Pivoting Wake-Modifying Plates for Larger, Defined Surf Wakes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wake-modifying devices for boats, such as trim tabs, fail to create larger wakes with improved shapes that are desirable for wakeboarding and wake surfing, particularly for wake surfers who require a large surfable area.
Innovation Solution
A wake-modifying device comprising a plate-like member with downturned surfaces pivotably attached to the boat's transom, capable of assuming multiple deployed positions to redirect water flow and enhance wake size and shape, featuring angled surfaces to delay water convergence and increase displacement on the surf side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional trim tabs are used to modify the wake, then the stern can be lifted to minimize wake for water skiing, but the wake size and shape cannot be sufficiently increased for wakeboarding and wake surfing
Solution Approach 1:
The wake-modifying device is divided into multiple independent components: a plate-like member with specific geometric features (downturned surfaces, upturned surfaces, fins) that can be independently optimized. Each segment serves a specific function in shaping the wake, allowing precise control over wake characteristics for different water sports activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates multiple deployed positions for the plate-like member, allowing dynamic adjustment of the wake characteristics. The ability to change the deployment angle and position enables adaptation to different water sports requirements, transitioning from smooth water for skiing to large defined wakes for wakeboarding and wake surfing.
2Quantity of substance
If trim tabs are deployed to increase displacement on one side, then wake size increases on that side, but the wake lacks the defined shape and large surfable area needed for wake surfing
Solution Approach 1:
The plate-like member features localized geometric modifications including downturned surfaces at the trailing portion, upturned surfaces at the outboard portion, and fins extending downward. These local quality variations create specific flow patterns that simultaneously increase wake volume and define wake shape, providing both quantity and quality improvements to the wake.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces vertical dimensionality with the downturned surfaces extending below the plate and fins projecting downward. This multi-dimensional approach to water interaction creates more complex three-dimensional wake structures with increased volume and improved definition, rather than relying solely on horizontal displacement adjustments.
3Area of stationary object
If the wake is made larger for wakeboarding and wake surfing, then the surfable area increases, but the wake shape becomes less defined and harder to control
Solution Approach 1:
The downturned surfaces are specifically positioned at the trailing portion of the plate-like member, creating localized flow control that defines the wake shape while the overall device geometry maintains large wake volume. This localized geometric feature ensures the wake remains well-defined even at increased sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate-like member incorporates curved surfaces including downturned and upturned surfaces that smoothly redirect water flow. These curved geometries create more natural, defined wake shapes compared to flat surfaces, maintaining wake definition while allowing increased surfable area through proper flow management.
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 effectively creates larger, more defined wakes suitable for wakeboarding and wake surfing by redirecting water flow, enhancing the surfable area and improving the wake shape, providing a more desirable experience for water sports performers.
Implementation Method 1
the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake
Data Source
AI summary
A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the boat's centerline and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the boat's centerline. Each wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface at a trailing portion of the plate-like member. Each wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis that is horizontal or inclined no more than about 35° from horizontal. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.