Remote-Controlled Tow Platform for Solo Wave Towing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing towing devices for hydrofoil or surfboard riders, such as jet skis and kite sails, require manual operation or a second person, making it difficult for riders to catch waves efficiently and safely.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned towing device with a buoyant platform, electric motor, propeller, and wireless remote control system that allows riders to control the device for towing into waves and repositioning at a rendezvous point, while also enabling multiple riders to share the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If jet skis are used to tow riders, then riders can be effectively towed into waves, but a second person is required to man the jet ski
Solution Approach 1:
The jet ski is equipped with an unmanned control system that includes a camera to detect the rider's position and a control algorithm to automatically adjust the jet ski's speed and direction, enabling the device to tow the rider into waves without requiring a second person to manually operate it
2Productivity
If kite sails are used to tow riders, then riders can catch waves, but the rider must hold the kite sail which disrupts the ride and takes one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The control handle is separated from the kite sail body and equipped with automatic reel mechanisms that can independently wind and pay out the control lines, allowing the rider to hold only the lightweight handle while the sail's positioning and tension are automatically managed by the mechanical reel system
3Reliability
If the towing device stays close to the rider, then the rider can be effectively assisted, but the device risks getting caught in rough surf
Solution Approach 1:
The towing device is equipped with GPS modules and communication devices that enable real-time location tracking and distance monitoring between the device and rider, allowing the device to automatically adjust its position to maintain an optimal distance that ensures effective assistance while avoiding dangerous rough surf zones
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 allows riders to catch waves efficiently and safely without manual operation, can be easily carried and shared among multiple riders, and maintains a safe distance from the rider to avoid rough surf.
Implementation Method 1
a buoyant platform having a top side, a bottom side, and a peripheral edge
Implementation Method 2
At least one electric motor and a prop are fixed with the bottom side of the buoyant platform and are adapted to propel the buoyant platform on the body of water. The at least one electric motor spins the prop when active
Implementation Method 3
The at least one electric motor spins the prop when active, and is mounted to the bottom side of the buoyant platform preferably with an aquadynamic mast
Implementation Method 4
Preferably the towing device further includes a pivotable rudder that is disposed behind the prop. The pivotable rudder is controlled by a steering actuator connected with the controller
Data Source
AI summary
A towing device for a rider on a body of water comprises a buoyant platform having at least one electric motor and a prop. A container fixed with the towing device contains a controller to power each electric motor. A wireless remote control sends wireless commands to the controller. A tow rope is fixed with the buoyant platform proximate the rear end. As such, with the rider holding the wireless remote control and engaged with a distal end of the two rope, commands from the wireless remote control are sent to the controller to control power to each electric motor. Preferably the towing device further includes a pivotable rudder that is disposed behind the prop, or a steering nozzle, and the wireless remote control has a steering control to send steering signals to the controller. Various modes of operation of the towing device are disclosed.