US20160332699A1

US20160332699A1 - Tubular element combined with hydrofoil or rudder for a water vessel

Info

Publication number: US20160332699A1
Application number: US14/953,933
Authority: US
Inventors: Larry Knauer
Original assignee: Windrider International LLC
Current assignee: Windrider International LLC
Priority date: 2015-05-11
Filing date: 2015-11-30
Publication date: 2016-11-17

Abstract

The invention is directed to a lifting device for a water vessel, the lifting device having a foil or non-foil shaped left support leg having an upper section and a lower section and a foil or non-foil shaped right support leg having an upper section and a lower section. The lower sections of the left support leg and right support leg are positioned proximate to each other. A tubular hydro-inlet device is engaged to the lower section of the left support leg and the right support leg forming a V shaped hydrofoil for the water vessel. The tubular hydro-inlet device enhances the lift provided by the hydrofoil to the water vessel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/179,508, filed May 11, 2015, entitled Sonic Tube Combined With Foil Or Rudder which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention takes advantage of specially shaped foils (wings shaped pieces) connected to a tubular hydro-inlet device to generate lift and turning moment (force used to turn a vessel) in water. The tubular hydro-inlet device may be used exclusively on hydrofoils for lifting the boat, or exclusively on a rudder support to enhance the lift of the vessel or on a combination of hydrofoils and a rudder support.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the past hydrofoils have been incorporated into sailing and sporting vessels as well as other types of watercraft in order to increase speed of the vessel through water. Hydrofoils accomplish increased speed by lifting the hull of the watercraft out of the water or causing the vessel to “fly on the water”. The hydrofoil is the device which is attached to the hull below the surface of the water in order to create the lift, to elevate the hull out of the water, to reduce resistance or drag, and to increase speed of the vessel through the water. During use of a hydrofoil a portion of the hydrofoil remains under water as the speed of the vessel increases.
In the past, during use, the trim of hydrofoils used on watercraft were required to be manually adjusted in order to improve/maintain the efficiency of the hydrofoils and the speed of the vessel. In addition, many hydrofoils on boats are required to be adjusted during use in order to keep a boat level. In many instances the hydrofoils are adjusted via wands which contact the water, and based on the distance from the water, will move either a flap on the hydrofoil, or the angle of attack of the entire hydrofoil to increase or decrease lift. These trim adjustment systems for hydrofoils are more susceptible to mechanical failure. In addition, these trim adjustment systems upon exposure to waves or choppy water conditions are more prone to failure eliminating the ability to trim a hydrofoil to compensate for rough water conditions. In the past it has also been difficult for a hydrofoil to generate lift for a vessel at lower relative speeds.
It is relatively common in sailboat racing, in races such as the Americas Cup, to utilize hydrofoils on a sailboat to achieve greater sailing speeds. Different types of hydrofoil shapes are in use, including a “v” “t”, “j” or “l” shaped hydrofoils. The known hydrofoil shapes as used on sailing vessels have not maximized hydrofoil performance for a vessel.
In the past power boats and sailboats, both large and small may utilize hydrofoil shapes such as “T”, “J”, “L” and “V”. The known hydrofoils may be used in conjunction with a keel or in substitution for a keel of a watercraft. In one example, the IMOCA 60 sailboats are now using both a keel and hydrofoils to generate lift and help keep the boat upright.
In the past it has also not been known to incorporate a super critical foil shape and/or a tubular hydro-inlet device into a rudder profile for a vessel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments the invention takes advantage of specially shaped hydrofoils (wings shaped pieces) connected to a tubular hydro-inlet device to generate lift and turning moment (force used to turn a vessel) in water. The tubular hydro-inlet device may be used independently, exclusively on hydrofoils for lifting the watercraft, or exclusively on a rudder support to enhance the lifting and/or turning of a vessel, or on a combination of both a hydrofoil and rudder. When combining the uniquely shaped hydrofoils with the tubular hydro-inlet device, a self-leveling platform is created. During use, as the speed of the watercraft increases, the hydrofoil generates more lift, causing a larger amount of the hydrofoil to elevate out of the water, which in turn reduces the lift, establishing an equilibrium between lift and speed for the watercraft.
In some embodiments the tubular hydro-inlet device may generate anywhere from 20% to 80% of the lift for the vessel depending on speed, and the tubular hydro-inlet device may also as an ancillary benefit increase efficiency by decreasing cavitation.
