Inflatable Wing Sail Bulkhead for Rigid Low-Turbulence Leading Edge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to provide a solution for improving the aerodynamic performance of inflatable wing sails used in wing-foiling, particularly in high wind conditions and high speeds, due to the deformation of the leading edge profile under stress, which affects the sail's shape and aerodynamic efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The inflatable wing sail incorporates a bulkhead to divide the leading edge into two separate air chambers, reducing the cross-section and increasing inflation pressure to 11 psi (0.758 bar), combined with customizable battens and an inflatable boom for enhanced rigidity and stability, while maintaining a lightweight design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the cross-sections of the inflatable tubes are increased to maintain rigidity in strong wind conditions, then the rigidity is improved, but the turbulence resistance increases and aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The leading edge air chamber is divided into two separate sub-chambers using a longitudinal bulkhead. This segmentation allows each sub-cham ber to be inflated to higher pressures (up to 11 psi) without requiring an increase in the overall cross-sectional area of the leading edge, thereby maintaining rigidity while reducing turbulence resistance.
2Strength
If the maximum inflation pressure is increased to maintain the shape of the leading edge, then the rigidity is improved, but the risk of structural failure and safety issues increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the air chamber into two smaller sub-chambers, the pressure is distributed across two separate volumes. Each sub-chamber can be inflated to the required pressure (up to 11 psi) independently, and the bulkhead provides structural reinforcement that distributes stress, reducing the risk of catastrophic failure while achieving the necessary rigidity.
3Strength
If a rigid boom is used to increase the rigidity of the sail, then the reactivity and effectiveness are improved, but the weight increases and ease of assembly and transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an inflatable boom instead of a rigid boom. The inflatable boom is filled with air to provide the necessary rigidity and structural support, significantly reducing the weight compared to a rigid boom while maintaining the required mechanical properties for sail operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable boom utilizes a flexible airtight chamber that can be inflated to provide structural support. This flexible structure replaces the rigid boom, reducing weight and improving ease of assembly and transport while maintaining the necessary rigidity through internal air pressure.
4Strength
If the cross-sections of the inflatable tubes are increased to maintain shape under stress, then the rigidity is improved, but the device complexity and aerodynamic optimization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bulkhead divides the leading edge air chamber into two smaller sub-chambers, allowing for a more streamlined and aerodynamically optimized cross-sectional shape. This segmentation enables better aerodynamic performance by reducing turbulence and improving airflow over the sail, while still providing the necessary rigidity through higher internal pressures.
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 provides improved aerodynamic performance and rigidity under high stress conditions, allowing the sail to maintain its shape and reduce turbulence, enhancing the overall efficiency and usability of the wing sail.
Implementation Method 1
The maximum inflation pressure does not exceed 8 psi (0,55 bar), and is therefore insufficient to maintain the required rigidity
Implementation Method 2
The board manages to rise above the water through the use of an attachment called foil that generates lift like a common aeroplane wing
Implementation Method 3
supporting the rigidity of the wing sail even when subjected to tensile and compressive stresses caused by the wind
Implementation Method 4
supporting the rigidity of the wing sail even when subjected to tensile and compressive stresses caused by the wind
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Inflatable wing sail with an aero-optimised leading edge, which is able to comprise, within said leading edge, at least one textile reinforcement, sewn along the entire length of said leading edge; said textile reinforcement being defined as "bulkhead" and dividing the inflatable air chamber of said leading edge into two separate air chambers, thereby halving the bulk with a positive influence on the aerodynamic efficiency of this wing sail when in use; said inflatable wing sail being capable of maintaining its shape and rigidity also on the ends of said two air chambers, by means of a plurality of reinforcements that can be adjusted and customised by any user.