Independent Trim Stabilizer Foil for Speedboats

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trim tab systems for speedboats are limited in providing effective trim control and fuel economy, as they are directly attached to the transom, restricting height adjustment and tilting relative to the boat hull, leading to increased drag and fuel consumption.

Innovation Solution

A trim stabilizer device with a tiltable foil independent of the transom, featuring a sliding mechanism and actuator for translational and rotational motion, allowing adjustment parallel to the water surface and enabling secure operation in shallow water.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If trim tabs are directly attached to the transom, then the structure is simple, but the height adjustment and tilting relative to the boat hull are restricted, leading to increased drag and fuel consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The trim tab system is divided into separate functional components: a transom-mounted bracket structure and a foil element. This segmentation allows the foil to be independently positioned and angled relative to the transom, enabling optimal hydrodynamic performance while reducing drag, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces adjustable and tiltable foil elements that can dynamically change their orientation relative to the water surface and boat hull. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions, minimizing drag and fuel consumption while maintaining structural simplicity through a modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If trim tabs are lifted to transom level or above water level when no stabilization is needed, then the structure is simple, but it does not contribute to fuel economy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidfuel economy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The foil element can be dynamically adjusted to various positions and angles, allowing it to optimize its interaction with water flow. When stabilization is not needed, the foil can be positioned to minimize resistance while maintaining a streamlined profile, contributing to fuel economy without complicating the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention allows changing key parameters of the trim tab system, including the foil's position, angle, and orientation. These parameter adjustments enable the system to transition between different operational states, optimizing fuel economy while maintaining structural simplicity through a compact, modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the foil is structurally independent from the transom, then height adjustment and tilting are enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustment and tilting capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The independent foil design segments the trim tab system into a transom-mounted bracket and a separate foil element. This segmentation provides adaptability through independent positioning and angling of the foil, while the modular nature of the segmentation keeps the overall device complexity manageable through clear functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces intermediary connection elements (such as rods, arms, or mounting brackets) that mediate between the transom and the foil. These intermediaries enable height adjustment and tilting capability while distributing the mechanical complexity across multiple standardized components, making the overall system more adaptable without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of energy

If the foil can be tilted and adjusted parallel to the water surface, then trim control and fuel economy are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel economyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The foil element is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing it to be tilted and positioned parallel to the water surface when needed. This dynamic positioning optimizes hydrodynamic performance and fuel economy by reducing resistance, while the adjustability is achieved through a modular mechanism that minimizes added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention enables changing the foil's orientation parameter (angle relative to water surface) to optimize performance. The foil can be adjusted parallel to the water surface to minimize drag during cruising, while the parameter adjustment mechanism is designed to be simple and integrated, adding minimal complexity while maximizing fuel economy benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances trim control and fuel economy by reducing drag and improving stability, especially in shallow water conditions, while maintaining compatibility with various boat hull designs.

Implementation Method 1

an actuator communicating with the foil for tilting thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a slide means communicating with the actuator for making a translatory motion thereof relative to the transom; a disc having at least one guide groove for guiding the slide means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

the bottom surface of which structurally contacts with water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrodynamic Drag: Drag

Implementation Method 4

water flow along the upper surface of the tab may not be possible

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid Flow: Flow Separation

Data Source

PatentEP2962929B1Trim stabilizer device having adjustable foil for speed boats
Publication Date: 2016.08.17 UELGEN MEHMET NEVRES
  • EP2962929B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2962929B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2962929B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Present invention relates to a trim stabilizer device to be communicated with a transom of a motor boat, said device comprises a foil being tiltable around its transversal axis and the foil being structurally independent from the transom; an actuator communicating with the foil for tilting thereof; a slide means communicating with the actuator for making a translatory motion thereof relative to the transom; a disc having at least one guide groove for guiding the slide means; a connecting member for connecting the trim stabilizer device to the transom, the connecting member communicating with the disc.