Modular Hydrofoil Installation Kits for Different Boat Types
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrofoil installation kits are typically designed for a single boat model and require extensive adaptation to fit different types, limiting their universality.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising support blocks with adapter parts that attach to structural elements, allowing easy adaptation to various boat types, featuring adjustable hydrofoil arms and rudder blades with ball joints and elastic interlocking for stable orientation and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing hydrofoil installation kits are designed for a single boat model, then the installation is straightforward and reliable for that specific model, but the kit cannot be adapted to other boat types without extensive modification
Solution Approach 1:
The installation kit is divided into separate functional modules: a universal support block structure and model-specific adapter parts. The support block provides the core mounting functionality while the adapter parts vary by boat model. This segmentation allows the majority of the kit to remain universal while only the adapter portions need to be customized for different boats, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support block is designed as a universal component that can be attached to various structural elements of different boat types through standardized interfaces. The universal support block serves multiple functions: providing mounting points for hydrofoil arms, establishing reference planes, and enabling easy installation. This universality reduces the need for complete kit redesign when adapting to different boat models.
2Reliability
If extensive adaptation is required for each boat model, then the kit can be customized to fit specific requirements, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter parts are pre-designed and pre-configured for specific boat models before installation. The universal support block is pre-engineered with standardized attachment interfaces that match common structural elements. This preliminary preparation of modular components allows for rapid installation without time-consuming customization during the actual installation process, while still achieving boat-specific reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation system incorporates adjustable and movable components, particularly in the ball joint connections and strap passages, allowing the kit to dynamically adapt to slight variations in boat structures. This dynamic adjustability maintains reliability for boat-specific requirements while minimizing installation time by eliminating the need for precise pre-customization.
3Ease of operation
If a universal kit is designed with standardized interfaces, then installation across different boat models becomes easier and faster, but the ability to provide precise boat-specific customization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
While the overall support block structure maintains universal standardized interfaces for ease of installation, the adapter parts incorporate model-specific geometric features and dimensional variations to achieve precise boat-specific fit. The local quality of the adapter portions is optimized for each boat model while the global standardized interface maintains installation simplicity. This resolves the contradiction by applying different levels of customization at appropriate locations within the kit.
Data Source
AI summary
The application relates to a kit for installing hydrofoils (22, 32, 45, 55) for a boat (1). The kit for installing hydrofoils (22, 32, 45, 55) includes: at least one support block (21, 31); and at least two hydrofoil arms (22, 32) each having a hydrofoil (24, 34). The or each support block (21, 31) includes: at least one adapter part shaped to cooperate with a structural element (15, 13) of the boat (1) and to be attached thereto, the adapter part providing a reference plane for the hydrofoil arm(s); and a plate on which at least one of the hydrofoil arms (22, 32) is intended to be mounted, the plate being capable of being mounted on the adapter part along the reference plane.