Propulsion Sail Removable Thickness Modules Wing Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional propulsion sails lack the aerodynamic qualities of thick-profile airplane wings and face challenges in modifying their surfaces, using complex mechanical systems, and achieving effective sail reduction and furling.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion sail system with removable thickness modules, comprising flexible plates and inserts, that can be assembled on a conventional flexible sail to create an aircraft wing profile, allowing for adjustable thickness and concavity based on wind incidence, enabling improved aerodynamic efficiency and easy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If rigid thick profiles are used, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but the wing surface is difficult to modify and complex rigging is required
Solution Approach 1:
The thick profile is segmented into removable thickness modules that can be independently assembled and disassembled from the sail. Each module consists of a flexible plate with specific thickness, allowing the sail to achieve aircraft wing profile characteristics without requiring complex permanent rigging structures. The modules can be attached to create the desired thickness distribution along the sail height.
Solution Approach 2:
The thickness modules are designed to be dynamically adjustable - they can be removed or repositioned based on sailing conditions. This allows the sail to transition between different thickness profiles and adapt to varying wind conditions, while maintaining the simplicity of a flexible sail without permanent complex structures.
2Loss of energy
If semi-rigid thick profiles are used, then some aerodynamic improvement is achieved, but the mechanical systems are complex and sail reduction and furling are not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The thickness is divided into separate removable modules rather than being integrated into the sail structure. This segmentation allows individual modules to be removed when sail reduction is needed, enabling the sail to be furled and reduced in area while maintaining the aerodynamic benefits when full size is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables dynamic adjustment of the thick profile - modules can be attached or removed based on whether maximum aerodynamic efficiency is needed or whether sail reduction is required. This provides versatility that neither rigid nor semi-rigid permanent structures can offer.
3Loss of energy
If removable thickness modules with flexible plates are used, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved and sail functions are maintained, but the sail surface area increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the sail's surface area in two dimensions, the thickness modules add volume in the third dimension (depth/thickness). This allows the sail to achieve aircraft wing profile characteristics with enhanced aerodynamic efficiency without significantly increasing the projected surface area that would be subject to wind force.
Solution Approach 2:
The thickness modules use flexible plates that conform to the sail's surface, creating a thin-walled three-dimensional structure. This approach adds the necessary thickness for aerodynamic efficiency while minimizing the increase in overall sail volume and surface area.
4Ease of operation
If conventional flexible sails are used, then ease of operation and storage are maintained, but aerodynamic qualities of thick-profile wings are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The thickness is segmented into removable modules that can be easily attached and detached without complex tools or procedures. This maintains the ease of operation characteristic of conventional sails while adding the aerodynamic benefits of thick-profile wings. The modules can be quickly assembled or stored as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of sail thickness is changed by adding removable modules, transforming a thin conventional sail into a thick aircraft-wing-profile sail. This parameter change enhances aerodynamic efficiency while the modular nature preserves ease of operation and storage.
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 system enhances aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining conventional sail functions, allowing for adjustable sail area and power, and easy storage, without requiring complex rigging or new sail creation.
Implementation Method 1
a propulsion sail with an aircraft wing profile... improve the aerodynamic efficiency
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~7
Figure 8
AI summary
The present invention concerns a propulsion sail having an aircraft wing profile, comprising a standard flexible sail (1) and at least one removable thickness module (2a), capable of being removably assembled on one face (11, 12) of the flexible sail, characterised in that each module comprises at least one flexible plate (21), comprising a leading edge (21a) and a trailing edge (21b), said plate being capable of being assembled, via the leading edge of same, along the luff (13) of the flexible sail via first assembly means (5), and of being assembled, by the trailing edge of same, via second assembly means (6), said propulsion sail comprising at least one pair of modules (2a, 2 'a), the two modules of said pair being disposed substantially symmetrically to either side of the flexible sail.