Watercraft Paddle With Convoluted Edge For Vortex Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paddles for watercraft do not effectively control and attenuate the formation and propagation of water vortices, affecting propulsion efficiency and steering, particularly in varying paddling conditions and user skills.
Innovation Solution
A paddle design featuring an elongated shaft with a paddle portion having a peripheral edge with convolutions, comprising fingers and notches, which can be tailored in shape, size, and pattern to optimize performance, reduce weight, and control water flow, allowing for customized paddles for different situations and users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the paddle portion is made with a solid flat member design, then structural strength is maintained, but weight increases and water vortex control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The paddle portion is segmented into multiple elements arranged in a convoluted pattern along the peripheral edge, creating fingers and notches that divide the solid structure into discrete segments. This segmentation reduces material usage and weight while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed element design.
Solution Approach 2:
The paddle portion incorporates a porous or open-work structure with notches extending from the peripheral edge toward the central portion, creating void spaces within the paddle body. This porous design reduces weight while preserving sufficient structural strength for watercraft propulsion.
2Ease of manufacture
If the paddle portion uses a conventional solid design, then manufacturing is simple, but water vortex formation is not controlled, reducing propulsion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The paddle portion features a convoluted pattern with curved fingers and notches along the peripheral edge, replacing straight edges with serpentine geometry. This curved design modifies water flow patterns to reduce vortex formation and improve propulsion efficiency while remaining manufacturable through standard forming processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the paddle portion is customized for different users and conditions, then performance is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The convoluted pattern of fingers and notches can be locally adjusted in density, depth, and distribution along different sections of the paddle portion. This allows customization for specific users and conditions by modifying local characteristics of the convolution pattern without redesigning the entire paddle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The paddle design allows variation of geometric parameters such as convolution amplitude, frequency, finger width, and notch depth to optimize performance for different users and paddling conditions. These parameter changes enable customization while maintaining the same fundamental convoluted structure.
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 paddle design enhances propulsion efficiency, stability, and ease of use by minimizing turbulence and vortices, enabling the creation of lighter, more precise paddles tailored for specific uses and user skills, improving performance across various paddling conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The act of pulling the paddle portion through the water also creates vortices in the water adjacent the peripheral edges of the paddle portion. These vortices play a part in propelling the watercraft and controlling the movement of the paddle portion through the water.
Implementation Method 2
An improved paddle design which attenuates and controls the formation and propagation of the water vortices created by the paddle can lead to a paddle with improved performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A paddle for propelling a watercraft through water. The paddle includes an elongated shaft having a handle at one end and a paddle portion at the other end. The paddle portion includes a substantially flat member having opposite first and second sides, a central portion and a peripheral edge. A plurality of convolutions are formed on the peripheral edge of the paddle portion, with each convolution consisting of a finger positioned between a pair of notches, the notches extending from the peripheral edge towards the central portion. The shape and size of the notches and fingers can be selected to control the optimal performance of the paddle.