Soft-Wing Sail Profile Support Device for Aerodynamic Shape Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Soft wing sails face challenges in achieving optimal aerodynamic profiles and length compensation, limiting their widespread adoption in sail-powered vehicles, particularly in changing wind directions, which affects propulsion efficiency and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A profiling support device is inserted between sailcloth layers, featuring a central strip and outer strips connected via a pivotable coupling element, allowing curvature adjustment to compensate for length changes, ensuring consistent aerodynamic profiles without complex mechanisms, and enabling easy attachment to existing masts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a soft-wing sail uses a simple frame structure, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost decreases, but the ability to maintain aerodynamic profile and compensate for length changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support device incorporates a pivotable coupling element that enables dynamic adjustment of the outer strip curvature. This pivotable connection allows the structure to adapt its shape in response to aerodynamic forces and sail deployment conditions, maintaining the aerodynamic profile without requiring complex rigid mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The curvature of the outer strip is changed as a parameter through the pivotable coupling element. By allowing the coupling element to pivot, the curvature radius of the outer strip can vary, enabling length compensation and profile maintenance through geometric parameter adjustment rather than complex mechanical systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the outer strip curvature is adjusted for length compensation, then the aerodynamic profile is optimized for different wind directions, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable coupling element provides a dynamic connection that allows the outer strip to adjust its curvature for different wind directions while maintaining structural integrity. The pivotable joint enables controlled movement rather than rigid fixation, allowing the structure to adapt dynamically to changing aerodynamic conditions.
3Shape
If a rigid profile sail is used to maintain aerodynamic shape, then the aerodynamic performance is improved, but the ease of operation for hoisting and reefing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a flexible soft-wing sail with a support device instead of a rigid structure. The sailcloth layers combined with the profile-defining support device create the aerodynamic profile while maintaining the flexibility needed for easy hoisting, lowering, and reefing operations similar to traditional sails.
4Manufacturing precision
If the coupling element is made pivotable for curvature adjustment, then the length compensation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single pivotable coupling element is used to achieve length compensation through curvature adjustment. This simple rotational degree of freedom provides the necessary adaptability without introducing complex mechanisms, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving the desired precision in profile maintenance.
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 enhances aerodynamic performance, reduces heeling, allows for faster sailing, and improves comfort by maintaining upright sailing positions, making soft wing sails more accessible and efficient for both recreational and commercial use, while being cost-effective and durable.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pivotable coupling element arranged in the nose region of the aerodynamic profile, with which the outer strips and the central strip are connected to one another, the coupling element being pivotable at least relative to the central strip
Implementation Method 2
Air flows faster along the more curved upper surface of the profile than along the straighter, less curved lower surface. This creates a vacuum on the upper surface of the profile, which can be used as lift for an airplane or as propulsion for a sail.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a profile-defining support device for a soft wing sail of a sail-powered vehicle, wherein the support device is configured to be inserted between at least two layers of sailcloth comprising the soft wing sail, in order to impart to the soft wing sail a predetermined aerodynamic profile with a profile underside formed by a layer of sailcloth and a profile upper side spaced therefrom and formed by another layer of sailcloth. The invention also relates to a soft wing sail of a sail-powered vehicle having at least one such profile-defining support device, a set comprising a soft wing sail and a mast for attaching the soft wing sail, and a sail-powered vehicle having at least one mast and at least one soft wing sail attached to the mast.