Modular Energy-Harvesting Hulls for Self-Charging Electric Watercraft

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric boats require significant effort and cost for charging and maintenance, and existing designs are not user-friendly, especially for novice users.

Innovation Solution

A self-charging, wirelessly connected, and electrically driven watercraft with a modular and symmetrical hull design featuring energy harvesting arrays and a sliding roof for easy access and security, along with a propulsion system controlled by a user interface for simplified operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If electric propulsion system is used, then environmental sustainability is improved, but charging cost and infrastructure requirement increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental sustainabilityVSAvoidcharging cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The watercraft generates its own electrical energy through wave energy conversion devices and solar panels, eliminating the need for external charging infrastructure and reducing charging costs. The system serves itself by converting environmental energy sources into electrical power for propulsion and onboard systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple energy harvesting technologies (wave energy conversion and solar power) with electric propulsion in a single integrated system, allowing the watercraft to simultaneously generate and consume energy on-board, thereby reducing dependence on external charging infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If traditional boat covering and security mechanism is used, then security after use is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity after useVSAvoidease of use

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional manual mechanical covering systems with an automated robotic mechanism that can securely cover and protect the watercraft interior without requiring significant human effort. The robotic system autonomously performs the covering operation, maintaining security while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If modular hull design is used, then ease of manufacture and portability are improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The watercraft hull is divided into modular sections that can be independently manufactured, assembled, and transported. This segmentation enables easier manufacturing and portability while the standardized interface between modules reduces the overall structural complexity through repetition and standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution provides a safe, sustainable, and portable vessel that is easy to use, reduces charging costs, and enhances user experience with simplified operation and increased safety features.

Implementation Method 1

the roof comprises one or more energy harvesting arrays configured as a power recharging source for the watercraft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolar energy harvesting: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

electrically driven watercraft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric propulsion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

each of the first quarter hull, the second quarter hull, the third quarter hull, and the fourth quarter hull comprise an individually sealed buoyancy chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS12522326B2Energy harvesting vessels with modular hulls

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 LILYPAD LABS INC

AI summary

Described herein are watercraft comprising a hull comprising a first hull assembly, and a second hull assembly opposite the first hull assembly and parallel to the first hull assembly; and a frame configured to couple the first hull assembly to the second hull assembly. In some embodiments, the first hull assembly comprises a first quarter hull coupled to a second quarter hull, and the second hull assembly comprises a third quarter hull coupled to a fourth quarter hull. In some embodiments, the first and third quarter hulls are substantially reflectively duplicative of the second and fourth quarter hulls. In some embodiments, the first hull assembly is substantially reflectively symmetrical to the second hull assembly. Various embodiments may further include a roof comprising one or more energy harvesting arrays thereon. The roof may be movable, in various embodiments, between a closed configuration and an open configuration.