Segmented rigid sail for windward surface control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 'wing' type sailboats suffer from excessive rigidity, inability to reduce sail surface to the wind, and require complex maneuvers involving trained teams and specific equipment for surface adjustment, limiting their versatility and practicality.
Innovation Solution
The sail is divided into independent rigid segments that can move freely relative to each other, connected by front flaps and adjusted using a system of cables or mechanical/electromechanical systems, allowing for flexible sail profile management and windward surface control through segment rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid 'wing' type sail is used, then sail performance and wind management are improved, but the sail becomes too rigid and cannot be lowered or reduced in surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid sail is divided into multiple independent rigid segments that can move relative to each other. Each segment maintains the aerodynamic characteristics of a wing sail while being able to rotate independently around horizontal axes, allowing the overall sail surface area to be reduced by rotating segments parallel to the wind direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The sail system transitions from a completely rigid structure to a dynamically adjustable one where segments can rotate independently. This dynamic capability allows the sail to be lowered or reduced in surface area by rotating segments, while maintaining the rigid wing characteristics when fully deployed for optimal wind management.
2Reliability
If a rigid 'wing' type sail is used, then wind management is improved, but complex maneuvers requiring specially trained teams and specific equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the sail into independent segments with individual control mechanisms, the complex maneuver of managing a single large rigid sail is broken down into simpler, independent segment adjustments. Each segment can be controlled separately, reducing the skill level and coordination required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for continuous adjustment of segment angles and positions, providing fine-grained control over sail configuration. This parametric control enables operators to gradually adjust the sail rather than making abrupt, complex maneuvers, simplifying operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sail surface area is reduced by dismantling, then the sail can be lowered, but specific crane equipment and port facilities are required
Solution Approach 1:
The sail is divided into multiple rigid segments connected by rotation joints, allowing the sail to be lowered by rotating segments parallel to the wind direction rather than complete dismantling. This eliminates the need for crane equipment and port facilities, as the sail can be adjusted in situ.
Solution Approach 2:
The sail system incorporates dynamic rotation capabilities at each segment connection, enabling the sail to be lowered or reduced in surface area through controlled rotation movements. This dynamic adjustment mechanism replaces the static dismantling process that requires heavy equipment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the sail is divided into independent segments, then flexibility and maneuverability are improved, but the complexity of the sail structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
While segmentation does increase structural complexity, it enables the sail to achieve flexible configurations that would be impossible with a rigid monolithic structure. The segmented design allows independent rotation of each segment, providing adaptability that outweighs the added structural complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a "wing" type rigid sail made up of independent segments. The general principle involves dividing up the rigid sail in order to obtain as many segments that can be oriented independently of their neighbors. The sail profile is controlled by means of two independent and complementary devices. At the front of the sail, the segments are interconnected by means of a process that uses the angle that each segment can adopt with respect to its neighbors. At the back, the "sheet" connects each segment from top to bottom, such that it is possible to control the opening of the sail while retaining the desired flexibility of profile.