Single-Piece Hydrofoil Stabilizer with Integrated Yoke-Bridge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional boat stabilizers that provide lift to the drive unit introduce additional drag, hindering the boat's ability to achieve planing quickly and efficiently, which increases drag and reduces performance.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece hydrofoil design incorporating a yoke and wings with a contoured trailing edge, integrated yoke-bridge, and non-invasive securing devices that attach to a cavitation plate, minimizing drag and structural stress while maintaining the desired gap and securing the hydrofoil effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional stabilizers are used to lift the drive unit, then the drive unit is elevated to reduce drag, but additional drag is introduced by the stabilizers themselves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stabilizer and hydrofoil into a single integrated unit. The stabilizer serves dual functions: elevating the drive unit and providing forward thrust through its hydrofoil shape. This merging eliminates the need for separate stabilizer components that would otherwise create drag, while the hydrofoil portion generates beneficial lift and thrust forces.
2Strength
If multiple holes are drilled through the cavitation plate for securing devices, then the hydrofoil is securely attached, but structural integrity is compromised and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the centering function from the drilling process by incorporating centering protrusions directly into the securing devices. These protrusions engage with corresponding recesses in the cavitation plate, automatically positioning the securing devices during installation. This eliminates the need for multiple alignment holes and complex drilling procedures, reducing both structural compromise and installation complexity while maintaining secure attachment.
3Strength
If over-tightening occurs during installation, then the securing devices appear secure, but the cavitation plate and hydrofoil structure are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates elastomeric elements into the securing devices that act as cushioning components. These elastomeric portions compress during tightening, absorbing excess force and preventing damage to the cavitation plate and hydrofoil structure. This beforehand cushioning ensures secure attachment while protecting vulnerable components from over-tightening damage.
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
The design reduces drag and enhances structural integrity by minimizing the number of holes drilled through the cavitation plate, preventing over-tightening, and maintaining a preferred gap, thus allowing the boat to achieve planing faster with reduced drag and improved performance.
Implementation Method 1
the current invention provides a single piece hydrofoil... which provides lift to the stern of the boat
Implementation Method 2
attachable to a cavitation plate on the lower drive unit of a boat motor
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrofoil having an integrated yoke-bridge to preclude expansion of the channel defined by the yoke when the hydrofoil is secured to the cavitation plate. The single piece hydrofoil is secured to the cavitation by lateral screws passing through the hydrofoil and engaging the side of the cavitation plate. Additionally, one or two holes are optionally drilled through the single piece hydrofoil and through the cavitation plate followed by insertion of bolts passing through the hydrofoil and the cavitation plate.