B63B1/286

Self-Propelling Hydrofoil Device
20190054980 · 2019-02-21 ·

The present disclosure provides generally for a hydrofoil system that may allow a surfboard to glide above the water surface. According to the present disclosure, a rider may be able to manipulate a hydrofoil device attached to a surfboard with limited training and athletic ability. The present disclosure provides for a hydrofoil system that may allow riders to use a light leaning motion to adjust the angle of a front wing to create forward thrust to produce a flow for creating lift. In some aspects, the front wing may tilt to reduce downward drag force in a lifting phase while locking into place during a glide to provide a sustained lift of the paddleboard out of the water.

Stepped cambered planing hull

Various embodiments are disclosed for a stepped cambered planing hull for a boat including a swept back cambered planing surface having a non-linear distribution of camber. The non-linear distribution of camber along the swept back cambered planing surface may enable stepped cambered planing hulls having high deadrise (i.e., greater than 15 degrees). The stepped cambered planing hull may include a shaped hydrofoil that generates further hydrodynamic lift by piercing the free surface wake produced by the swept back cambered planing surface. The stepped cambered planing hull may have external bottom surfaces adapted at the after-body and transom to accommodate a distinctive profile of the free surface wake produced by the swept back cambered planing surface. The stepped cambered planing hull may include an adjustable interceptor blade to regulate hydrodynamic lift at low speeds or to ensure an optimal dynamic trim angle in a wide range of speeds.

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A WATERCRAFT'S LIFTING SURFACES
20180327051 · 2018-11-15 ·

A watercraft structure (100) comprises a hull (110) and a lifting surface (120) connected to the hull (110) and immersed at least partially in water, said lifting surface (120) adapted to generate a lift force suitable for supporting the hull (110), said lifting surface (120) comprising a movable portion (125) arranged to rotate relatively to the watercraft (100), between a position of higher lift and a position of lower lift. The watercraft structure (100) also comprises an actuating mechanism (130) arranged to actuate the movable portion (125) between the above described positions. The actuating mechanism (130) comprises a containing volume comprising a first chamber (141) at a pressure P.sub.a and a second chamber (142) at a pressure P.sub.b divided by a septum (145), said septum (145) having a first face (145a) having surface S.sub.a and oriented towards the first chamber (141) and a second face (145b) having surface S.sub.b and oriented towards the second chamber (142). The actuating mechanism (130) also comprises a reference channel (152) hydraulically connected to the second chamber (142), said reference channel (152) being in communication with the external environment by a reference opening (152) that, in use, is constantly below the level of the water and is oriented in the motion direction. The actuating mechanism (130) comprises then a compensation channel (151) hydraulically connected to the first chamber (141), said compensation channel (151) being in communication with the external environment by at least one respective compensation opening (151) located at a greater height respect to the reference opening (152), said or each compensation opening (151) being oriented in the motion direction.

Self-propelling hydrofoil device
10118668 · 2018-11-06 ·

The present disclosure provides generally for a hydrofoil system that may allow a surfboard to glide above the water surface. According to the present disclosure, a rider may be able to manipulate a hydrofoil device attached to a surfboard with limited training and athletic ability. The present disclosure provides for a hydrofoil system that may allow riders to use a light leaning motion to adjust the angle of a front wing to create forward thrust to produce a flow for creating lift. In some aspects, the front wing may tilt to reduce downward drag force in a lifting phase while locking into place during a glide to provide a sustained lift of the paddleboard out of the water.

