Removable Water Flow Deflector for Adjustable Wake Surfing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water ski boats are not ideal for wake surfing due to their flat wake design, and specialized surfboats are costly and inflexible, lacking adjustability to accommodate different user skills and boat types.
Innovation Solution
A water flow deflection device attachable to the side of a watercraft, featuring a narrow-elongated base with a deflector and suction cups, allowing for adjustable positioning and surface area to enhance wake formation, with the deflector capable of vertical adjustment to optimize wake characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional water ski boats are used, then the boat structure is simple and cost is low, but the wake is flat and unsuitable for wake surfing
Solution Approach 1:
The wake shaping function is segmented from the boat hull into a separate, removable deflector device. This allows conventional boats to gain wake surfing capability without redesigning the entire hull, while specialized boats can use optimized deflectors. The deflector is a standalone component that can be attached to different boat types.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector device is designed to be universal and adaptable to multiple boat types including conventional ski boats, sport boats, and specialized surfboats. It can be removed and reinstalled on different vessels, providing wake surfing capability across various boat categories without requiring boat-specific manufacturing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized surfboats with secured deflectors are used, then wake formation is optimized, but adjustability for different skill levels and boat types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector transitions from fixed positions to continuous adjustability. The base allows the deflector to be positioned at multiple locations along the transom, and the deflector itself can be rotated to various angles. This dynamic positioning system enables optimization for different skill levels, boat types, and wake conditions without complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous variation of key parameters including deflector position (distance from transom edge), deflector angle (rotation around vertical axis), and deflector orientation. These parameter changes allow precise tuning of wake characteristics for different surfers and conditions, replacing discrete fixed positions with continuous adjustment ranges.
3Ease of operation
If ballast adjustment is used to change deflector position, then deflector placement is achieved, but the entire vessel must be modified
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector positioning function is extracted from the vessel's ballast system. Instead of using ballast to indirectly affect deflector position through vessel trim changes, the deflector is directly mounted on an adjustable base that provides explicit positioning control. This eliminates the need for ballast adjustment to achieve proper deflector placement.
Solution Approach 2:
An adjustable base acts as an intermediary between the deflector and the boat hull. This base provides direct mounting to the transom and enables precise positioning of the deflector without requiring modifications to the vessel's ballast system or hull structure. The base serves as a dedicated positioning mechanism independent of the boat's existing systems.
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 the creation of desirable wakes for various skill levels and boat types by adjusting the deflector's angle and surface area, improving surfability and adaptability without significant modifications to the watercraft.
Implementation Method 1
The three or more suction cup assemblies are attached to the elongated base and provide removable attachment of the elongated base to the watercraft
Implementation Method 2
The deflector face has a surface area configured to deflect water
Data Source
AI summary
A water flow deflection device attached to a side of a watercraft to enhance the watercraft's wake. The device having a narrow, elongated base with two ends and a base width, the base aligned along the side of the watercraft when the device is attached to the watercraft. A deflector attached to the base between the two ends and having a face spanning between a leading end and an opposing end, the leading end extending outwardly from the base. The deflector face having a surface area configured to deflect water and a deflector width greater than the base width. The base removably attachable to the watercraft by a plurality of suction cup assemblies, wherein a greater number of suction cup assemblies located between the first end and the leading end of the deflector than between the second end and the leading end of the deflector.