Hydrofoil Watercraft Wireless Power and Ride Height Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrofoiling watercraft face issues with detachable hydrofoils due to embedded power wires, radio frequency signal interference, inaccurate ride height determination, and require skilled operation through weight shifting, making them difficult to use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A hydrofoiling watercraft design featuring a movable portion on the board that allows shifting of the center of gravity, detachable hydrofoil with vibration dampening, improved radio frequency communication, and wireless remote control with sensors for accurate ride height monitoring and easier operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power wires are embedded within the strut to connect battery and electric motor, then electrical power transmission is achieved, but the hydrofoil becomes difficult to detach and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrofoil system is divided into separable components: the strut with electric motor can be detached from the board, and the power transmission is achieved through wireless communication between the battery in the board and the motor in the strut, eliminating the need for embedded wires that would prevent detachment
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical electrical connection system (power wires extending within the strut) is replaced with a wireless power transmission system using electromagnetic fields, allowing the hydrofoil to be easily detached while maintaining reliable electrical power transmission between the battery and motor
2Strength
If the board or motor blocks radio frequency signals, then structural integrity and propulsion are maintained, but wireless communication between watercraft and remote controller is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary wireless communication system is introduced that operates through the board and motor structures, using electromagnetic field modulation techniques to transmit control signals and data without being blocked by the physical presence of the board or motor components
Solution Approach 2:
The board and motor structures serve multiple functions: maintaining structural integrity for propulsion while simultaneously acting as transparent media for wireless radio frequency communication, achieving both structural strength and communication reliability through multi-functional design
3Measurement precision
If radar or ultrasonic sensors are mounted to detect distance between board and water surface, then ride height measurement is implemented, but measurement accuracy is reduced due to waves and splashing
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical/optical sensing system (radar or ultrasonic sensors) is replaced with a magnetic field-based sensing system that uses the hydrofoil's position in the magnetic field generated by the motor to accurately determine ride height, providing reliable measurements even in rough water conditions where waves and splashing would interfere with optical or acoustic sensors
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 easier operation, accurate ride height determination, reduced noise and interference, and improved safety and control through advanced sensors and wireless communication, making the watercraft more accessible to riders of varying skill levels.
Implementation Method 1
The watercraft may include a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure of the water
Implementation Method 2
hydrofoils that extend below a board or inflatable platform on which a user rides
Implementation Method 3
an electric motor mounted to a strut of the hydrofoil to propel the watercraft
Data Source
AI summary
A watercraft including a board having a top surface and a bottom surface and a hydrofoil attached to a strut. The strut attaches at the bottom surface of the board. The watercraft includes a movable portion coupled to the top surface of the board such that the movable portion is configured to move relative to a fixed portion of the board.