Rotating Hydrofoil Mast Layout for Shallow-Water Docking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydrofoil boats face challenges in maneuverability in restricted spaces and shallow waters due to large underwater appendages that can snag on obstacles or exceed the hull beam, leading to docking issues and increased risk of fouling.

Innovation Solution

The hydrofoil boat design incorporates a rotating underwater mast and hydrofoil system that allows the appendages to rotate towards the longitudinal plane, reducing their width and minimizing the risk of snagging, with optional integration of propulsion pods and automatic control for maintaining optimal lift and clearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If large high-performance foils are used to operate at low or moderate speed, then lift capability is improved, but the foil width exceeds the hull beam causing docking problems and snagging risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelift capabilityVSAvoidfoil width
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the hydrofoil system rotatable relative to the hull. The foil can rotate between a horizontal position (providing maximum lift capability for low-speed operation) and a vertical or intermediate position (reducing width to fit within the hull beam for docking). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same foil structure to satisfy both contradictory requirements under different operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If underwater appendages are extended for optimal hydrofoil performance, then propulsion efficiency is improved, but the risk of snagging on water weeds and loose lines increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropulsion efficiencyVSAvoidsnagging risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable hydrofoil system enables dynamic adjustment of the underwater appendage configuration. During high-speed transit, the foils are positioned horizontally to maximize propulsion efficiency. When approaching shallow areas, marinas, or restricted waters, the system rotates the foils to a vertical or retracted position, minimizing exposure and snagging risk while maintaining the ability to generate lift when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If the hydrofoil system is configured for shallow-water operation with reduced draft, then maneuverability in shallow water is improved, but lift generation capability at low speed is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshallow-water maneuverabilityVSAvoidlift generation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction through dynamic reconfiguration of the hydrofoil system. The rotatable foils can be positioned at different angles and orientations depending on operational needs. For shallow-water maneuvering, the system reduces draft by rotating foils to minimize water depth requirements. When sustained lift generation is needed, the foils are rotated to optimal hydrodynamic angles, ensuring both shallow-water capability and adequate lift production are achieved through the same adaptable structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances maneuverability in confined areas by reducing the underwater profile and minimizing the risk of fouling, enabling safe docking and operation in shallow waters while maintaining efficient propulsion and control.

Implementation Method 1

underwater appendages that generate a vertical lift when the craft is in motion. Above a minimum speed, that is determined by the lift of the immersed structures and the speed, hydrofoils 'fly ', the hull raised from the water.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLift: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 2

The hydrofoil boat design incorporates a rotating underwater mast and hydrofoil system that allows the appendages to rotate towards the longitudinal plane, reducing their width

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentUS20260054800A1Hydrofoil boat
Publication Date: 2026.02.26 THEBAULT ALAIN
  • US20260054800A1 patent drawing
  • US20260054800A1 patent drawing
  • US20260054800A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A hydrofoil boat (100), having a “T” foil comprising an underwater mast (41) and an elongated horizontal hydrofoil (47) The draft and underwater beam of the boat can be reduced by sliding the mast upwards and rotating the hydrofoil from the normal transverse orientation to a fore-and-aft direction.