Retractable Hydrofoil Strut Layout for Collision Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrofoil boats are prone to damage from collisions with the seabed or floating objects, and existing foldable mechanisms increase complexity and reduce energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A hydrofoil boat design with a retractable strut that moves along a longitudinal axis, allowing the hydrofoil and propeller arrangement to be positioned above the water surface when at rest, reducing the risk of damage and maintaining energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hydrofoil is made fixed and extends downwards from the hull, then the hydrofoil can provide continuous lift and propulsion, but the hydrofoil is prone to damage from collisions with the seabed or floating objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the hydrofoil retractable rather than fixed. The hydrofoil can dynamically change its position between extended and retracted states based on operational conditions. When not in use or during shallow water operations, the hydrofoil is retracted above the water surface to avoid collision damage. When needed, it extends to provide lift and propulsion, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and functionality.
2Reliability
If the hydrofoil is made foldable to protect from collisions, then the hydrofoil can be protected from damage, but the actuators and linkage increase the complexity of the boat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the complex foldable linkage mechanism from beneath the water surface and placing it above water. The linkage is integrated into the hull structure rather than being a separate underwater assembly. This extraction reduces underwater drag while maintaining the protective function, as the linkage operates above the water surface when the hydrofoil is retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by transitioning the hydrofoil protection mechanism from a horizontal folding motion to a vertical retraction motion. Instead of folding the hydrofoil horizontally to protect it, the entire hydrofoil assembly moves vertically above the water surface. This dimensional change simplifies the mechanism by eliminating complex horizontal linkages and actuators that would operate underwater.
3Reliability
If the linkage for foldability is placed below the water surface, then the hydrofoil can be protected from collisions, but the linkage increases drag and reduces energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by moving the linkage mechanism from the underwater dimension to the above-water dimension. The linkage is positioned vertically above the water surface when the hydrofoil is retracted, eliminating underwater drag on the linkage components. This vertical repositioning maintains the protective function while eliminating the energy loss associated with underwater linkage operation.
4Reliability
If the strut is retracted to a dry position with the propeller above water, then fouling of the propeller is avoided, but the boat cannot operate in planing mode effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the strut and propeller assembly dynamically positionable between dry and wet states. The strut can be retracted to a dry position above the water surface to prevent propeller fouling during storage or shallow water operations. When planing mode is required, the strut extends to submerge the propeller, enabling effective operation. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between fouling prevention and operational versatility.
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 retractable strut design protects the hydrofoils from damage while maintaining energy efficiency, enabling smooth transitions between hydrofoil and planing modes, and allowing operation in shallow waters.
Implementation Method 1
Hydrofoil boats can provide an energy efficient type of marine transportation
Implementation Method 2
a propeller arrangement arranged to be driven by the torque generating assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A boat includes a hull (2), a hydrofoil (301, 601) mounted to the hull (2) by means of a hydrofoil holding arrangement (302) that has a strut (3021, 503). The boat also includes a strut adjustment arrangement (310, 510) arranged to retract the strut (3021, 503) from an extended position to a retracted position so as to move the hydrofoil (301, 601) from a deployed position to a restrained position, and/or to lock the strut in the extended position and/or in the retracted position. At least a portion of the strut has a hydrodynamic portion forming a leading edge (5036) and a blunt trailing edge (5037), where a sheltered portion (5101′, 5104, 5108) of the strut adjustment arrangement is positioned.