In some embodiments, at relatively high speeds, the hydraulic forces of the water acting on the hydrofoil may cause cavities of vapor around the hydrofoil. Vapor is less dense than water, and vapor therefore decreases the efficiency of the performance of the hydrofoil. In certain instances when foils generate lift through a fluid, the abrupt end of a foil will cause tip vortices as the high pressure below the foil spills up into the low pressure area and creates the vortex. The use of the tubular hydro-inlet device at the end of a hydrofoil eliminates the vortices and thus reduces drag.
In some embodiments a hydrofoil design for a vessel may include a tubular hydro-inlet device which eliminates the need to manually adjust the trim, or direction of the hydrofoil relative to the water during use.
In at least one embodiment a hydrofoil design includes a tubular hydro-inlet device which may be substantially cylindrical having a circular or ovular inlet and an outlet having a narrower dimension as compared to the inlet, or an outlet having a conical shape relative to the inlet.
In at least one embodiment a tubular hydro-inlet device may be used in conjunction with a variety of types of hydrofoil designs used on a vessel.
In at least one embodiment a tubular hydro-inlet device may be used in conjunction with a variety of types of rudder designs used on a vessel.
In at least one embodiment a tubular hydro-inlet device may be used in conjunction with both of a variety of types of hydrofoil designs and rudders used on a vessel.
In at least one embodiment a tubular hydro-inlet device may be used with a variety of types of hydrofoil designs in substation for a keel of a vessel.
In at least one embodiment a tubular hydro-inlet device may be used with a variety of types of hydrofoil designs in conjunction to the use of a keel on a vessel.
In at least one embodiment a tubular hydro-inlet device may be used with a variety of types of hydrofoil and/or rudder designs, and used either in conjunction with or in substitution for the use of a keel on a vessel, in any combination.
In some embodiments the tubular hydro-inlet device is tubular in shape, a straight cylindrical shape, a shape having a taper between the inlet and the outlet, an oval shape, a box shape, or another regular or irregular shape at any location, including and between the inlet and the outlet, in any combination.
In at least one embodiment the inlet for a tubular hydro-inlet device functions as a lifting body in order to transition lift percentages from a hydrofoil to the tubular hydro-inlet device as the speed of the vessel increases through water.
In some embodiments, as the speed of a vessel increases through water, the hydrofoil including a tubular hydro-inlet device generates lift to elevate the hull of the vessel out of the water.
In some embodiments the surface area of the hydrofoil decreases towards the lower portion of the hydrofoil and the tubular hydro-inlet device. The decrease in surface area of the hydrofoil towards the tubular hydro-inlet device results in less water flow over the hydrofoil at a given speed and lift, which in turn generates less lift on the vessel equalizing the percentage of lift for hydrofoil upon the vessel for a given speed. As the percentage of lift generated by the design of the hydrofoil decreases, the percentage of lift generated from the tubular hydro-inlet device increases.
In some embodiments the interaction between the decrease in lift generated by the hydrofoil as speed increases in conjunction with the increase in lift generated by the tubular hydro-inlet device as speed increases facilitates the hydrofoil and tubular hydro-inlet device to be self-adjusting, eliminating the need for active trim systems to adjust trim settings and/or hydrofoil positioning as the speed of a vessel varies.
In some embodiments, a tubular hydro-inlet device on a rudder support will improve the lifting and/or turning moment for the vessel. For example, if a normal rudder imparts 10 lbs of turning force to a vessel, the use of the tubular hydro-inlet device on the rudder support may impart 15 lbs of turning force to a vessel.
In some embodiments, the use of a tubular hydro-inlet device on a rudder support improves the stabilization of the vessel as compared to traditional rudders.
In at least one embodiment, the dimension for the inlet of the tubular hydro-inlet device is larger than the dimension for the outlet of the tubular hydro-inlet device. In at least one alternative embodiment the tubular hydro-inlet device will be tapered between the inlet and the outlet having the shape of a section of a cone.
In some embodiments, the tubular hydro-inlet device is shaped to reduce the drag profile for the hydrofoil incorporating the tubular hydro-inlet device. In some embodiments the tubular hydro-inlet device functions in a manner similar to that of a winglet, reducing tip vortices exposed to the hydrofoil.
In some embodiments, the tubular hydro-inlet device may be used on any type of support to create lift for a vessel and is not required to be engaged to a hydrofoil. In some embodiments, the tubular hydro-inlet device is attached directly to or as a closed form on a body, hull, or vessel through water.
In some embodiments, the primary purpose of the tubular hydro-inlet device used on a rudder support is to create and/or improve lift providing an ancillary benefit of improving the turning moment for a vessel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a sailboat and one embodiment of a hydrofoil having a tubular hydro-inlet device and a rudder having a tubular hydro-inlet device.

