Hydrofoil Fuselage Wedge Lock for Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrofoil systems face issues with corrosion, seizing, and the need for tools to assemble/disassemble due to threaded metallic connections, which are prone to failure and do not effectively distribute forces.
Innovation Solution
A hydrofoil system with a fuselage portion having tapered sections that overlap in a stacked wedge configuration, secured by a collar and actuator, allowing tool-free assembly and robust connection through frictional engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If threaded metallic connections are used to secure hydrofoil components, then the connection can be strong and secure, but the connection is prone to corrosion, seizing, and requires tools for assembly/disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes threaded metallic connections from the hydrofoil assembly. Instead, it uses a male-female receptacle interface with a cam-actuated locking mechanism that allows tool-free assembly and disassembly while maintaining strong connections, directly addressing the corrosion and tool-requirement problems of threaded fasteners
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical connection system with a cam-actuated locking system. The cam mechanism provides a secure, tool-free connection that eliminates threads entirely, solving both the corrosion/seizing issue and the tool-requirement issue simultaneously
2Strength
If threaded metallic connections are used to secure hydrofoil components, then the connection can be strong and secure, but the connection is prone to corrosion and seizing due to salt water and sand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts threaded metallic connections from the system entirely. The new design uses a male-female receptacle interface with a cam-actuated lock that avoids threaded metal-to-metal contact, eliminating the primary cause of corrosion and seizing in saltwater environments while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction for the hydrofoil components, particularly using carbon fiber reinforced polymers for the mast and fuselage. This composite material approach provides strength comparable to or exceeding metallic connections while being inherently resistant to saltwater corrosion and galvanic degradation
3Strength
If threaded connectors are used to secure hydrofoil components, then the connection can be robust, but the user must carry appropriate tools to assemble or disassemble the foil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes threaded connectors and external tools from the assembly system. The cam-actuated locking mechanism is integrated into the fuselage itself, allowing users to assemble and disassemble the hydrofoil by hand without carrying separate tools, thereby reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The fuselage incorporates an integrated cam-actuated locking mechanism that performs the fastening function without external tools. The user simply operates the cam lever directly on the fuselage to secure or release the wing, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for separate assembly tools
4Force
If conventional threaded connections are used, then components can be secured together, but the connections are not tight enough and have play when secured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded fastening system with a cam-actuated locking mechanism that applies concentrated radial force when engaged. This mechanical substitution eliminates the gradual threading process and provides immediate, tight engagement with no play, significantly improving connection stability
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism utilizes curved, cam-shaped locking surfaces that provide smooth, progressive engagement and tight radial contact when locked. This curved geometry ensures uniform force distribution and eliminates gaps or play between components, enhancing connection stability
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
Enables quick, tool-free assembly and disassembly with robust connections that distribute forces effectively, minimizing failure and optimizing performance adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a collar having an inner passageway dimensioned to encompass and retain the tapered section of the first fuselage portion and the tapered section of the second fuselage portion when overlapped in a stacked wedge configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrofoil system for a hydrofoil equipped watercraft with cooperating fuselage portion that have tapered sections. The tapered sections are configured to form an overlapping stacked wedge within an inner passageway of a collar so that the collar frictionally engages the stacked tapered sections when the first fuselage portion and the second fuselage portion are drawn together longitudinally.