Modular Electric Hydrofoil Assembly With Hermetic Mast Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrofoil watercraft designs, particularly electric ones, are cumbersome for transport and storage due to their elongated design, requiring large spaces and complex assembly/disassembly processes that compromise electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A modular design with detachable mechanical and electrical connections between the mast, above-water platform, and fuselage, utilizing contact pins and seals to ensure quick assembly/disassembly without tools, allowing for separate mast replacement and maintaining electrical integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mast is made detachable for easy replacement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of electrical connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mast assembly into separate functional modules: the mast structure itself and the electrical connection module containing contact pins and seals. This segmentation allows the mast to be detached independently while maintaining reliable electrical connections through the separate modular component, resolving the contradiction between ease of replacement and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements including contact pins and seals as mediators between the mast and the electrical connection system. These intermediaries ensure that electrical connectivity is maintained independently of the mechanical mast structure, allowing easy detachment while preserving reliable electrical contact through the intermediary connection mechanism.
2Strength
If traditional bolted connections are used for mast assembly, then the strength of connection is improved, but the device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional bolted mechanical fastening systems with a simplified insertion-based mechanical system. The mast couples to the above-water platform through a straightforward insertion motion into a receptacle, eliminating the need for bolts and tools while maintaining adequate connection strength through the design of the coupling and receptacle geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is designed to be self-assembling through the insertion of the mast into the receptacle, which automatically aligns and secures the electrical contacts without requiring external tools or complex assembly procedures. The system serves its own assembly needs through the inherent geometry of the coupling interfaces.
3Device complexity
If the mast and electronics module are integrated, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for mast replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the integrated mast-electronics assembly into distinct replaceable modules: the mast structure and the electronics module mounted on the mast. This segmentation maintains structural simplicity while enabling independent mast replacement without affecting the electronics module, thereby improving adaptability for mast replacement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic configuration where the mast and electronics module can be independently assembled and disassembled. The electronics module is mounted on the mast in a way that allows the mast to be removed separately, providing adaptability for different mast lengths or configurations while keeping the overall structure simple and manageable.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~9
AI summary
The electric hydrofoil watercraft according to the invention provides detachable and hermetic electrical connection via contact pins (10) for cables providing power to underwater propulsion means (6) between above-water platform (1) and one side of mast (2) and/or between the fuselage (5) of the hydrofoil and the other side of the mast (2).