Inflatable Hydrofoil Tail Edge for Adaptive Flow Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable hydrofoil water sports devices face limitations in design, particularly in the radii of the edges and tail shape, leading to suboptimal flow characteristics and manufacturing inaccuracies that affect ride performance.
Innovation Solution
A hydrodynamic effect device with a movable separating edge portion and flexible connecting portion, adjustable in stiffness and orientation, is attached to the rear end of the flotation body to enhance flow separation and improve hydrodynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a rigid board structure is used to achieve precise tail shape and edge radii, then flow characteristics are optimized, but packing dimensions become large and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the board inflatable and adjustable in stiffness. The board can be inflated to a firm state for optimal shape and deflated to a compact state for storage, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamic adaptable one that switches between performance and portability modes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the internal pressure and stiffness of the inflatable board. By adjusting these parameters, the board achieves the desired rigid shape characteristics for hydrodynamic optimization while maintaining the ability to collapse into a compact form for storage
2Stability of the object's composition
If the board stiffness is increased to improve ride stability, then flow characteristics improve, but lift-off behavior deteriorates due to rocker shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the board to transition between different stiffness states. In water, the board maintains sufficient stiffness for stability, but the flexible membrane allows controlled deformation at the tail for smooth lift-off, combining both requirements through dynamic adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in stiffness and membrane flexibility to resolve the contradiction. By optimizing the material properties and structural design, the board achieves a balance where it is stiff enough for stability yet flexible enough for easy lift-off
3Manufacturing precision
If manufacturing precision is improved to reduce ride characteristic variations, then consistency improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using inflatable construction with adjustable tension and stiffness. This approach tolerates greater variations in membrane manufacturing while still achieving consistent ride characteristics through proper inflation, reducing the need for ultra-precise manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses segmentation by dividing the board into modular inflatable sections. This modular approach simplifies manufacturing and assembly while maintaining overall ride consistency, as each module can be independently manufactured and then assembled
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
The device optimizes flow characteristics, enhances lift-off behavior, and adjusts to varying water conditions for improved ride stability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
The movable separating edge portion (104) may be movable relative to the attachment portion (102) by deformation, for example elastic deformation, of the connecting portion (106)
Implementation Method 2
at least one separating edge portion (104) which is movable relative to the attachment portion (102) and which, when the flotation body (10) is moved on the water surface, is in contact with water in order to effect an improved flow separation at least on the rear end (18) of the flotation body (10)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a hydrodynamic effect device (100) for a flotation body (10) of an inflatable water sports device (1). The hydrodynamic effect device (100) comprises an attachment portion (102) for attaching the hydrodynamic effect device (100) on the rear end (18) of the flotation body (10), for example on the bottom (12) of the flotation body (10). The hydrodynamic effect device (100) comprises at least one separating edge portion (104) which is movable relative to the attachment portion (102) and which, when the flotation body (10) is moved on the water surface, is in contact with water in order to effect an improved and flexible flow separation at least on the rear end (18) of the flotation body (10).