SWATH Lateral Hulls Annular Constriction Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
SWATH watercraft devices experience higher propulsion requirements and fuel consumption due to increased drag and wave resistance, limiting their speed and stability in high sea states compared to traditional hulls.
Innovation Solution
The design features lateral hulls with a cylindrical symmetry and an annular constriction, optimized using computational methods to reduce drag, combined with adjustable connecting arms and ballast systems for enhanced stability and fuel efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If lateral hulls are completely maintained below the water surface to reduce wave influence, then seakeeping stability is improved, but propulsion power requirements and fuel consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating an annular constriction at a specific longitudinal position of the lateral hulls, where the hull cross-sectional area is reduced. This localized geometric modification reduces wave resistance and drag in the waterward portion of the hull while preserving the overall submerged configuration that provides stability. The constriction is positioned to optimize the balance between hydrodynamic efficiency and structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If lateral hulls are completely maintained below the water surface to reduce wave influence, then seakeeping stability is improved, but wave resistance and drag increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating an annular constriction at a specific longitudinal position of the lateral hulls, where the hull cross-sectional area is reduced. This localized geometric modification reduces wave resistance and drag in the waterward portion of the hull while preserving the overall submerged configuration that provides stability. The constriction is positioned to optimize the balance between hydrodynamic efficiency and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the lateral hulls by introducing an annular constriction with a reduced cross-sectional area. This parameter modification alters the hydrodynamic characteristics of the hull, reducing wave resistance and drag. The constriction's dimensions, position, and orientation are optimized to minimize resistance while maintaining the submerged configuration for stability.
3Device complexity
If conventional hull shapes are used for SWATH devices, then structural simplicity is maintained, but speed and fuel efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating an annular constriction at a specific longitudinal position of the lateral hulls, where the hull cross-sectional area is reduced. This localized geometric modification reduces wave resistance and drag in the waterward portion of the hull while preserving the overall submerged configuration that provides stability. The constriction is positioned to optimize the balance between hydrodynamic efficiency and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the lateral hulls by introducing an annular constriction with a reduced cross-sectional area. This parameter modification alters the hydrodynamic characteristics of the hull, reducing wave resistance and drag. The constriction's dimensions, position, and orientation are optimized to minimize resistance while maintaining the submerged configuration for stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A watercraft device includes a central body and of two lateral hulls. Each lateral hull is connected to a central body by at least one connecting arm, so that the central body is in a raised position relative to two lateral hulls, the connecting arms having a given inclination to the vertical plane of the watercraft device. The two lateral arms and the central body are oriented with their longitudinal axes, i.e. the bow to stern axes, parallel to each other. Each of the two lateral hulls includes a body having a substantially cylindrical symmetry, with an annular constriction between the fore and the aft main sections of the lateral hulls.