Twin-Propeller Surf Wake Shaping Through Differential Thrust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watersports boats lack an efficient method to shape their wake for optimal wake surfing, requiring additional mechanical equipment and speed limitations to achieve better wake shape.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a propulsion system with port and starboard propellers and a controller to set a predetermined rotational speed differential between the propellers when entering surf mode, inducing yaw and disrupting the wake symmetry to create a better surfing wake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If ballasting systems or stern mounted plates are used to improve wake shape, then wake shape is improved, but device complexity increases and speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wake shaping systems (ballasting systems and stern mounted plates) with a propulsion system that uses differential rotational speed control of port and starboard propellers. The controller adjusts propeller speeds to generate asymmetric thrust, creating the desired wake shape without additional mechanical structures in the wake path. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical equipment while maintaining wake shaping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the propulsion system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its primary function of propelling the boat and a secondary function of shaping the wake. By controlling the rotational speed differential between port and starboard propellers, the same propulsion system that moves the boat also creates the asymmetric wake needed for wake surfing, eliminating the need for separate dedicated wake shaping equipment.
2Shape
If ballasting systems or stern mounted plates are used to improve wake shape, then wake shape is improved, but speed is limited to avoid damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wake shaping systems with a propulsion-based system that has no physical components in the wake path. Since the wake is shaped by differential thrust from the propellers rather than by physical structures in the water, the system can operate at higher speeds without risking damage to mechanical equipment in the wake, as there are none to damage.
3Shape
If additional mechanical equipment is mounted on the boat to improve wake shape, then wake shape is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wake shaping function from separate mechanical equipment and integrates it into the existing propulsion system. By taking out the dedicated wake shaping hardware (ballasting systems, stern plates) and replacing it with control logic for the propellers, the solution eliminates additional mechanical equipment while preserving the wake shaping capability through software/control system integration.
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
This approach allows for improved wake shaping without the need for additional mechanical structures, enabling better surfing conditions while maintaining higher speed capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
automatically operating a propulsion system to set a predetermined rotational speed differential between port and starboard propellers
Implementation Method 2
inducing yaw and disrupting the wake symmetry to create a better surfing wake
Data Source
AI summary
A rotational speed differential is set between port and starboard propellers of a watersports boat to induce yaw towards a desired side for surfing. Counter-steer is applied to counteract the induced yaw, resulting in improved wake characteristics. A controller is configured to automatically operate port and starboard drives to set the rotational speed differential upon receipt of a command to enter a surf mode from a user interface, as well as a selection of the side to be surfed.