Movable Nozzle Propulsion for Watercraft
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing propulsion devices for water sports often require significant physical effort, limit speed and control, and are challenging for beginners due to complex maneuvering and high costs associated with compressor stations.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion device with a platform, thrust group, and pressurized fluid distribution system, featuring secondary nozzles positioned below the center of gravity and actuated for automatic piloting assistance, along with a remote compressor station like a motorized nautical vehicle, to enhance ease of use, speed, and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the nozzles are positioned below the platform with pivot connections, then the device allows easy take-off and great orientation capacity, but the movement speed is limited and horizontal movement is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the nozzles movable rather than fixed. The first nozzle is mounted to rotate about a transverse axis, and the second nozzle is mounted to rotate about a longitudinal axis. This dynamic positioning allows the nozzles to be oriented optimally for different maneuvering needs, enabling both easy take-off and high-speed horizontal movement by adjusting nozzle directions as required.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable nozzle configuration allows the same propulsion device to perform multiple functions: vertical lift for take-off, horizontal propulsion for speed, and directional control for orientation. The nozzles can be positioned to serve different purposes depending on the operational phase, making the device universally capable of various maneuvers.
2Force
If a remote compression station is used to supply pressurized fluid, then sufficient thrust force is delivered, but the cost is high and accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the propulsion system into two independent nozzle groups: a first nozzle for vertical lift and a second nozzle for horizontal propulsion. This segmentation allows the system to use a smaller, more affordable compression station that can supply pressurized fluid to both nozzles, reducing the overall system cost while maintaining sufficient thrust force through optimized fluid distribution to multiple nozzle outlets.
3Device complexity
If the nozzles are fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but the freedom of movement and trajectory control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements movable nozzles that can rotate about different axes to achieve various orientations. The first nozzle rotates about a transverse axis for pitch control, while the second nozzle rotates about a longitudinal axis for roll control. This dynamic capability provides exceptional freedom of movement and trajectory control while maintaining relatively simple structural connections through pivot mounts.
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 device allows for effortless and safe movement with great freedom of trajectory, providing immediate pleasure and reduced fatigue, while being accessible to a wider audience and lowering system costs.
Implementation Method 1
a thrust group; means for collecting and distributing a pressurized fluid to the thrust group
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a propulsion device (30) comprising a platform (31) that is arranged so as to accommodate a passenger (U1, U2) and cooperates with a thrust unit comprising a main nozzle (32), advantageously oriented from the bow to the stern of said device (30), and two secondary nozzles (33A, 33B) that are lateral and are positioned essentially at the bow (31P) of said propulsion device (30). Said secondary nozzles are mounted so as to be mobile about a transverse axis (AT) so as to be moved by actuators (35A, 35B) controlled by a processing unit (37) that implements a method for controlling said secondary nozzles (33A, 33B), thus providing automatic control assistance to said passenger (U1).