (301) by a primary rotation of the hydrofoil (301) about a first rotation axis (R1) parallel with a pitch axis (Y) of the hydrofoil watercraft (1). The hydrofoil adjustment arrangement (300) comprises two struts (302, 303) connecting the hydrofoil (301) to the hull (2), and a respective truncated head (320), connecting each strut (302, 303) of the two struts (302, 303) to the hydrofoil (301), wherein the respective truncated head (320) is arranged to allow at least the primary rotation and a secondary rotation about a second rotation axis (R2) parallel with a roll axis (X) of the hydrofoil watercraft (1). The respective truncated head (320) is adapted to be accommodated within a width (D) of the respective strut (302, 303) at, and preferably along, the first rotation axis (R1) by that the respective truncated head (320) is truncated perpendicularly to the first rotation axis (R1).