Self-Propelled Water Ski with Asymmetric Propulsion Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water skiing methods require a tow boat, limiting the ability for skiers to move forward on water without external propulsion.
Innovation Solution
The design of water skis with a planar base and integrated propulsion structures, including vanes and buoyancy structures, allows users to stand upright and move forward self-propelled by utilizing directional hydrodynamic drag and propulsion surfaces for efficient movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If water skiing is performed using traditional methods with a tow boat, then the skier can move forward on water, but it requires external propulsion and multiple people (boat driver, skier, spotter)
Solution Approach 1:
The water ski incorporates self-propulsion mechanisms including propulsion structures (paddles, fins, or jets) that enable the skier to move forward without external assistance from a tow boat. The skier can propel themselves using manual paddling motions or activated propulsion systems integrated into the ski base.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the requirement for a tow boat from the water skiing system. By integrating all necessary propulsion and support functions directly into the water ski itself, the system no longer depends on external boat-based propulsion, reducing the required personnel from multiple people to just the skier.
2Speed
If water skis are designed with propulsion structures for self-propulsion, then the skier can move forward without a boat, but the ski design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The water ski is divided into distinct functional segments: a base portion providing buoyancy and stability, and separate propulsion structures (paddles, fins, or jet mechanisms) attached to the base. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall design and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The base portion of the water ski serves multiple functions: it provides buoyancy to support the skier, serves as the mounting platform for propulsion structures, and acts as the structural core connecting all components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall design.
3Productivity
If propulsion structures are added to the water ski base, then self-propulsion is enabled, but the hydrodynamic characteristics may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion structures are designed to be dynamic rather than static. Paddles and fins are positioned and angled to optimize water interaction during the propulsion stroke, maximizing thrust while minimizing resistance during the recovery phase. This dynamic positioning reduces energy loss and improves propulsion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion structures utilize asymmetric designs where the forward-facing surfaces are optimized for catching water and generating thrust, while the rear surfaces are minimized to reduce drag. This asymmetric configuration ensures that the structures generate maximum propulsion in the forward direction while minimizing resistive forces.
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
Enables users to ski forward without a boat, achieving faster speeds and improved maneuverability while maintaining stability, as the propulsion structures provide thrust and the vanes enhance directional control.
Implementation Method 1
The bottom of the ski is configured with water-catching propulsion surfaces to hinder backwards movement of the ski and forward sloping surfaces that provide lift as the ski is thrust forward
Implementation Method 2
Three vanes are positioned on the bottom surface of the base. The vanes provide stabilization during movement and tend to urge the water ski to move in the longitudinal direction
Data Source
AI summary
Manually propelled water skis support a person skiing on water. The water ski includes a base having a binding on an upper surface and stationary propulsion structures with uniform height on the bottom surface. The propulsion structures include a rearward facing and vertical propulsion surface and a forward facing and sloped surface such that drag is greater when the water ski is moved rearwardly. The propulsion surface may be arcuate, V-shape, U-shaped, or other shaped in a horizontal plane and may also be circularly concave in a vertical plane. Buoyancy structures may be secured to the upper surface of the base forward and rearward of the binding. Water ski poles including elliptically- or cylindrically-shaped floats at the bottom ends may be used to provide a synergistic increase in waterskiing speed. Straps on the base near the binding may be used to secure the water ski poles to the base in order to form an outrigger.