Watercraft Guide for Flatter Wakes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watercrafts used for wakesurfing struggle to generate a less splashy, flat wake due to turbulent water streams caused by marine propulsion devices like jet propulsion systems, making it difficult to create an ideal wake for surfing.
Innovation Solution
The integration of guides on the watercraft that direct water flowing on one lateral side to converge earlier with water on the other side, reducing splash and enhancing wake flatness by managing the confluent timing of water streams, thereby minimizing splash and maximizing wake flatness for wakesurfing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a marine propulsion device (jet propulsion device or outboard motor) is used to propel the watercraft, then the watercraft can be propelled forward, but the water stream generated causes water to splash on the surface of water behind the watercraft, making it difficult to generate a less splashy, flat wake
Solution Approach 1:
A guide structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the water stream generator and the water surface. The guide extends from the lateral side toward the center of the vessel body, directing the water stream to converge with oncoming water flow. This intermediary structure modifies the water stream's path and timing of convergence, reducing direct impact on the water surface and thereby decreasing splash while maintaining propulsion function.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure performs preliminary action by directing and positioning the water stream before it reaches the water surface. By extending the guide astern and toward the center from a lateral position, the water flow is pre-conditioned to converge earlier with water flowing from the other lateral side, which reduces the kinetic energy of impact when the streams meet the water surface, thereby reducing splash.
2Speed
If the water stream generator propels the vessel body, then the vessel body can move forward, but the turbulent water stream creates a splashy wake that is not suitable for wakesurfing
Solution Approach 1:
The guide acts as a mediator that modifies the water stream's characteristics between generation and discharge. It directs the water stream to converge with oncoming water flow in a controlled manner, transforming the turbulent, high-velocity stream into a more laminar flow pattern that maintains propulsion effectiveness while reducing surface disruption and splash.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure changes the flow parameters of the water stream by altering its direction and convergence timing. By extending the guide astern and toward the center, the water stream's path and velocity distribution are modified, causing earlier convergence with opposite lateral water flow. This parameter change reduces turbulence and splash while preserving the propulsive function.
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 solution effectively narrows the splashy region and widens the flat wake area, providing a more suitable environment for wakesurfing by controlling the water stream direction and flow rates, allowing for a smoother and more enjoyable surfing experience.
Implementation Method 1
The guide inwardly directs water flowing on one lateral side of the vessel body such that confluent timing of the water flowing on the one lateral side of the vessel body and water flowing on the other lateral side of the vessel body is caused to occur earlier than when the guide is not provided on the vessel body
Data Source
AI summary
A watercraft includes a vessel body, a marine propulsion device and a guide. The marine propulsion device is attached to the vessel body and includes a water stream generator that propels the vessel body. The guide is provided on the vessel body and extends astern of the vessel body and toward a center of the vessel body in a width direction of the vessel body from a position located sideward of the water stream generator. The guide inwardly directs water flowing on one lateral side of the vessel body such that confluent timing of the water flowing on the one lateral side of the vessel body and water flowing on the other lateral side of the vessel body is caused to occur earlier than when the guide is not provided on the vessel body.