Retractable Boat Hydrofoil Mounting for Shallow Water Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrofoil solutions for boats require significant structural changes to the hull, are expensive, and pose issues with fouling, shallow water operation, and transportation, limiting their applicability to various boat types.
Innovation Solution
A hydrofoil arrangement that can be retrofitted to different boat hulls, featuring pivotally connected rigid elements and a fastening device, allowing the hydrofoil to be folded up or down for shallow water navigation and transport, with adjustable attack angles and locking mechanisms for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a hydrofoil is installed on a boat, then drag is reduced and speed is improved, but the boat becomes unsuitable for shallow water operation and transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrofoil is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be raised when the boat needs to operate in shallow water or be transported on a trailer, and lowered when speed improvement is needed. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction between achieving high speed through hydrofoiling and maintaining adaptability for shallow water operations.
2Loss of energy
If a hydrofoil is installed on a boat, then drag is reduced, but the underwater portion becomes prone to fouling
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrofoil can be raised out of the water when not in use or when the boat needs to be transported, minimizing its exposure to fouling organisms. This dynamic positioning reduces fouling accumulation while maintaining the drag-reduction benefits when the hydrofoil is deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for periodic removal or raising of the hydrofoil from the water, effectively discarding it from the operational configuration when fouling risk is high, and recovering it when drag reduction is needed. This intermittent deployment strategy mitigates fouling while preserving performance benefits.
3Speed
If a hydrofoil is installed on a boat, then speed is improved, but the boat cannot be easily transported on a trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrofoil is designed to be movable and retractable, allowing it to be raised above the waterline when the boat needs to be transported on a trailer. This dynamic configuration enables easy transportation while maintaining the speed improvement capability when the hydrofoil is lowered into the water for operation.
4Loss of energy
If existing hydrofoil solutions are installed, then drag is reduced, but significant structural changes to the hull are required
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrofoil system is segmented into separate, modular components that can be attached to the hull without requiring integrated structural modifications. The fastening device and rigid elements are distinct modules that can be installed independently, reducing the complexity of structural changes needed while achieving drag reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening device is designed to be universally applicable to different hull types without requiring custom structural modifications. This universal mounting system reduces device complexity by providing a standardized solution that works across various boat configurations while still achieving the drag reduction benefit.
5Reliability
If a hydrofoil is made fixed for stable operation, then lifting force is maintained, but the boat cannot adapt to different operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrofoil system incorporates movable components that can be adjusted or repositioned based on operating conditions. This dynamic design maintains reliable lifting force when needed while providing adaptability for different scenarios such as shallow water operation, transportation, or varying load conditions.
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 hydrofoil installation on various boat types with minimal structural changes, reducing drag, minimizing fouling, and facilitating transport, while maintaining operational flexibility and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the first rigid element being arranged to be pivotally connected at the first end to a pivot point arranged at a stern of the hull so that the first rigid element can pivot in a first pivot plane to a first pivot position where it is fastened to the hull by means of the fastening device as well as to a second pivot position where it is not fastened to the hull by means of the fastening device
Implementation Method 2
Boats are associated with water friction when propelled, causing a drag that needs to be overwon by a propulsive force... To decrease this drag, it is known to use hydrofoils
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrofoil arrangement for a boat includes a fastening device, first and second rigid elements, and a main hydrofoil. The fastening device is fastened on an outside of a hull below a waterline of the resting boat. The first rigid element pivots in a first pivot plane into and out of engagement with the hull, vertical and parallel to a forward direction. The second rigid element is connected to the first rigid element and extends at an angle to the first rigid element so that a second end of the second rigid element is at a vertical distance from the hull. The main hydrofoil is fastened to the second end of the second rigid element. The first rigid element can be pivoted downwards and backwards, and thereafter upwards and further backwards, to a position where its second end is arranged stern of the hull. A method is also described.