Water Jet Propulsion Reverse Gate Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water jet propulsion watercrafts face challenges in generating adequate propulsive force during reverse drive, particularly when trying to change direction, as the propulsive forces often cancel out or are weak, making it difficult to maneuver in reverse, such as drawing a figure-eight or moving to a target point.
Innovation Solution
The water jet propulsion watercraft incorporates a hull with a pair of jet propulsion devices, a deflector that rotates to change jetting direction, and a bucket that can be positioned to block forward drive jet ports, allowing a larger portion of the water jet to be directed from reverse drive jet ports, and auxiliary nozzles that introduce water from the reflecting surface to generate propulsive forces in the right/left direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the water jet propulsion watercraft uses conventional reverse gate configuration with first and second scoops, then the watercraft can be driven in reverse, but the propulsive force is weak and the watercraft cannot effectively change direction while moving in reverse
Solution Approach 1:
The reverse gate is divided into multiple independent scoops (first scoop, second scoop, third scoop) that can be independently controlled. Each scoop directs water flow in different directions, allowing independent control of propulsive force and steering. The third scoop specifically directs water to generate lateral propulsive force for steering, while the first and second scoops provide forward propulsive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces movable and rotatable components including the third scoop that can rotate about a rotation axis, and the entire reverse gate assembly that can move between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic configuration allows the watercraft to adjust the angle and position of water jets in real-time, enabling effective steering and direction changing while maintaining adequate propulsive force.
2Ease of operation
If the steering nozzles are directed to the right or left for reverse turning, then the watercraft can change direction, but the propulsive forces from the reverse gates cancel out and the watercraft cannot move effectively in the desired direction
Solution Approach 1:
The reverse gate system is segmented into multiple scoops with different functions: the first and second scoops are positioned to direct water flow that generates forward propulsive force, while the third scoop is positioned and oriented to direct water flow that generates lateral propulsive force for steering. This segmentation allows independent optimization of propulsive force and steering capability without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The third scoop acts as an intermediary element that receives water flow from the steering nozzles and redirects it to generate lateral propulsive force. By introducing this intermediate redirection mechanism, the system can convert the steering nozzle output into effective lateral thrust without the propulsive forces canceling out, enabling the watercraft to move diagonally in the desired direction while turning.
3Speed
If the reverse gates are positioned with scoops to direct water diagonally for reverse drive, then the watercraft can move in reverse, but the configuration is complex and the scoops occupy significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into the reverse gate assembly: the first, second, and third scoops are integrated into a single movable and rotatable reverse gate structure. This unified assembly can be retracted into or extended from the jet propulsion device housing, combining the functions of water redirection, propulsive force generation, and steering control in one integrated system rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The reverse gate assembly is designed as a dynamic structure that can move between retracted and extended positions along the longitudinal axis of the jet propulsion device, and can rotate about a rotation axis. This dynamic capability allows the system to adjust its configuration based on operational requirements, reducing complexity by using movable components rather than fixed, oversized structures.
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
This configuration enables a significant increase in propulsive force during reverse drive, allowing the watercraft to turn effectively while moving in reverse, improving steering performance and enabling more precise control, such as moving in a right or left rear direction.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the stator nozzles 301R and 301L discharges a water flow, generated by rotation of an impeller, toward a rear of the hull
Implementation Method 2
a reflecting surface arranged to receive the water jetted from the forward drive jet port and to reflect the water toward an inner side of the deflector
Implementation Method 3
an auxiliary nozzle having an entrance opened to the reflecting surface and arranged to jet water introduced into the entrance along a hull right/left direction
Data Source
AI summary
A water jet propulsion watercraft includes a pair of jet propulsion devices arranged right and left of a hull centerline. Each jet propulsion device includes a jetting unit arranged to jet water, a deflector supported on the hull and arranged to rotate to right and left, the deflector including a forward drive jet port and a reverse drive jet port. Each jet propulsion device includes a bucket arranged to change between a forward drive position and a reverse drive position. The bucket includes a reflecting surface arranged to reflect the water jetted from the forward drive jet port when the bucket is at the reverse drive position, and an auxiliary nozzle including an entrance opened to the reflecting surface and arranged to jet water introduced into the entrance along a hull right/left direction. The entrance of the auxiliary nozzle is spaced away from the forward drive jet port in the hull right/left direction and does not oppose the forward drive jet port in a state where the bucket is arranged at the reverse drive position and the deflector is arranged at the straight drive position.