Underwater Paddle Wheel Drive for Inflatable Watercraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive devices for watercraft, such as air mattresses, often restrict user comfort and maneuverability due to their placement and complexity, and lack adaptability to different vessel sizes and types.
Innovation Solution
A drive device with independently controlled paddle wheels arranged underneath the watercraft, utilizing a remote control for operation and a flexible fastening system, allowing for adjustable positioning and detachment, which enhances user comfort and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drive device is mounted on the working side of the watercraft, then propulsion is achieved, but user space is restricted and user comfort is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The drive device is inverted from the conventional working-side mounting to hull-side mounting underneath the watercraft. This inversion resolves the contradiction by providing propulsion functionality while completely freeing up the working side for user space and comfort.
2Ease of operation
If a maneuvering element such as a rudder is added to the drive device, then steering control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional rudder maneuvering element is extracted and replaced with an alternative steering mechanism. The drive device achieves steering control through independent rotation control of its two paddle wheels, eliminating the need for a separate rudder and reducing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the drive device is fixed to a specific watercraft type, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different watercraft sizes and types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drive device incorporates adjustable and detachable mounting mechanisms that allow dynamic reconfiguration for different watercraft types and sizes. The paddle wheel spacing and mounting position can be adjusted to suit various watercraft dimensions while maintaining functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive device is designed with universal mounting capabilities that enable it to be attached to different types and sizes of watercraft. The adjustable mounting system and scalable paddle wheel configuration provide multi-functionality across various watercraft applications.
4Ease of operation
If the distance between the first and second propulsion means is increased, then maneuverability of the watercraft is improved, but the risk of propulsion means surfacing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive device utilizes the vertical dimension by mounting itself underneath the watercraft on the hull side. This positioning in the vertical dimension allows the paddle wheels to be spaced apart horizontally for improved maneuverability while remaining submerged below the waterline, eliminating the surfacing risk.
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
The solution provides increased maneuverability and user comfort by allowing unrestricted use of the watercraft while enabling easy attachment and detachment, and adaptability to various watercraft sizes and types.
Implementation Method 1
The first drive means and the second drive means, which are arranged underneath the watercraft on its hull, each comprise a shaft system with at least one drive screw
Implementation Method 2
The energy source supplies the drive device with electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a drive device (1) for installation on the hull of a watercraft for passenger transport, in particular on an air mattress, comprising a first drive means (11) and a second drive means (12), a control unit (19), an energy source (18), a control device (30), at least one strap-shaped fastening means (10), wherein the drive device (1) is supplied with electrical energy by the energy source (18), wherein the control unit (19) controls the first drive means (11) and the second drive means (12) as a factor of user input on the control device (30), and wherein the first drive means (11) and the second drive means (12) are arranged, parallel and spaced apart from each other, fixed to the fastening means (10).