FIG. 2 is a partial detail isometric view of one alternative embodiment of a tubular hydro-inlet device.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view taken along the line of 3-3 of FIG. 2 of one alternative embodiment of a tubular hydro-inlet device.

FIG. 4 is an end view taken along the line of 4-4 of FIG. 3 of one alternative embodiment of a tubular hydro-inlet device.

FIG. 5 is an alternative cross-sectional side view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2 of one alternative embodiment of a tubular hydro-inlet device.

FIG. 6 is an end view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5 of one alternative embodiment of a tubular hydro-inlet device.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of one alternative embodiment of a rudder having a tubular hydro-inlet device.

FIG. 8 is an alternative isometric view of one alternative embodiment of a hydrofoil having a tubular hydro-inlet device.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a vessel showing an alternative embodiment incorporating a pair of hydrofoils, each having a tubular hydro-inlet device and a rudder having a tubular hydro-inlet device.

FIG. 10 is an alternative front view of a vessel showing an alternative embodiment incorporating a pair of hydrofoils, each having a tubular hydro-inlet device and a rudder having a tubular hydro-inlet device.

FIG. 11 is an alternative plan view showing an alternative embodiment of a hydrofoil having a tubular hydro-inlet device and a center-line.

FIG. 12 is an alternative plan view showing an alternative embodiment of a hydrofoil having a tubular hydro-inlet device offset relative to a center-line.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of a foil.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In at least one embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1, a sailboat 10 is shown having a hydrofoil 12 and a rudder 14. The hydrofoil 12 includes a tubular hydro-inlet device 16. The rudder 14 may also include a foil or other shaped rudder support 18 and a tubular hydro-inlet device 16.
In at least one embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 2 through 6, the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 of the hydrofoil 12 are engaged to the tubular hydro-inlet device 16. In some embodiments, the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 may be engaged at any desired location on the exterior surface 28 of the tubular hydro-inlet device 16. In at least one embodiment, the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 may be substantially cylindrical in shape having a circular or ovular inlet 24 and a circular or ovular outlet 26. Outlet 26 in some embodiments has a smaller or narrower dimension as compared to the inlet 24. In some embodiments the shape of the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 between the inlet 24 and the outlet 26 may be slightly conical.
In at least one embodiment, the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 may include a forward edge 30 and a rearward edge 32. In some embodiments the forward edge 30 and the rearward edge 32 are rounded to minimize drag.
In some embodiments the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 includes an interior surface 34. In at least one embodiment the interior surface 34 and the exterior surface 28 are formed of smooth and sturdy materials which minimize drag in water. In some embodiments, the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 may be formed of composite materials including but not necessarily limited to materials such as fiberglass, metal, plastics, and/or wood and combinations thereof. It should be noted that the material selected for the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 is sufficiently sturdy to not fracture or fail during use.
In some embodiments, a collar may be secured to the exterior surface 28 as an intermediate support member between the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 and the exterior surface 28 of the tubular hydro-inlet device 16. In some alternative embodiments the exterior surface 28 may be affixed to or integral with the left support leg 20 and/or right support leg 22 of the hydrofoil 12.
In some embodiments as may be seen in FIGS. 3, 5, and 13 the interior surface 34 may be arcuate, straight/linear, or may have any desired configuration of elevations 36 or valleys 38 to provide a desired lifting effect for the hydrofoil 12 as the result of water passing through the interior of the tubular hydro-inlet device 16.
In at least one embodiment as depicted in FIG. 7 a tubular hydro-inlet device 16 is shown affixed or engaged to a rudder support 18. The tubular hydro-inlet device 16 as engaged to a rudder support 18 improves the lift for a vessel while providing an ancillary benefit of improving the turning moment for a vessel. For example, if a normal rudder imparts 10 lbs of turning force to a vessel, the use of the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 on the rudder may impart 15 lbs of turning force to a vessel. In addition, in some embodiments, the use of a tubular hydro-inlet device 16 on a rudder improves the stabilization of the vessel as compared to traditional rudders. In some embodiments, the rudder support 18 may be foil shaped and in other embodiments, the rudder support 18 may not be foil shaped.
In at least one embodiment as depicted in FIG. 8, a V-shaped hydrofoil 12 is shown having a tubular hydro-inlet device 16. In some embodiments the right support leg 22 and the left support leg 20 are foil shaped between the leading edge 40 and the trailing edge 42. A common example of a foil shape may be seen in FIG. 13. It should be noted that any number and/or variety of shapes may be used as the foil shape for the right support leg 22 and left support leg 20 and that the embodiments depicted are provided for illustrative purposes only, and are not restrictive as to the variety of styles or shapes which may be utilized within a hydrofoil 12. The style and shapes utilized for the right support leg 22 and left support leg 20 will be determined upon consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to vessel size, vessel weight, vessel classification, speed, and likely water conditions to name a few.
