Rotatable Oscillating Fin Propulsion for Watercraft Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watercraft propulsion systems using oscillating fins are limited to providing thrust in only forward or aft directions, lacking the ability to propel in any direction, which restricts maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion mechanism featuring a pair of flexible fins that oscillate through an arcuate path on a horizontal axis, with the axis being continuously rotatable about a vertical axis, allowing the fins to twist and provide thrust in any direction, coupled with a steering system and pedals for input force application, enabling 360° rotation and independent control of the propulsion and steering units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If oscillating fins are used for propulsion, then thrust is provided in forward or aft directions, but the ability to propel in any direction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal axis of the oscillating fins is made continuously rotatable about a vertical axis, transforming the static propulsion direction into a dynamic one that can be adjusted to any direction. This allows the same fin mechanism to provide thrust in any direction without requiring multiple separate propulsion systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it can propel the watercraft in any direction (forward, aft, sideways, diagonal) using the same oscillating fin structure. The horizontal axis rotation enables a single propulsion unit to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized propulsion systems.
2Ease of operation
If the horizontal axis is made rotatable about a vertical axis to enable propulsion in any direction, then maneuverability is improved, but the complexity of the propulsion mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal axis is designed to be continuously rotatable about a vertical axis, enabling dynamic adjustment of the propulsion direction. This mechanical dynamic capability allows the operator to steer the watercraft in any direction by simply rotating the axis, improving ease of operation without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering and propulsion functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The rotation of the horizontal axis about the vertical axis combines directional control with thrust generation, eliminating the need for separate steering mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity despite the added rotational capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A watercraft having a propulsion mechanism extending through an opening in the bottom of the watercraft having a propulsion mechanism adapted to be inserted in an opening in the bottom of a watercraft comprising a pair of pedals each coupled to a flexible fin extending below the water line, the pair of fins oscillate through an arcuate path on a horizontal axis to propel the watercraft. The horizontal axis is preferably continuously rotatable in either direction through 360° on a vertical axis disposed at a substantially right angle to the longitudinal axis of the watercraft to propel the watercraft in any direction.