Rotary-Wing Vehicle, and Rotary-Wing Turbine
20240328327 · 2024-10-03 ·

The invention relates to a device which is designed as a rotary-wing vehicle or as a rotary-wing turbine. The device has a rotor module comprising a motor generator, rotor blades, and a rotary-wing kinematic system for the rotor blades connected to the motor generator. The rotor module is designed to make it possible to rotate the rotor blades in the same direction or in opposite directions with the directions of rotation on a circular path about an axis of rotation. The rotor blades are each divided into a plurality of longitudinal sections, each for receiving at least one actuator integrated in a longitudinal member or transverse member of the rotor blade, and have a variable, asymmetrical airfoil which, in one revolution of the rotor blade on a diameter of the circular path, said diameter being freely orientable within an adjustment range and having turning points, can be adjusted in at least one longitudinal section of the rotor blade with a length in such a way that the suction surface and the pressure surface of the asymmetrical airfoil change at the turning points from the outside to the inside of the circular path), or vice versa, by means of the rotary-wing kinematic system, and the variable, asymmetrical airfoil of the rotor blade, in a transition position, temporarily has a symmetrical airfoil, the chord of which is oriented tangentially to the circular path.

Hydrofoil with variable lift and drag for a watercraft
12084148 · 2024-09-10 ·

The invention relates to a hydrofoil for a watercraft including a fuselage and two wings arranged on either side of the fuselage and designed to provide hydrodynamic lift to the hydrofoil when it is moving through the water. According to the invention, the two wings are rotatable relative to the fuselage between a deployed position when the hydrofoil is stationary, and a retracted position towards a rear part of the fuselage by the water pressure exerted on the wings when the hydrofoil is moving through the water.

Autonomously controlled hydrofoil system
12116086 · 2024-10-15 · ·

The present invention relates to a hydrofoil system the includes a controller; a foil for engagement with the waterborne vessel, the foil comprising a plurality of adjustment members operable to vary the lift characteristics of the waterborne vessel; a propeller; an engine and gearbox located adjacent the foil and operable/in mechanical communication with the propeller; a plurality of sensors in electrical communication with the controller, each sensor configured to monitor flight parameters of the waterborne vessel and generate measured flight parameter data; wherein the controller is in communication with the adjustment members, the engine and the sensors and wherein the controller is configured to receive measured flight parameter data from the sensors and to control the operation of the engine and the position of the adjustment members in dependence upon the received measured flight parameter data. Further provided is a waterborne vessel including such a hydrofoil system.

BOAT HAVING AN IMPROVED ABILITY TO GET ON PLANE AND IMPROVED METHOD OF GETTING A BOAT ON PLANE

A boat includes at least three trim devices positioned aft of the boat's transom. To improve the boat's ability to get on place, each trim device is initially positioned to a deployed position. The speed of the boat is then determined as the boat gains speed. When the speed of the boat exceeds a first predetermined threshold, the first trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. When the speed of the boat exceeds a second predetermined threshold, the second trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. When the speed of the boat exceeds a third predetermined threshold, the third trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. At least one of the first, second, and third predetermined thresholds is different from the other two of the first, second, and third predetermined thresholds.

Apparatus and Method to Optimize Sailing Efficiency
20180178888 · 2018-06-28 · ·

This invention provides improvements in the efficiency of a sailing vessel through the use of flaps, hydrofoils, or members on the keel of a sailing vessel. One or more are positioned at the top, or root of the keel of the vessel, which primarily generate a force in the windward direction to provide a counter-leeward drift force. One or more are located at the bottom, or tip of the keel of the vessel, which primarily generate a force in the leeward direction to provide a counter-heeling moment. Among other benefits, operation of these flaps, hydrofoils, or members during sailing increases the vessel's efficiency, in particular its velocity made good. Further, since they are mounted on one appendage, sailing vessels of a rudder and keel design can be equipped with counter leeward-drift and counter-heeling attributes without the need for additional appendages.

Boat having an improved ability to get on plane and improved method of getting a boat on plane

A boat includes at least three trim devices positioned aft of the boat's transom. To improve the boat's ability to get on place, each trim device is initially positioned to a deployed position. The speed of the boat is then determined as the boat gains speed. When the speed of the boat exceeds a first predetermined threshold, the first trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. When the speed of the boat exceeds a second predetermined threshold, the second trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. When the speed of the boat exceeds a third predetermined threshold, the third trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. At least one of the first, second, and third predetermined thresholds is different from the other two of the first, second, and third predetermined thresholds.