Mastless Sail Support with Rotating Airfoils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sail construction methods require a mast and auxiliary roping systems, limiting the ability to set up all known sail solutions and increasing air resistance, while also making it difficult to navigate under bridges due to fixed sail structures.
Innovation Solution
A sail support system with airfoil-designed cross-sections that can rotate freely around the longitudinal axis, allowing for the elimination of the mast and enabling the use of any sail type, including inflatable options, while folding down to reduce height for bridge clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional mast and auxiliary roping system is used, then the sail can be supported and controlled, but the device complexity increases and the ability to navigate under bridges is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the mast from the sail system, replacing it with a mastless construction where the sail is directly supported by the vehicle structure. This removes the need for auxiliary roping systems while maintaining sail support functionality through alternative structural arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sail structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides aerodynamic lift, supports itself without a mast, and can be folded for storage. The airfoil-shaped supports serve both structural and aerodynamic purposes, eliminating the need for separate mast and bracing systems.
2Reliability
If a fixed sail structure is used, then the sail provides consistent aerodynamic performance, but the height cannot be reduced for navigating under bridges
Solution Approach 1:
The sail supports are designed with rotational joints that allow them to dynamically adjust their position. During sailing, the supports extend to provide optimal aerodynamic performance. When navigating under bridges or for storage, the supports can be rotated to reduce the overall height of the sail structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sail structure is divided into segmented supports that can be independently positioned and folded. Each support is an independent airfoil-shaped element that can rotate at its base, allowing the sail to be configured in different height states while maintaining structural integrity and aerodynamic efficiency.
3Force
If traditional non-airfoil supports are used, then the structure is simpler, but air resistance increases and lift force decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sail supports are designed with airfoil cross-sections featuring curved surfaces optimized for aerodynamic flow. The curved upper surface and flatter lower surface of each support create pressure differential that generates lift while minimizing drag, significantly improving aerodynamic performance compared to straight or angular support structures.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the sail structure is made rigid for stability, then the aerodynamic performance is maintained, but the ability to fold down for storage and bridge clearance is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The sail supports incorporate rotational joints with bearing elements that provide stable, rigid positioning when extended for sailing, yet allow smooth rotation when folding is required. The joints maintain structural integrity and aerodynamic stability during operation while enabling easy folding for storage and bridge clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational joints are designed with self-locking features that automatically secure the sail supports in their extended sailing position, providing stability without requiring additional rigging or fastening systems. The structure serves itself by maintaining its own stability through the joint design.
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 solution reduces air resistance, increases lift force, and allows for the use of various sail types without auxiliary roping, facilitating navigation under bridges and efficient sailing by eliminating the need for a central mast.
Implementation Method 1
cross-sections of sail structure elements are designed as airfoils, which can, in parallel with the sail, also turn and reduce the air resistance and at the same time additionally increase lift force of the vessel in the direction of sailing due to the airfoil and rotation angle towards the wind incidence
Data Source
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AI summary
Sail construction comprising foldable sail supports (2), a crossbeam (3), a holder (1.1), a sail (1), a bottom holder (4), ropes (4.3) and a bolt and tackle system. The sail can be a self-inflatable sail (1 SN) designed similarly to paragliders, partially or fully inflatable.