Inflatable Craft V-Hull Flap Converging Channel Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable craft experience reduced maximum speed and difficulty in getting on plane when heavily laden, as existing designs do not efficiently utilize engine power at low and medium speeds.
Innovation Solution
The addition of two watertight flaps made from waterproof cloth or fabric, symmetrically attached to the longitudinal keel, creating converging channels that accelerate water flow to the propeller area, enhancing lift and engine rotation, and optionally using a deflector for additional lift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the craft is heavily laden with cargo or passengers, then the payload capacity is improved, but the maximum speed is reduced and the craft has difficulty getting on plane
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the water flow path into distinct channels using partitions. Water is segmented into a first channel leading to the propeller and a second channel leading to the stern, allowing independent optimization of each flow path for different operational conditions (acceleration vs. cruising)
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the hull have different structural characteristics. The forward portion has a V-shaped cross-section optimized for cutting water and generating lift, while the aft portion has a flattened cross-section optimized for stability and propeller immersion, allowing each region to perform its specific function efficiently
2Speed
If the engine power is increased to achieve higher maximum speed and better plane-getting capability under load, then the speed performance is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the hull cross-section along its length. The V-shaped forward portion transitions to a flattened aft portion, optimizing hydrodynamic performance across different speed regimes without requiring additional mechanical systems or complex components
3Productivity
If the propeller rotation speed is increased during the plane-getting phase, then the acceleration and plane-getting capability are improved, but the engine power requirement is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses hydraulic principles to channel water flow efficiently to the propeller through dedicated water channels. This hydraulic flow management system improves propeller efficiency and acceleration performance without requiring additional engine power
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
Facilitates getting on plane and increases maximum speed under load with existing engine power, while simplifying manufacturing and maintenance, and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
each flap thus defining, with said lower compartment and the bottom, a channel converging from the front to the rear and angled towards the rear end of the ridge of the V-shaped hull, and capable of guiding and accelerating a flow of water towards the area situated under the central portion of the transom
Implementation Method 2
as soon as the craft moves forwards, the flaps provide a lift that has the effect of raising the rear of the craft, under the action of water that is displaced relative to the V-shaped hull
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a vessel with two watertight flaps attached in a tensioned state on the two sides of the longitudinal keel, each being under one of the two rear side portions of the V-shaped hull, the outer side edge of each flap being connected under the shell covering the bottom compartment on the same side, and the bottom side edge being connected to the bottom along a line which is angled from the rear to the front and angled toward the lower compartment, with a flap width tapering from the tensioned, free rear edge between the ends at the transom, toward a front portion connected to the bottom and/or to the shell at the connection between the upper and lower compartments, defining, with the latter and the bottom, a channel converging from front to rear and angled toward the rear end of the edge of the V-shaped craft hull.