Motorized Sit-Down Hydrofoil with Integrated Rider Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hydrofoiling methods, such as being towed behind a boat or using a kite, impose limitations on mobility and safety, particularly in terms of starting and maneuvering, as they require a tow line and do not provide secure attachment for riders, leading to potential drowning and injury risks.
Innovation Solution
A motorized sit-down hydrofoil with a seat, foot bindings, and a propulsion unit, allowing riders to be securely attached and control the device using knee movements for steering and shoulder movements for lift adjustment, eliminating the need for a tow line and providing self-righting capabilities and enhanced safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hydrofoiling uses a tow line behind a boat or kite, then the rider can be pulled through water, but the rider lacks secure attachment and faces drowning and injury risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rider with the hydrofoil device through integrated seat and foot bindings, creating a unified system where the rider becomes part of the device structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate tow lines and external support, providing secure attachment while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrofoil device provides its own support and stability through the rider's body position and the device's self-righting capabilities. The rider secures themselves through the seat and bindings system, and the device automatically corrects itself if capsized, eliminating dependence on external towing systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hydrofoiling requires a tow line, then propulsion can be achieved, but mobility and maneuvering are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tow line system with a self-propelled hydrofoil system that uses the rider's body movements (knee and shoulder movements) to control propulsion and maneuvering. This substitution provides greater mobility and adaptability while the integrated control system manages the complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrofoil device incorporates dynamic control mechanisms that respond to the rider's body movements in real-time. Knee movements control steering while shoulder movements adjust lift and propulsion, creating a dynamic and adaptable system that enhances mobility without requiring complex external control equipment.
3Reliability
If the rider is not securely attached to the hydrofoil, then the device is simpler, but the rider risks drowning and collision with the foil assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The seat and foot bindings integrate the rider's body with the hydrofoil device, creating a unified system where safety components are built-in rather than added. This merging provides comprehensive securing while maintaining design simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-righting capabilities and secure attachment system prevent dangerous situations before they occur. The rider is secured in advance through the seat and bindings, and the device is designed to automatically correct capsizes, cushioning against potential drowning and collision risks before they can materialize.
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
Enables riders to perform aerial stunts and maneuvers safely without the risk of drowning or collision with the foil assembly, offering greater control and mobility without the need for a boat or towing, while reducing the risk of injury and eliminating the need for flotation devices.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrofoil assembly including a front wing, a rear wing, and a strut assembly
Implementation Method 2
a motor, engine or other propulsion unit mounted on the hydrofoil
Data Source
AI summary
A Method and Apparatus for Motorized Sit Down Hydrofoil have been disclosed. By using a seat with a seatbelt and bindings to secure a rider to a top of a board having a hydrofoil assembly on the bottom of the board a rider can be protected from drowning due to an overturned board.