In some embodiments the dimension of the chord line for the right support leg 22 and left support leg 20 is larger proximate to the hull of the vessel and the dimension for the chord line is reduced proximate to the tubular hydro-inlet device 16.
In some embodiments, the trailing edge 42 of the right support leg 22 and left support leg 20 is arcuate and wider proximate to a vessel and narrower proximate to the tubular hydro-inlet device 16. In other embodiments, the trailing edge 42 may include straight or arcuate shaped portions having a uniform or non-uniform chord line, and narrowing angular sections 44 where the chord line is gradually and/or continuously decreasing in dimension moving downwardly from the vessel toward the tubular hydro-inlet device 16.
Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a vessel 46 is shown with a horizontal line 48 and vessel platform 50. As may be seen in FIG. 10 the vessel platform 50 is not parallel or level with the horizontal line 48. In some embodiments the use of one or more tubular hydro-inlet devices 16 stabilizes a vessel 46 leveling the vessel platform 50 substantially parallel relative to the horizontal line 48. In some embodiments the use of the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 improves the stability for a vessel 46 in water.
Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, in some embodiments the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 have identical dimensions and the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 is affixed/mounted to the hydrofoil 12 and is centered relative to a center line 52. In alternative embodiments either the left support leg 20 or right support leg 22 may have an increased length dimension which in turn results in the offset mounting of the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 relative to the center line 52. In some embodiments it may be desirable to increase the length dimension of either the left support leg 20 or the right support leg 22 dependent upon the classification, weight, size, speed, and/or type of vessel 46 in conjunction with water conditions.
In some embodiments the foil or non-foil shaped left support leg 20, right support leg 22, and/or rudder support 18 in conjunction with the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 generate lift and turning moment (force used to turn a vessel) in water. The tubular hydro-inlet device 16 may be used exclusively on hydrofoils 12 for lifting the watercraft, or exclusively on a rudder support 18 to enhance the lifting of a vessel, or on a combination of both a hydrofoil 12 and rudder support 18. In some embodiments, as the speed of the watercraft increases, the hydrofoil 12 generates more lift, causing a larger amount of the hydrofoil 12 to elevate out of the water, which in turn reduces the lift, establishing an equilibrium between lift and speed for the watercraft. In some embodiments the surface area of the hydrofoil 12 decreases towards the lower portion of the hydrofoil 12 and the tubular hydro-inlet device 16. The decrease in surface area of the hydrofoil 12 towards the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 results in less water flow over the hydrofoil 12 at a given speed and lift, which in turn generates less lift on the vessel equalizing the percentage of lift for hydrofoil 12 upon the vessel for a given speed. As the percentage of lift generated by the design of the hydrofoil 12 decreases, the percentage of lift generated from the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 increases.
In some embodiments the interaction between the decrease in lift generated by the hydrofoil 12 as speed increases in conjunction with the increase in lift generated by the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 as speed increases facilitates the hydrofoil 12 and tubular hydro-inlet device 16 to be self-adjusting, eliminating the need for active trim systems to adjust trim settings and/or hydrofoil 12 positioning as the speed of a vessel varies.
In some embodiments the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 of the hydrofoil 12 are designed to unload or to generate less lift as the boat accelerates and lifts out of the water. The unloading effect is accomplished by the decrease in the lifting area along the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22, as well as a change in the design of the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 along the length of the hydrofoil 12. In some embodiments, the profile of the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 tapers in width, because the lift generated is related to the chord length of the hydrofoil 12 shape. In some embodiments the camber for the shape of the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 may be adjusted (the arc of the foil) to reduce the lift and drag which may be optimized, based on speed of the vessel and the lifting force of the hydrofoil 12 to elevate the vessel out of the water.
In some embodiments, at lower speeds, the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 may account for a lower percentage of the lift of the vessel as compared to the hydrofoil 12. In some embodiments the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 accounts for between 20% and 80% of the lift of the vessel and acts as an improved interface at the apex of the V hydrofoil 12 acting in a manner similar to a winglet. In some embodiments, the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 improves the lift of the vessel at low speeds.
