Pivotable Wake-Modifying Plate for Boat Surfing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wake-modifying devices for boats, such as trim tabs, do not adequately create larger wakes with improved shapes for wakeboarding and wake surfing, as wake surfers require a larger surfable area that extends from the curl of the wake to the swim platform.
Innovation Solution
The use of wake-modifying devices with plate-like members and downturned surfaces pivotably attached to the transom or hull of the boat, which can be deployed to redirect water flow and increase wake size and shape by creating additional upward force and delaying water recovery, thereby shifting the point of convergence aft and increasing the surfable area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional trim tabs are used to modify wake, then the boat wake can be reduced for water skiing, but the wake size and shape are insufficient for wakeboarding and wake surfing
Solution Approach 1:
The wake-modifying device employs a pivotable plate-like member that can rotate between a stowed position (parallel to transom) and a deployed position (angled downward). This dynamic positioning allows the same device to serve multiple water sports disciplines by adjusting the wake characteristics - creating larger, more defined wakes for wakeboarding/wake surfing when deployed, and maintaining conventional wake profiles when stowed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a downturned surface on the trailing portion of the plate-like member that redirects water flow locally. This localized water redirection creates additional upward force and delays water recovery specifically at the wake formation zone, enhancing wake size and shape without affecting the entire boat's hydrodynamics, thus providing specialized wake characteristics for wakeboarding and wake surfing.
2Area of stationary object
If the wake size is increased for wakeboarding and wake surfing, then the surfable area is improved, but the device complexity increases compared to conventional trim tabs
Solution Approach 1:
The wake-modifying device is divided into distinct functional components: a plate-like member for structural support and positioning, and a downturned surface for water flow redirection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently - the plate-like member provides the mechanical framework for deployment while the downturned surface specifically addresses water flow manipulation to increase wake size and surfable area.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable plate-like member with downturned surface serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support element, a water flow redirector, and a wake-shaping device. By combining these functions into a single integrated component rather than requiring separate systems, the device increases surfable area while minimizing the addition of device complexity.
3Shape
If the plate-like member is pivotably attached to redirect water flow effectively, then wake size and shape are enhanced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The downturned surface on the trailing portion of the plate-like member features a curved geometry designed to smoothly redirect water flow. This curved surface creates gradual pressure changes and minimizes turbulence, effectively enhancing wake shape while being tolerant of reasonable manufacturing variations. The curved design is more forgiving to manufacturing imperfections compared to sharp-edged or highly complex geometries.
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 described wake-modifying devices effectively enhance the size and shape of the wake, providing a larger surfable area for wakeboarding and wake surfing by redirecting and delaying water flow, resulting in a more desirable wake for water sports.
Implementation Method 1
The wake-modifying devices effectively enhance the size and shape of the wake, providing a larger surfable area for wakeboarding and wake surfing by redirecting and delaying water flow, resulting in a more desirable wake for water sports
Data Source
AI summary
A recreational sport boat includes a hull having starboard and port sides and a transom, a generally horizontal platform, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. The generally horizontal platform extends aft of the transom and is configured to support a human weighing at least 100 lbs. on an upper surface thereof. The pair of wake-modifying devices are attached to the platform. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the platform's centerline, and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the platform's centerline. Each wake-modifying device is moveable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position in which the wake-modifying device is angled downwardly at an angle relative to the top surface of the generally horizontal platform.