Surf Tab Wake Modification via Adjustable Control Plate and Hydro-Thruster
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wake modifying devices for watercraft are large, bulky, inefficient, and do not provide a clean wake, which limits their effectiveness for water skiing and increases fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
The development of surf tabs that can be mounted on watercraft, comprising a control plate assembly and hydro-thruster assembly, which are adjustable to modify the wake on both sides of the watercraft, providing a clean and efficient wake without increasing the size or bulk of the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wake modifying devices are added to the aft of a watercraft, then the wake can be modified to enable water skiing, but the devices tend to be large and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The wake modifying device is divided into multiple independent tabs that can be individually adjusted. Each tab can be independently positioned to modify different portions of the wake, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive wake control without requiring a single large bulky structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs are designed to be adjustable and movable rather than fixed. The tabs can be repositioned to different angles and positions to adapt to different wake modification needs, providing versatility without requiring excessive structural bulk.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wake modifying devices are added to the aft of a watercraft, then the wake can be modified, but the devices generally do not provide a clean wake
Solution Approach 1:
Different tabs are positioned and angled to address specific local wake issues. Each tab can be independently adjusted to clean up specific portions of the wake while maintaining overall wake modification capability, achieving both versatility and wake cleanliness.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable tab system allows for real-time modification of wake characteristics. The tabs can be repositioned based on observed wake patterns to optimize wake cleanliness while maintaining the ability to modify wake shape for water skiing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wake modifying devices are added to the aft of a watercraft, then the wake can be modified, but the devices are inefficient in regards to fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a single large wake modifying structure, the system employs multiple smaller tabs that provide the necessary wake modification with reduced drag. The tabs can be adjusted to provide only the necessary level of wake control, avoiding excessive energy consumption while maintaining versatility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If weight is shifted along the sides of the watercraft to modify wake, then the wake can be modified, but it requires manual weight shifting which is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical approach of manually shifting weight with a hydrodynamic solution. The adjustable tabs modify the wake through water flow management rather than requiring physical weight redistribution, making wake modification automatic and effortless.
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 surf tabs create a clean wake that enhances water skiing performance while improving fuel efficiency by allowing for adjustable positioning and angle control, reducing drag and cavitation, and enabling water skiers to perform acrobatics on either side of the watercraft.
Implementation Method 1
designed to descend at a user-controlled angle below the water surface so as to modify the wake created by the watercraft as it moves over a water surface
Implementation Method 2
a hydro-thruster assembly rotateably attached to said control plate assembly with said separation hinge
Data Source
AI summary
A wake-modifying a surf tab that can be attached to a watercraft is disclosed. That surf tab includes a control plate assembly, a mounting hinge for attaching the control plate assembly to a watercraft, a hydro-thruster assembly, and a separation hinge attaching the control plate assembly to the hydro-thruster assembly. Also included is an actuator attached to the control plate assembly which connects the control plate assembly to the watercraft such that the actuator can control the angle between the control plate assembly and the watercraft. a length adjustable control rod assembly connects the control plate assembly to the hydro-thruster assembly. The control rod assembly adjusts the angle between the control plate assembly and the hydro-thruster assembly. In use, the length of the actuator and the length of the control rod assembly can change the flow of water from the hydro-thruster assembly to modify a wake created by a watercraft.