WIG Craft Hydrofoil Control for Wave-Resistant Takeoff

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wing-in-ground effect (WIG) craft face challenges in operating in rough seas and medium speeds in crowded harbors due to the limitations of fixed hydrofoils, which do not lift the hull above water waves during waterborne operation.

Innovation Solution

The development of seaglider WIG craft that incorporate retractable hydrofoils and a control system to manage the transition from hydrofoil-borne to wing-borne operation, allowing for increased speed and maneuverability in harbors and crowded waterways.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If fixed hydrofoils are used in WIG craft, then the vehicle can operate in waterborne mode, but the hull cannot be lifted above water waves during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisturbances from water wavesVSAvoidability to operate in rough seas

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies retractable hydrofoils that can dynamically adjust between extended and retracted positions. When extended, the hydrofoils lift the hull above water waves for comfortable operation in crowded harbors. When retracted, the vehicle can operate in wing-in-ground-effect mode over rough seas, providing adaptability to different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The propulsion system is segmented into multiple independent components: retractable hydrofoils for waterborne operation, and a separate wing-in-ground-effect propulsion system for aerial operation. This segmentation allows the vehicle to switch between operating modes by deploying or retracting specific components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If retractable hydrofoils are added to WIG craft, then the vehicle can lift the hull above water waves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort in crowded harborsVSAvoidhydrofoil retraction mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the hydrofoil retraction mechanism with the existing wing-in-ground-effect propulsion system. The same propulsion system that drives the vehicle in aerial mode also powers the hydrofoils in waterborne mode, and the control systems are integrated to manage transitions between modes, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The propulsion system serves multiple functions: it propels the vehicle in wing-in-ground-effect mode over water, and it also powers the retractable hydrofoils during waterborne operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If the vehicle operates in wing-borne mode, then speed and maneuverability increase, but the ability to operate in rough seas decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle speedVSAvoidimpact from water waves

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle dynamically switches between operating modes based on sea conditions. In calm waters, the hydrofoils are extended for high-speed waterborne operation. In rough seas, the hydrofoils are retracted and the vehicle transitions to wing-in-ground-effect mode, where the wing generates lift to elevate the hull above breaking waves, maintaining speed and maneuverability while avoiding wave impact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 seaglider WIG craft can operate comfortably in high seas and at low speeds in crowded harbors, offering improved takeoff procedures that minimize passenger discomfort and reduce disturbances caused by water waves.

Implementation Method 1

A WIG is an aircraft vehicle capable of moving over a surface (e.g., earth or water) by gaining support from the reactions of the air against one or more surfaces of the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic lift: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 2

When such a vehicle hovers relatively close to the surface, the drag experienced by the vehicle is reduced. For example, the drag on a WIG is reduced when its distance from the ground is within about half the length of the vehicle's wingspan

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGround effect: Ground Effect

Implementation Method 3

determine upwards aero lift generated by at least one wing of the craft as the craft accelerates while the craft is operating in a hydrofoil-borne mode over water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrodynamic lift: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentUS12330781B1Wing-in-ground effect vehicles and methods of control

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 REGENT CRAFT INC

AI summary

A craft includes a hull, a wing, a hydrofoil, and a control system. The wing is configured to generate upwards aero lift as air flows past the wing to facilitate wing-borne flight of the craft. The hydrofoil is configured to generate upwards hydrofoil lift during a first mode of operation as water flows past the hydrofoil to facilitate hydrofoil-borne movement of the craft through the water. While the craft is hydrofoil-borne, the control system is configured to determine the upwards aero lift generated by the wing. The control system is further configured to control the hydrofoil to generate downwards hydrofoil lift to counteract the upwards aero lift generated by the wing that maintains the hydrofoil at least partially submerged in the water while the determined upwards aero lift is below a threshold lift.