Water Sports Propulsion Train for Shallow-Water Foil Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water sports apparatuses require a sufficiently deep body of water for operation due to the risk of foil device damage or folding, limiting their use to deep water environments.
Innovation Solution
A water sports apparatus with an angularly and longitudinally movable propulsion train and a compact foil design allows operation in both shallow and deep water, featuring a float body with low density and a propulsion system that minimizes water resistance, including a holding device with pivotable and telescopic links to adjust the foil position and a propulsion train that can adapt to different water depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the foil device is arranged below the water surface for operation, then lift can be generated to lift the float body off the water surface, but the apparatus requires sufficiently deep water to avoid foil damage or folding
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion train is designed with angular and longitudinal movability, allowing it to dynamically adjust its configuration. The propulsion element can be positioned at different angles and locations relative to the float body, enabling the apparatus to adapt to varying water depths while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion train serves multiple functions: it propels the apparatus forward, positions the propulsion element optimally in different water depths, and can be adjusted to avoid obstacles. This multi-functionality allows a single device to operate reliably across diverse water depth conditions
2Power
If the propulsion element is positioned deep in the water for effective propulsion, then propulsion performance is improved, but the device becomes deep in construction and generates high flow resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion train can dynamically adjust the depth and angular position of the propulsion element in the water. This allows optimization of propulsion performance while minimizing the draft and reducing flow resistance, as the element can be positioned at the optimal depth rather than requiring a consistently deep construction
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the angular and longitudinal parameters of the propulsion train configuration, the apparatus can optimize the position of the propulsion element to achieve effective propulsion with minimal draft, thereby reducing flow resistance while maintaining power
3Device complexity
If the motor is arranged on the float body for drive connection to the propulsion element, then the propulsion system is compact, but the motor causes body-of-water-side resistance when the float body is lifted off the water surface
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is extracted from the float body and repositioned in a region that does not cause water resistance when the float body is lifted off the water surface. The motor remains connected to the propulsion element through the angularly and longitudinally movable propulsion train, maintaining compactness while eliminating the harmful water resistance effect
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
Enables high-performance operation in various water depths, from shallow to deep, with reduced resistance and enhanced safety and maneuverability through sensor-assisted control and automatic stabilization.
Implementation Method 1
in the operating position and during a forward movement, on account of lift generated by the foil device, the float body can be transferred into a position in which it is spaced apart from a water surface
Implementation Method 2
A water sports apparatus according to the invention can be operated both in shallow water, in particular water with a depth of approximately 50 cm, and in deep water
Data Source
AI summary
A water sports apparatus is provided, and includes a propulsion device which is provided for the propulsion of the water sports apparatus and whose motor, arranged on the float-body side, is connected in terms of drive to at least one propulsion element via an angularly and/or longitudinally movable propulsion train. The angularly and/or longitudinally movable propulsion train allows the propulsion element to be positioned optimally on the body-of-water side. The motor is arranged in a region which does not cause any body-of-water-side resistance in the operating position with a float body lifted off from the water surface. That part of the water sports apparatus which is situated in the water is optimized with regard to the design which is relevant to flow resistance in the water.