Powered Hydrofoil Board Flap Control for Automatic Pitch Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Powered hydrofoil boards require constant rider input to stabilize and control pitch, especially in wavy conditions, making it challenging to maintain a level position and achieve smooth stops.
Innovation Solution
A hydrofoil board equipped with individually controllable flaps and a processor that uses IMU and GPS data to automatically stabilize and control pitch, combining user input with IMU data to adjust flap and propulsion motor operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If constant rider input is required to stabilize and control pitch, then the rider can maintain control in various conditions, but the rider experiences increased strain and difficulty in maintaining level position
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrofoil board system performs self-stabilization and self-control of pitch through integrated sensors (IMU, GPS) and automated control mechanisms. The system monitors its own state and adjusts flap positions and propulsion motor operations automatically without requiring constant rider input, thereby reducing rider strain while maintaining control in various water conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses IMU and GPS sensors to continuously monitor the hydrofoil board's orientation, position, and motion state. This feedback information is processed by a controller that automatically adjusts the control flaps and propulsion motor to maintain stable and level movement, eliminating the need for constant manual rider adjustment
2Ease of operation
If automated stabilization system with IMU and GPS is implemented, then rider strain is reduced and smooth operation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a single automated platform: stabilization, pitch control, navigation, and propulsion management. The IMU and GPS sensors serve multiple purposes including orientation detection, position tracking, and motion monitoring, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems for each function
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrofoil board having a hydrofoil configured to be automatically controlled to stabilize the board in a level position even when incurring waves. The hydrofoil includes a pair of individually controllable flaps that control the pitch and direction of the hydrofoil board when propelled in motion. A processor uses an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to obtain orientation and acceleration information of the hydrofoil board. A global positioning system (GPS) unit is also used as an additional speed and location sensor. The processor combines IMU data with a user/rider's input, such as selected speed and direction via handheld wireless controller, and individually controls the flap motors to position the flaps, and the propulsion motor to set speed. In one example, the controller is configured to bring the hydrofoil board to a complete and stabile stop.