Asymmetric Wave Generation via Steerable Marine Drive Yaw Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current marine vessels designed for wakesurfing are typically smaller and require ballast or surf-specific appendages to create a surfable wave, limiting their size and versatility.

Innovation Solution

A surf control system utilizing multiple steerable marine drives and rudders, where one drive is steered to an outward angle to create a yaw moment, and the other counteracts this moment to generate an asymmetric surfable wave, potentially eliminating the need for ballast or surf-specific appendages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If ballast or surf-specific appendages are added to create a surfable wave, then wave generation capability is improved, but device complexity and vessel modification requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewave generation capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The steerable marine drive is designed to perform multiple functions: standard propulsion and wave generation for wakesurfing. By enabling the same drive unit to create surfable waves through steering control rather than requiring dedicated wave-generating equipment, the system achieves multi-functionality and reduces overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The marine vessel uses its own existing steerable marine drive to generate waves for wakesurfing, rather than requiring separate ballast systems or surf-specific appendages. The drive serves itself to create the necessary wave conditions, eliminating the need for additional specialized equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If smaller marine vessels are used for wakesurfing, then ease of operation and maneuverability are improved, but wave generation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidwave generation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operational parameters of the steerable marine drive, specifically the steering angle, to generate waves. By steering the drive to an outward angle, a yaw moment is created that produces surfable waves. This parameter change enables smaller, more maneuverable vessels to generate adequate waves without sacrificing ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If surf-specific appendages are installed to enable wakesurfing, then wave generation capability is improved, but ease of manufacture and versatility across vessel types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewave generation capabilityVSAvoidvessel modification requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adding surf-specific equipment to create waves, the system inverts the approach by using the existing propulsion system in an unconventional manner. The steerable marine drive, normally used for forward motion, is steered to an outward angle to generate waves, turning the propulsion system into a wave-generating device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 surf capabilities on a wider range of marine vessels without modifications, by using existing components like trim tabs and user input devices to control steering and thrust, creating a consistent surfable wave.

Implementation Method 1

one drive is steered to an outward angle to create a yaw moment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectYaw moment:

Implementation Method 2

the other counteracts this moment to generate an asymmetric surfable wave

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAsymmetric wave generation:

Data Source

PatentUS12049287B1Wakesurfing systems and methods

Publication Date: 2024.07.30 BRUNSWICK CORP

AI summary

A surf control system for a marine vessel includes at least a first steerable device on a first side of the marine vessel and second steerable device on a second side of the marine vessel. A control system is configured to steer the first steerable device to a first steering angle to generate an asymmetric surfable wave behind the marine vessel and control the second steerable device on a second side of the marine vessel based on a steering command input.