Traction Kite Launch Control With Front-Line Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traction kites for floating crafts are difficult to control during launching, retrieval, and flight, posing a risk of damage due to mechanical extension of lines at sea and requiring specialized boats for operation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a kite with a wing, throwing line, front and rear lines, and a blocker, utilizing automated altitude gain, locking, and line tensioning to control and maneuver the kite, assisted by geared motors and actuators for stable flight and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional launching method with fully extended lines is used, then kite can be launched, but control difficulty increases and damage risk increases at sea
Solution Approach 1:
The launching process is segmented into distinct phases: initial deployment with sending line only, transition phase where front lines are locked, and final towing phase. This segmentation allows controlled progression from simple deployment to full towing operation, resolving the contradiction between launch reliability and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The sending line is deployed and the kite is raised to altitude before the front lines are engaged. This preliminary action ensures the kite is properly positioned and stable before full towing engagement, making the operation easier and more reliable.
2Productivity
If traditional towing operation is used, then kite can tow the vessel, but risk of damage by contact with boat or ground increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between different operational states: deployment mode (sending line only), towing mode (front lines locked), and retrieval mode (lines released). This dynamic adaptability allows the kite to maintain towing capability while reducing damage risk through controlled state changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocker acts as an intermediary mechanism between the front lines and the vessel, allowing controlled engagement and disengagement. This intermediary device enables safe towing operation while protecting against damage during contact operations.
3Ease of operation
If specialized boat is used for launching and retrieval, then kite operation is possible, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sending line system serves multiple functions: it deploys the kite, maintains it at altitude during transition, and enables retrieval. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized equipment, reducing device complexity while maintaining operational feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The kite system is designed to be self-deploying and self-retreivable using the sending line mechanism. The automated or manually-operated sending line system performs all necessary operations without requiring specialized boats or equipment, making the system universally applicable to various vessel types.
4Ease of operation
If automated control system with actuators is implemented, then kite operation is simplified, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated actuator systems that control the blocking and releasing of lines. This substitution simplifies operation while the modular actuator design keeps the added complexity manageable and beneficial.
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 automated and stable kite operation for towing, reducing damage risk and simplifying launching and retrieval, while being economical and easy to install on boats or land vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
gaining altitude of the wing by holding it only by the sending line
Implementation Method 2
locking at least one front line by activating the blocker allowing to mechanically link the at least one front line to the floating craft
Implementation Method 3
at least one geared motor of a piloting device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a traction device (3) of a floating vessel (1) comprising a kite (4) including a wing (5) provided with a leading edge (6), a flying line, at least one front line equipped with a clutch, and rear lines, the method comprising: a step of making the wing (5) gain altitude, holding it only by the flying line, the front and rear lines remaining slack; subsequently, once an altitude has been reached, a step of locking the at least one front line, by activating the clutch, enabling the at least one front line to be mechanically connected to the floating vessel (1); and a step of releasing the flying line and keeping it slack.