Aerodynamic Profile Element Rod Stabilization and Reefing Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large aerodynamic profile elements for watercraft propulsion face challenges in stable flight control due to inconsistent wind conditions and complex reefing processes, requiring improved stabilization and control mechanisms for efficient launch and recovery.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a rod element for longitudinal stabilization, deflected reefing lines for easier guidance, and a central reefing rope for guiding near-ground operations, along with a rope clamping device and variably closable ventilation openings to enhance airflow management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the profile element is made larger to provide sufficient propulsion power, then the propulsion capability is improved, but the control difficulty increases due to inconsistent wind conditions near the ground

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropulsion powerVSAvoidcontrol difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A rod element is introduced as an intermediary structure extending in the longitudinal direction of the profile element. This rod element provides a stable reference framework that mediates between the large profile surface and the control system, enabling better control of large profile elements in inconsistent wind conditions near the ground.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If the profile element is made larger to provide sufficient propulsion power, then the propulsion capability is improved, but the reefing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropulsion powerVSAvoidreefing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reefing lines are segmented into multiple sections: a first section extending in the transverse direction from the attachment point, and a second section extending in the longitudinal direction from the rod element. This segmentation allows the reefing process to be controlled in stages, simplifying the overall complexity of reefing large profile elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rod element serves as an intermediary structure for the reefing lines. By providing a stable attachment point in the longitudinal direction, the rod element mediates the complex reefing process, enabling easier guidance and control of the reefing lines during the reefing operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the profile element is stabilized with a rod element, then the flight stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflight stabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rod element is positioned specifically along the longitudinal axis of the profile element, providing stabilization only where needed for flight control. This localized approach to stabilization improves flight stability without requiring a complete structural redesign, thus limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution enables efficient unloading and reefing of the profile element, stabilizes its contour, and simplifies control during launch and recovery, reducing the complexity and error-prone nature of the reefing process while improving aerodynamic performance.

Implementation Method 1

the construction of the profile element from two parallel layers achieves a chord extension that is perpendicular to the transverse and longitudinal directions and is typically a fraction of the extension in the transverse and longitudinal directions. In the longitudinal section, the chord extension typically changes over the length of the profile element and forms an airfoil cross-section with an upper low-pressure side and a lower high-pressure side, which is shaped to generate lift.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBernoulli principle: Bernoulli Effect

Implementation Method 2

at least one ventilation opening arranged between two mutually parallel front edges of the upper and lower layers for ventilating the interior space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure equalization: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2426048B1Aerodynamic profile element and start and storage device for same
Publication Date: 2013.07.10 SKYSAILS GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2426048B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2426048B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2426048B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7b

AI summary

The aerodynamic profile element has a flexible top layer (111) and a flexible bottom layer (112). The profile element is extended by a rod element which runs in a longitudinal direction of the profile element and is used for stabilizing the aerodynamic profile. A reefing line is deflected on the rod element from a reefing line section (260a,262a) that extends from a fastening point at an end in a transversal direction of the profile element of the top or bottom layer into a reefing line section extending in the longitudinal direction. An independent claim is also included for a starting and recovery device for a profile element.