Modular Underwater Foil for Marine Vessels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater foils for marine vessels are limited by fixed angles of attack, high production costs due to integral construction, and challenges in adapting to varying vessel characteristics, leading to increased fuel consumption and reduced functionality in rough waters.
Innovation Solution
A modular underwater foil design featuring slidingly engaged upper and lower foil members with offset alignment and adjustable tilt capabilities, allowing for adaptable length and improved angle of attack, reducing production complexity and enhancing operational flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If integral underwater foil is produced using welded plate, then structural integrity is improved, but production cost increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The underwater foil is divided into multiple modular sections that can be produced separately and then assembled together. This segmentation allows each section to be manufactured independently using simpler, more cost-effective processes while maintaining overall structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces between modules.
2Strength
If integral underwater foil is produced using welded plate, then structural integrity is improved, but delivery and assembly become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the foil into modular sections, each module can be transported more easily and assembled on-site or in the water, significantly improving delivery and assembly operations while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.
3Device complexity
If fixed angle of attack is used in hydrofoil, then structural simplicity is improved, but adaptability to varying water conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrofoil incorporates an adjustable angle of attack mechanism that allows the foil to dynamically change its orientation relative to the water flow. This enables adaptation to varying water conditions and vessel speeds while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of basic mechanical adjustment components.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If hydrofoil length is increased to reduce resistance, then resistance reduction is improved, but production quality and strength decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The long hydrofoil is divided into multiple modular sections, each of which can be manufactured with high precision using standard molds and processes. The modular design maintains ideal foil profiles in each section while achieving the total length needed for effective resistance reduction, avoiding the quality degradation that occurs in single-piece long foils.
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 modular design reduces fuel consumption by optimizing foil length and angle of attack, enabling efficient operation in varying water conditions and simplifying production while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
each upper foil member is slidingly engaged to its respective lower foil member
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The present invention relates to an underwater foil (1) for a marine vessel of the type floating on water disposed completely below the waterline and extending in the port-starboard direction. The underwater foil (1) comprises a plurality of foil members (2, 3) connected to each other in order to form the underwater foil (1).