Retractable Hovercraft Wings for Amphibious Ground-Effect Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amphibious and ground effect hovercraft lack versatility and mobility, as they are either designed for amphibious or ground effect operations but not both, and their fixed or removable wings do not allow for efficient transition between modes without compromising navigation or traffic.
Innovation Solution
The hovercraft features retractable wings with an extender/retracter system driven by electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, or cable and pulley mechanisms, allowing it to switch between amphibious and ground effect modes, with enhanced wing design elements like leading edge flaps, ailerons, and winglets for improved control and turbulence reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed wings are installed on hovercraft, then ground effect flight capability is improved, but versatility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the wings retractable rather than fixed. The wing assembly can be extended into a horizontal position for ground effect flight and retracted into a vertical position for amphibious hovercraft operation. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the vehicle to adapt between different flight modes, resolving the contradiction between ground effect capability and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a multi-functional wing system that serves different purposes in different configurations. The same wing structure provides ground effect flight capability when extended and does not interfere with amphibious hovercraft operation when retracted. This multi-functionality allows a single vehicle design to perform both ground effect and amphibious modes without requiring separate specialized vehicles.
2Productivity
If wings are extended for ground effect flight, then flight efficiency and obstacle clearance are improved, but navigation in confined spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable wing mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of wing position based on operational requirements. When high flight efficiency or obstacle clearance is needed, the wings extend to ground effect position. When navigating confined spaces or docking, the wings retract vertically to minimize spatial requirements. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between flight performance and ease of operation in different environments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If retractable wing system is added, then versatility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wing system is segmented into multiple independent components including the wing assembly, retraction mechanism, and support structure. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested separately before assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the added versatility functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The retracted wing assembly is designed to nest within or alongside the hovercraft fuselage structure. When retracted, the wings occupy minimal space and integrate with the existing vehicle structure, simplifying the overall design and reducing manufacturing complexity compared to external mounting arrangements.
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
This design enhances accessibility and mobility by enabling seamless transition between modes, allowing navigation over varied terrain and water surfaces with increased flight efficiency and obstacle clearance, while maintaining compatibility with existing traffic and embarkation systems.
Implementation Method 1
it carries a flexible mudflap, to be able to maintain the air pressure in its chamber which gives it that height to move on medium regular surfaces and without being in contact with them
Implementation Method 2
maintain the air pressure in its chamber which gives it that height
Implementation Method 3
navigation as a ground effect hovercraft, fly over a height of the surface between 5 to 10 meters
Implementation Method 4
These wings are not fixed, nor removable, these wings are retractable, allowing you to access and perform the basic functions, such as amphibious hovercraft and ground effect hovercraft
Implementation Method 5
The flaps or 'flaps' increase-of-lift devices, giving the greatest possibility to fly at less speed and enjoy that flight
Implementation Method 6
The ailerons, together with the rudder, for easier and more control of turns
Implementation Method 7
Wing tip or 'winglet' devices to eliminate the effects of turbulence that could be generated in the wings
Data Source
AI summary
A ground-effect amphibious hovercraft vehicle having a system of retractable wings (8), which are retracted (parking mode) by retracting arms (17a and 17b) of both wings by a head (19). At the same time, the vehicle acts as a ground-effect hovercraft vehicle when the wings (8) are extended (flight mode), which is done by extending the arms (17a and 17b) of both wings by the head (19). The head (19) is extended/retracted using a cylinder (22) moved by a drive motor (18), which may be an electric motor, a hydraulic motor or a mechanical motor, or manually using cables and pulleys.