Surf Wake Flap Control for Ballast-Free Wake Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wake control systems for watercraft require significant additional weight and space to create larger wakes, which can unbalance the vessel and are cumbersome to switch between port and starboard configurations, making them inefficient and difficult to control.
Innovation Solution
A surf wake system with movable water diverters and actuators that can be controlled by a rider device to modify the wake configuration on demand, allowing for seamless switching between port and starboard surf configurations without the need for additional ballast, using flaps that pivotally extend outboard to redirect water flow and enhance wake size and shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If additional weight or ballast is added to create larger wakes, then wake size is improved, but watercraft stability and control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast system is divided into multiple independently controllable ballast bags or tanks distributed at different locations on the watercraft. This segmentation allows selective activation of specific ballast elements to create asymmetric wake configurations without requiring overall increases in ballast weight, thereby maintaining watercraft stability while achieving larger wakes on specific sides.
Solution Approach 2:
The ballast system incorporates dynamically adjustable ballast bags or tanks that can be rapidly filled or emptied on command. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the watercraft to switch between different wake configurations (port-side, starboard-side, or neutral) without manual intervention, maintaining stability while providing on-demand wake size changes.
2Shape
If additional ballast is used to generate larger wakes, then wake size is improved, but device complexity and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast bags or tanks serve multiple functions: they can be selectively activated to create port-side wakes, starboard-side wakes, or adjusted to maintain neutral watercraft positioning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate ballast systems for different wake configurations, reducing overall device complexity and space requirements while maintaining the ability to generate large wakes on either side.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses removable or drainable ballast bags that can be emptied and reused. This allows the same ballast components to be repeatedly used for different wake configurations without requiring additional permanent ballast structures, reducing device complexity and optimizing space utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ballast is shifted to switch wake configuration, then wake side is changed, but time and effort required worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast system incorporates dynamically adjustable ballast bags or tanks that can be rapidly filled or emptied on command. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the watercraft to switch between different wake configurations (port-side, starboard-side, or neutral) without manual intervention, maintaining stability while providing on-demand wake size changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of shifting physical ballast weight is replaced with a controlled fluid system. Ballast fluid can be rapidly pumped between tanks or bags using electric or hydraulic pumps, enabling configuration changes in seconds rather than the minutes required for manual ballast shifting, thereby dramatically reducing the time and effort required.
4Shape
If additional weight is added to create wakes, then wake size is improved, but passenger capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast system is divided into multiple independently controllable ballast bags or tanks distributed at different locations on the watercraft. This segmentation allows selective activation of specific ballast elements to create asymmetric wake configurations without requiring overall increases in ballast weight, thereby maintaining watercraft stability while achieving larger wakes on specific sides.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the distribution parameters of ballast weight rather than increasing the total ballast weight. By selectively positioning ballast at specific locations (port or starboard side) and adjusting the amount in each location, the system achieves larger wakes without adding overall weight that would reduce passenger capacity.
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 the creation of larger, smoother wakes on demand, improving safety and control by eliminating the need for ballast and allowing for instant configuration changes, enhancing the surfing experience without compromising the watercraft's stability or handling.
Implementation Method 1
water diverters that can be controlled to modify the wake configuration on demand, allowing for seamless switching between port and starboard surf configurations without the need for additional ballast, using flaps that pivotally extend outboard to redirect water flow and enhance wake size and shape
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable surf wake system can enhance a wake formed by a watercraft travelling through water. A rider control device can enable a rider to control the wake of the watercraft while riding the wake, such as for wake surfing. The rider can adjust the speed of the watercraft, can adjust the height of the wake, and/or can change the watercraft between a surf-left configuration and a surf-right configuration. The rider control device can include a position sensor. A drone can position a camera based on the position sensor of the rider control device for filming the rider.