Jet Boat Wake Control via Movable Steering Deflectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional boats equipped with aft platforms for wakesurfing are limited in their versatility, as these platforms are difficult to remove and restrict the boat's use for other purposes, and they cannot generate varying wake shapes for different water sports.
Innovation Solution
A jet boat design featuring movable jet propulsion units with adjustable steering deflectors and a user control system that allows for different operation modes, enabling the creation of various wake shapes by altering the direction and tilt of the water jets, thereby accommodating multiple water sports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an aft platform is installed on the boat for wakesurfing, then the wake shape is improved for wakesurfing, but the boat cannot be used for other purposes and cannot generate different wake shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The jet propulsion units are designed with movable steering deflectors that can be dynamically adjusted to different angles. The steering deflectors are movable with respect to the hull, allowing the propulsion axis to be changed from parallel to non-parallel positions. This dynamic adjustability enables the same jet propulsion system to generate different wake shapes for various water sports without requiring physical platform modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the jet propulsion units by adjusting the steering deflector angles. When the steering deflectors are in different positions (parallel vs. non-parallel to longitudinal center axis), the wake shape parameters change accordingly. This parameter change approach allows versatile wake generation without adding complex structural modifications to the boat.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an aft platform is installed for wakesurfing, then wakesurfing performance is improved, but it is difficult or bothersome to remove the platform for other uses
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a fixed aft platform, the invention uses dynamically adjustable steering deflectors that can be moved between different positions. The steering deflectors are movable with respect to the hull, allowing easy reconfiguration from parallel to non-parallel orientations. This eliminates the need for physical installation and removal of platforms while maintaining adaptability for different water sports.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the steering deflectors are oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal center axis, then different wake shapes are generated, but the steering control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The steering unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can control the boat's directional movement and simultaneously adjust the steering deflector angles to generate different wake shapes. The steering unit is operatively coupled to both jet propulsion units, allowing coordinated control of propulsion and wake generation. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity despite the added versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering control functions are merged with the wake generation control. The steering unit that normally controls boat direction is also used to adjust the steering deflector angles for wake shape control. By combining these functions, the patent avoids adding a separate complex control system while achieving versatile wake generation capability.
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 jet boat can generate diverse wake shapes suitable for wakeboarding and wakesurfing, enhancing its versatility and allowing for seamless transitions between different water sports without the need for platform modifications.
Implementation Method 1
jet propulsion units with movable steering deflectors
Implementation Method 2
steering deflectors with a propulsion axis along a center axis of the steering deflector. The steering deflector is movable with respect to the hull
Data Source
AI summary
A jet boat basically includes a hull, a first jet propulsion unit, a second jet propulsion unit, and a steering unit. The first jet propulsion unit is provided to the hull. The first jet propulsion unit has a first steering deflector with a first propulsion axis. The first steering deflector is movable with respect to the hull. The second jet propulsion unit is provided to the hull. The second jet propulsion unit has a second steering deflector with a second propulsion axis. The second steering deflector is movable with respect to the hull. The steering unit is operatively coupled to the first and second jet propulsion units. The first and second steering deflectors are oriented such that the first and second propulsion axes are non-parallel to a longitudinal center axis of the hull while the steering unit is in a straight steering position.