Rhombohedral Hydrofoil with Variable Geometry Wings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrofoil configurations in small craft, such as sailboards and surfboards, face challenges with stability and drag, particularly due to the need for active stabilization systems and the limitations of hydrofoil placement and design on monohulls.
Innovation Solution
The use of a rhombohedral hydrofoil with variable geometry front and rear wings, joined at their ends, allows for enhanced lift and reduced drag, along with an active stabilization system using control surfaces and wing-root adjustments to optimize stability and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hydrofoil configurations are used on small craft, then the basic lift function is achieved, but the craft requires active stabilization systems and suffers from high drag
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrofoil employs variable geometry wings that can change their configuration dynamically. The front and rear wings are articulated and can be adjusted to different angles and positions, allowing the hydrofoil to adapt its shape for optimal performance in different operating conditions, thereby reducing drag while maintaining stability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the hydrofoil by allowing the front and rear wings to be articulated relative to each other and to the mast. This enables variation in the effective angle of attack, span, and planform area, optimizing the lift-to-drag ratio across different speeds and loading conditions
2Force
If conventional hydrofoil placement and design are used on monohulls, then the hydrofoil provides lift, but the placement and shape reduce optimisation and increase fragility
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrofoil is divided into distinct front and rear wing sections that are articulated relative to each other and to the mast. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each wing's position and angle, enabling better placement and shape optimization for monohull applications while reducing structural fragility through modular design
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fully submerged hydrofoils are used, then the boat is isolated from wave effects, but the configuration is not naturally stable in pitch and roll
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrofoil's variable geometry system enables the structure to self-adjust its configuration in response to operating conditions. The articulated wings can automatically adjust their angles and positions to provide natural stability in pitch and roll without requiring external active stabilization systems, while maintaining isolation from wave effects
4Device complexity
If conventional hydrofoils are used without control systems, then the structure is simpler, but the immersion depth cannot be stabilised and the hydrofoil can reach the air/water interface
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated front and rear wings provide inherent dynamic control capabilities. By adjusting the relative angles and positions of the wings, the system can actively control the immersion depth and maintain optimal performance without requiring complex external control systems, preventing the hydrofoil from reaching the air/water interface
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 configuration increases the speed of the craft while reducing the power required, enhances stability by allowing differential lift generation, and simplifies the design of the hulls by reducing heel effects.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrofoil is a wing positioned and profiled so as to generate, by its movement in the water, a lift force that acts on its speed and its stability
Implementation Method 2
The purpose of this transfer of lift is to reduce the drag of the hull or float (friction and waves)
Data Source
AI summary
The rhombohedral hydrofoil (20) for a craft travelling parallel to an axis (46) has a plane of symmetry and comprises front wings (21, 22) that are connected to one another and rear wings (25, 26) that are connected to one another. The end of each front wing that is furthest from the junction of the front wings with one another is connected to one end of a rear wing which is the end furthest from the junction of the rear wings with one another. This assembly of wings has a first orthogonal projection onto a plane referred to as “vertical” perpendicular to the axis of travel, this projection having the shape of a quadrilateral having an obtuse angle at the junction of the front wings with one another, an obtuse angle at the junction of the rear wings with one another, and two acute angles at the junction of a front wing with a rear wing. This assembly of wings has a second orthogonal projection onto a plane referred to as “horizontal” orthogonal to the plane of symmetry and having an axis parallel to the axis of travel, this projection having the shape of a quadrilateral having only angles with magnitudes smaller than 180 degrees.