Lateral Displacement Surf System for Rapid Wake Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watercraft ballast systems for generating wakes are time-consuming and inconvenient to adjust, limiting the ability to quickly configure the watercraft for different watersports or participants.
Innovation Solution
A lateral displacement surf system that uses hydrofoils or wings attached to the watercraft to create waves by rotating the vessel, allowing for quick adjustment of wake characteristics through repositioning or reorientation of the foils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a weighted ballast system is used to generate wake, then the wave size increases, but the adjustment time increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of wake generation from vertical displacement (ballast weight) to lateral displacement (hydrofoil angle). By adjusting the angle of attack and position of hydrofoils, the system generates different wave sizes and characteristics without adding or removing mass, enabling rapid parameter changes without time-consuming ballast adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical ballast system (weights, bags, pumps) with a hydrodynamic system using hydrofoils. Instead of mechanically adding/removing weight to change displacement, the system uses hydrofoil angle and position to control lateral force and wake generation, eliminating the time-consuming mechanical ballast adjustment process
2Adaptability or versatility
If a weighted ballast system is used to generate wake, then the wave characteristics can be adjusted, but the system complexity and inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical ballast system with a simpler hydrodynamic control system. Instead of managing weights, bags, and pumps, the operator controls wave characteristics through hydrofoil angle and position, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining full adaptability for different watersports and participants
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrofoil system serves multiple functions: generating wake for surfing, creating lateral displacement for wakeboarding, and adjusting wave characteristics for different skill levels. This single system replaces the need for multiple ballast configurations, enhancing versatility while simplifying operation
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 flexible and rapid generation of waves suitable for various watersports by rotating the watercraft, providing enhanced wave control and reducing the need for traditional ballast systems.
Implementation Method 1
By deploying or placing hydrofoils or wings on the non-surf side of the watercraft, lateral displacement is induced during watercraft movement and wake is generated
Implementation Method 2
each foil having a base with a front surface and a back surface, a curved wing, and an angled wing support connecting the curved wing to the front surface of the base at a wing angle
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally pertains to a lateral displacement surf system and methods of laterally displacing a watercraft to generate wake. The lateral displacement system includes at least one pair of foils configured to be extended from a hull on a first side of the watercraft at a level of approximately the waterline. Upon forward movement of the watercraft with extended foils, the watercraft is rotated about its vertical axis toward the first side and generates waves sufficient for the conduction watersport activities on a second side of the watercraft. In some instances, foils are built into the hull and extended from this position, while in other instances the foils are attached to the hull using attachment structures. Rotation of the foils about an axis of rotation approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft alters the angle of attack of the foils relative to the waterline.