Transverse Ballast Tank Asymmetric Wake Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational sport boats face inefficiencies in creating optimal wakes for wake surfing due to slow and cumbersome methods of asymmetrically loading ballast, which takes time and results in uneven boat heeling, even when at rest.
Innovation Solution
A method and system involving a transverse ballast tank oriented aft of the control console, with a ballast fill mechanism, trim devices, and actuators, allowing for rapid adjustment of water levels and shifting of ballast to create desired wakes by rolling the boat, using user-selectable options to direct water flow between port and starboard sides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If large amounts of ballast are asymmetrically loaded on one side of the boat, then a large wake suitable for wake surfing is created, but the process is slow and cumbersome, taking several minutes to fill ballast tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast system is divided into multiple separate tanks (port side tank, starboard side tank, and central tank) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows selective filling of specific tanks to create asymmetric ballast configurations quickly, eliminating the need to fill all tanks completely and reducing the overall time required to achieve the desired wake condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The ballast system incorporates dynamic control capabilities where the ballast distribution can be rapidly adjusted by controlling water transfer between tanks. The system can switch between symmetric and asymmetric ballast configurations on demand, allowing quick adaptation to different wake surfing conditions without the slow process of traditional ballast filling.
2Quantity of substance
If large amounts of ballast are asymmetrically loaded on one side of the boat, then a wake desirable for surfing is created, but the boat is heeled to one side even when at rest
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the ballast system into port, starboard, and central tanks, the invention enables precise control over ballast distribution. The central tank can be used to provide symmetric ballast that counteracts heeling, while selective filling of port or starboard tanks creates the necessary asymmetric wake. This segmented approach allows independent control of wake generation and boat stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the ballast distribution parameters by controlling water level and position in different tanks. By adjusting the water level in the central tank versus the side tanks, the system can modify the boat's trim and heel angle to achieve optimal wake conditions while maintaining acceptable stability characteristics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If water is used as ballast, then the ballast can be adjusted, but it takes several minutes to fill ballast tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of ballast tanks enables selective and rapid filling operations. Instead of filling large centralized tanks slowly, the system can quickly fill smaller segmented tanks using multiple fill points or transfer pumps, significantly increasing the productivity of ballast adjustment while maintaining the adaptability of water-based ballast systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs hydraulic or pneumatic mechanisms for rapid water transfer between tanks. By using pressurized water systems or pump-based transfer mechanisms, the ballast can be redistributed quickly throughout the segmented tank system, dramatically reducing the time required for ballast adjustment while preserving the full adaptability of using water as the ballast medium.
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 quick and efficient creation of surf wakes on either side of the boat, enhancing wake surfing experiences by rapidly shifting ballast to produce larger, shaped wakes suitable for surfing, while maintaining operational efficiency and user control.
Implementation Method 1
rolling the boat toward either its port or starboard side to shift the water in the transverse ballast tank such that at least some of the water in the transverse ballast tank moves from one side of a longitudinal centerline of the boat to the other side of the centerline
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a boat to produce a surf wake includes partially filling a transverse ballast tank, moving the boat through a body of water, rolling the boat toward either its port or starboard side to shift the water in the transverse ballast tank such that at least some of the water in the transverse ballast tank moves from one side of a longitudinal centerline of the boat to the other side of the centerline, and creating a surf wake on the side toward which the boat is rolled.