Marine Vessel Hull Longitudinally Vented Transverse Step
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat hull designs, particularly those with longitudinal structures intended to trap air and water, face challenges in providing optimal performance in terms of stability, ride quality, and efficiency, as they restrict air and water flow, leading to increased vertical acceleration and noise.
Innovation Solution
A non-entrapment hull design featuring longitudinally-vented transverse steps with forward-extending longitudinal step portions that create air pathways, eliminating the need for retaining rails and allowing unrestricted air ventilation, which reduces vertical acceleration and enhances stability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If longitudinal structures (retaining rails, amas) are used to trap air and water under the hull, then air entrapment is improved, but vertical acceleration and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using longitudinal structures to trap and restrict air flow, the patent inverts the approach by using transverse steps with longitudinal ventilation openings that actively channel and vent air flow. This allows air to move freely along the hull length while still providing lift, eliminating the harmful vertical acceleration and noise associated with trapped air
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the longitudinal retaining structures (rails, amas) that were previously used to trap air. By extracting these restrictive elements and replacing them with transverse steps that allow longitudinal ventilation, the design eliminates the source of vertical acceleration and noise while maintaining air lift functionality
2Productivity
If transverse steps are used to provide lift, then performance is improved, but ride quality becomes harsher compared to longitudinal steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both transverse and longitudinal step configurations. Transverse steps provide the necessary lift and performance, while integrated longitudinal ventilation openings and step portions create air pathways that smooth the ride quality, combining the benefits of both orientations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a longitudinal dimension to the traditional transverse step design by incorporating longitudinal step portions and ventilation openings. This dimensional enhancement allows air to flow along the length of the hull, softening the ride while maintaining the transverse step's lift-generating capability
3Productivity
If longitudinal step portions with cutouts are used to define air pathways, then air flow efficiency is improved, but hull complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hull structure into distinct functional zones: transverse steps for lift generation, longitudinal step portions with cutouts for air pathway definition, and ventilation openings for air intake. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing longitudinal ventilation openings and step portions only in specific locations where air flow is needed, rather than throughout the entire hull. The cutouts are strategically positioned to define air pathways precisely where required, reducing overall complexity while maintaining air flow efficiency
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 design results in a faster, more stable, and quieter ride with reduced drag and pounding, as it allows for efficient air and water flow, minimizing the need for energy to change direction of air and water under the hull.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more forward longitudinal step portions define one or more longitudinal air pathways configured to feed air into the longitudinally-vented transverse step when the vessel is in motion on a body of water
Data Source
AI summary
A marine vessel hull, and marine vessels comprising at least one such hull, comprising a non-entrapment hull having at least one longitudinally vented transverse step, each longitudinally vented transverse step comprising a transverse step, and one or more longitudinal steps extending forward therefrom. Each longitudinal step portion has a cross-sectional profile defining a cutout into the hull relative to a line defined by a deadrise angle of the hull. The cutout defines a vertical rise starting from the line defined by the deadrise angle and a run tilted outwardly upward at a non-horizontal angle less than the deadrise angle and that extends to an intersection with the line defined by the deadrise angle.