Removable Wake Diverter for Customizing Boat Wake Shape
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current boat designs for wakesurfing are limited by permanent hull designs that cannot easily adjust to produce varying wake shapes and sizes, failing to meet the diverse preferences of riders, and require complex ballast systems that are cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A wake diverter apparatus that attaches to a watercraft's hull, utilizing differential pressure attachments to alter the volume between the hull and the attachment, changing the wake characteristics by adjusting the panel's angle and position, allowing for quick and easy reconfiguration to produce different wave shapes and sizes without the need for pumps or permanent modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ballast tanks are used to manipulate wake shape and size, then wake customization is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the wake manipulation function from the permanent hull structure and ballast tank systems, implementing it through a separate, removable wake diverter apparatus that attaches to the transom. This separates the wake customization capability from the boat's permanent structure, allowing riders to attach or remove the diverter as needed without carrying complex ballast systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The wake diverter acts as an intermediary device between the hull and the wake formation process. Rather than using complex ballast tanks to manipulate water distribution, this simpler intermediary apparatus directly alters wake characteristics through its physical presence and geometry at the transom, reducing system complexity while maintaining customization capability.
2Reliability
If permanent hull designs are used for wakesurfing, then wake production is improved, but adaptability to different rider preferences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the static, permanent wake production characteristics of the hull into a dynamic system by adding a removable wake diverter that can be attached and detached. This allows the wake characteristics to change dynamically based on rider preferences, while the hull itself remains unchanged and reliable for consistent baseline performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ballast systems are installed to adjust wake characteristics, then wake customization is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wake diverter is implemented as a simple, lightweight, removable apparatus rather than a permanent ballast system. It functions as a temporary attachment that can be easily installed and removed without adding significant weight to the boat, providing wake customization through a lightweight structure rather than heavy ballast tanks.
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
Enables flexible and customizable wake creation, accommodating various rider preferences by altering the wake shape and size without altering the boat's hull, reducing complexity and cost, and allowing attachment and removal without marring the hull.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator transitionable between a disengaged state and an engaged state, the actuator coupled to the cup such that as the actuator transitions from the disengaged state to the engaged state, a force is exerted on the cup that causes a portion of the hull attachment surface of the cup to move away from the hull of the watercraft such that a volume defined between the hull attachment surface of the cup and the hull of the watercraft changes from a first volume to a second volume, the second volume being larger than the first volume, and a pressure of the second volume being less than an atmospheric pressure
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, a wake diversion system operates to manipulate the characteristics of the stern waves produced by a watercraft as it passes through water. In one embodiment, the wake diversion system includes a wake diverter that is comprised of a body, a panel, and a plurality of boat attachment mechanisms. The wake diverter is removably attachable to the side of the hull of a watercraft such that it obstructs the natural flow of water around the hull of the watercraft on side of the watercraft to which it is attached.