Watercraft Wave Generation via Differential Thrust and Yaw Slip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave generation systems for wake surfing often require users to travel to specific locations for natural waves, resulting in inefficiency and limited access to desirable surfing conditions, as they lack the ability to consistently produce high-quality waves with optimal characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A watercraft system equipped with a propulsion system and control surfaces that adjust the yaw slip angle based on sensor information, allowing for the creation of enhanced waves by directing higher and lower rate flows to converge, thereby improving wave quality and maneuverability without the need for trim tab components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a watercraft propulsion system is configured to generate waves for wake surfing, then wave generation capability is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase due to required control components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes trim tabs from the wave generation system, extracting the problematic component that caused complexity and reliability issues. The system achieves wave generation through propulsion system differential thrust alone, eliminating the need for separate control surface components.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion system is designed to perform multiple functions: both generating thrust for forward motion and creating waves for wake surfing. By using the same propulsion components for both propulsion and wave generation, the system reduces overall complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If trim tab components are used to control wave generation, then wave characteristics can be adjusted, but reliability decreases due to potential component failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates trim tabs from the system entirely, removing the unreliable component that could fail. Wave characteristic adjustment is achieved through differential thrust control of the propulsion system, which has no moving control parts that can fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion system adjusts wave characteristics autonomously through differential thrust control without requiring separate control mechanisms. The system self-regulates wave generation by modulating propulsion output on each side of the watercraft.
3Ease of operation
If natural waves are used for surfing, then no additional equipment is needed, but accessibility and consistency are poor as users must travel to specific locations
Solution Approach 1:
The watercraft proactively creates the desired wave conditions before the surfer arrives at a specific location. By generating waves on-demand through controlled propulsion and differential thrust, the system ensures consistent wave characteristics are already present when needed, eliminating the need to travel to unpredictable natural wave locations.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional wave generation systems are used, then basic wave creation is possible, but wave quality and symmetry are insufficient for optimal surfing experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different thrust levels to different sides of the watercraft (left versus right propulsion sources) to create asymmetric water flow patterns that converge to form symmetric, high-quality waves. This localized differential control enables precise wave shaping with optimal symmetry and characteristics for surfing.
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 system enables the generation of consistent, high-quality waves at desired locations and times, reducing user effort and improving surfing experiences by providing customizable wave characteristics and increased safety through improved wave symmetry and energy.
Implementation Method 1
move the watercraft in water by the propulsion system to generate a water flow separated by the watercraft into a higher rate flow and a lower rate flow governed by the watercraft's yaw slip angle
Implementation Method 2
direct the higher rate flow to converge with the lower rate flow to create and maintain a wave, based on actively adjusting the at least one control surface position and the propulsion system's differential thrust vector
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to configuring a watercraft propulsion system and control surface to generate a higher rate flow and a lower rate flow governed by the watercraft's yaw slip angle, adjusting the rate difference between the higher rate flow and the lower rate flow based on adjusting the yaw slip angle determined as a function of the control surface position and the propulsion system thrust vector, and directing by the watercraft the higher rate flow to converge with the lower rate flow to create a wave. The propulsion system may be a plurality of independently adjustable propulsion methods permitting propulsion system differential thrust vector adjustment. The control surface may be adjustable 360 degrees in the plane of the watercraft longitudinal axis. The yaw slip angle may be adjusted based on sensor information. Exemplary implementations may increase wave quality and improve maneuverability of a watercraft configured to create waves.