Vertical Reactor Fin Device Hydrodynamic Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flippers for aquatic propulsion suffer from hydrodynamic inefficiencies, erratic movement, and loss of control due to their flat horizontal design, leading to excessive energy expenditure and difficulty navigating obstacles in aquatic environments.
Innovation Solution
A device with a vertical 'reactor' component, featuring a channeling structure and reactive volumetric set, is designed to optimize hydrodynamics by splitting water waves and reducing eddies, allowing for improved speed and maneuverability by aligning with the natural movement of the leg, thereby enhancing propulsion and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional flippers with flat horizontal design are used, then autonomous propulsion is achieved, but hydrodynamic efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary loss and waste of aquatic fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional flat horizontal flipper design to a vertical three-dimensional reactor structure. This dimensional change allows the device to interact with water flows in a new orientation, channeling water vertically through the reactor core rather than pushing horizontally against the water surface, thereby reducing hydrodynamic losses and improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The flipper is segmented into distinct functional components: a footwear portion and a vertical reactor structure with channeling walls and a reactive volumetric core. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the footwear secures to the foot while the reactor handles hydrodynamic interactions, improving overall propulsion efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If conventional flippers are used, then movement in water is achieved, but control deteriorates due to erratic movement and loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical reactor structure provides inherent feedback control through its hydrodynamic design. As the swimmer moves the flipper, water flows through the channeling structure and reactive core, creating predictable hydrodynamic forces that naturally stabilize movement. The vertical orientation and enclosed structure prevent erratic side-to-side movements common with conventional flippers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional flippers with flat horizontal design are used, then propulsion is achieved, but penetration of obstacles deteriorates due to inability to navigate wrecks, rock crevices, and caves
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from a horizontal planar shape to a vertical three-dimensional structure, the device gains the ability to navigate vertical and angled spaces. The vertical reactor can be oriented to fit through rock crevices, caves, and wrecks that would be inaccessible to horizontal flippers, significantly improving adaptability to diverse aquatic environments.
4Productivity
If two conventional flippers are used together, then propulsion is achieved, but control deteriorates due to eddies and parasitic effects between the spacing of the two feet
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical orientation of the reactors changes the spatial relationship between the two flippers. Instead of two horizontal surfaces creating interference eddies in the same plane, the vertical reactors interact with water flows in a different dimension, reducing parasitic effects and improving control stability when both flippers operate simultaneously.
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 device achieves improved hydrodynamic efficiency, increased speed, and better penetration of obstacles by aligning with the natural movement of the leg, reducing energy loss and enhancing control in aquatic environments.
Implementation Method 1
the reactive volumetric set, which reacts mechanically due to its plastic nature towards the water flows that come to apply to it
Implementation Method 2
allowing it to accelerate, so to speak, the flows of water that come to apply to it
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to an underwater self-propulsion device to be worn on the feet, that comprises a "fitting" portion (A) to which is attached a "reactor" portion (B), the latter including a "channelling structure" (1) that comprises two "walls" mounted vertically opposite each other and separated by a limited gap in the axis of which the "fitting portion" (A) is provided. The space between the "walls" having a certain "height" receives the "reactive volumetric assembly" that comprises "plastic stops" (2) connecting the "walls" together. The actuation of the device results in the twisting and in the reaction of the "plastic stops" (2) clamped in the "channelling structure" (1), which generates an acceleration of the water flow sufficient for propelling the user. The device is particularly intended for underwater sports, and for sea rescue or rescue along the coast.