Lateral Thrust Device for Watercraft Reverse Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Watercrafts with traditional jet propulsion systems face difficulties in maneuvering in reverse due to limited turning radius and counter-intuitive steering, making them challenging to navigate in small areas or around obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A device that redirects a portion of the reverse flow of the jet stream to provide lateral thrust, featuring a channel with a curved outer wall that connects an inlet to an outlet, allowing the reverse flow to exit primarily laterally, enhancing steering control when reversing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the reverse gate drastically redirects the entire water flow to one side, then lateral thrust is increased for steering, but the boat lurches abruptly and the stern travels in the opposite direction of the steering (counter-intuitive steering)
Solution Approach 1:
The reverse gate is divided into multiple segments that can be independently controlled. Instead of redirecting the entire water flow at once, the gate segments can be positioned at different angles to gradually redirect portions of the flow, providing progressive lateral thrust that is easier to control and more intuitive for the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The reverse gate redirects only a portion of the water flow rather than the entire flow. By controlling the gate opening angle, the system can redirect just enough water to provide the needed lateral thrust without causing abrupt lurching or excessive force that would make steering counter-intuitive.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the deflector nozzle is pivoted to maximize steering angle, then off-plane steering capability is increased, but the turning radius remains limited and maneuverability in small areas is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The reverse gate angle is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The gate can be positioned at different angles depending on the steering requirements, allowing the system to adapt to various maneuvering situations. This dynamic adjustment enables effective steering at smaller nozzle pivot angles, reducing the turning radius while maintaining steering versatility.
3Force
If the reverse gate redirects water flow to the side the deflector nozzle faces, then lateral thrust is generated, but the stern travels in the opposite direction of the steering making control difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The reverse gate is designed to redirect water flow in the opposite direction from the deflector nozzle orientation. When the nozzle points to one side, the reverse gate redirects flow to the other side, generating lateral thrust in the intuitive direction that causes the stern to travel in the same direction as the steering input, not the opposite.
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 provides greater angular deflection of the reverse flow, enabling more intuitive and controlled steering in reverse, similar to automobiles, with increased lateral thrust and precision control over the watercraft.
Implementation Method 1
The inlet and the channel of main body bend the reverse flow such that when the reverse flow exits the outlet the reverse flow is primarily lateral
Data Source
AI summary
A device for redirecting a portion of the reverse flow of a jet stream created by a watercraft to provide a lateral thrust. The main body of device is fixed to the watercraft and includes a channel disposed therein. The channel has a curve that is defined by an outer wall. The channel fluidly connects an inlet to an outlet. The reverse flow enters inlet in a downward and backward direction with respect to main body. The inlet and the channel of main body bend the reverse flow such that when the reverse flow exits the outlet the reverse flow is primarily lateral.