In some embodiments, in addition to providing lift, the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 may also increase efficiency by decreasing cavitation and/or drag.
In some embodiments, at relatively high speeds, the hydraulic forces of the water acting on the hydrofoil 12 may cause cavities of vapor around the hydrofoil 12. Vapor is less dense than water, and vapor therefore decreases the efficiency of the performance of the hydrofoil 12. In certain instances when foils generate lift through a fluid, the abrupt end of a foil will cause tip vortices as the high pressure below the foil spills up into the low pressure area and creates the vortex. The use of the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 at the end of a hydrofoil 12 eliminates the vortices and thus reduces drag.
In at least one embodiment the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 may be used in conjunction with a variety of types of foil or non-foil rudder support 18 designs used on a vessel. In at least one embodiment the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 and rudder support 18 may be used on a vessel without the use of a foil shaped hydrofoil 12. In at least one embodiment the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 may be used in conjunction with both of a variety of types of foil or non-foil shaped hydrofoils 12 designs and rudder supports 18 used on a vessel. In at least one embodiment the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 may be used on a hydrofoil 12 without the use of a tubular hydro-inlet device 16 on a rudder support 18. In at least one embodiment, the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 may be used on a foil or non-foil shaped rudder support 18 without the use of a hydrofoil 12.
In at least one embodiment a tubular hydro-inlet device 16 may be used with a variety of types of hydrofoil designs in substation for a keel of a vessel. In alternative embodiments the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 may be used with a variety of types of hydrofoil designs in conjunction to the use of a keel on a vessel. In some embodiments, the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 may be used with a variety of types of hydrofoil 12 and/or rudder support 18 designs, and used either in conjunction with or in substitution for the use of a keel on a vessel, in any combination.
In some embodiments the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 has tubular shape, has a straight cylindrical shape, has a shape having a taper between the inlet 24 and the outlet 26, has an oval shape, a box shape, or another regular or irregular shape at any location, including and between the inlet 24 and the outlet 26, in any combination.
In at least one embodiment the inlet 24 for a tubular hydro-inlet device 26 functions as a lifting body in order to transition lift percentages from the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 to the vessel as the speed of the vessel increases through water.
In some embodiments, the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 has a diameter between 1 and 1.5 times the chord length for the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 of the hydrofoil 12. In some embodiments, the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 has a diameter less than 1 times the chord length for the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 of the hydrofoil 12 or greater than 1.5 times the chord length for the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 of the hydrofoil 12. The chord length is the imaginary straight line that would measure the distance from the leading edge 40 to the trailing edge 42, front to back, of the hydrofoil. (FIG. 13)
In some embodiments, the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 has a length dimension about 1.5 to 2 times the diameter of the tubular hydro-inlet device 16. In some embodiments, the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 has a length dimension less than 1.5 times the diameter of the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 or greater than 2 times the diameter of the tubular hydro-inlet device 16. In some embodiments, the center of lift of the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 and the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 should be aligned and centered relative to a center line 52.
In some embodiments, the use of the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 at the bottom of the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 eliminates the deficiencies of a pure V hydrofoil 12 form, whereby cavitation and lower lift to drag ratio occurs as the hydrofoil 12 lifts out of the water.
In some embodiments the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 are approximately 53 inches in length and have a chord line dimension of approximately 4 inches. In some alternative embodiments the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 may have a length dimension longer than 53 inches. In some alternative embodiments the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 may have a chord line dimension longer than approximately 4 inches. In some alternative embodiments the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 may have a length dimension shorter than 53 inches. In some alternative embodiments the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 may have a chord line dimension shorter than approximately 4 inches. In some embodiments the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 may have a length dimension longer than 53 inches and have a chord line dimension of less than approximately 4 inches. In some embodiments the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 may have a length dimension shorter than 53 inches and have a chord line dimension of longer than approximately 4 inches.
In some embodiments the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 has an inlet 24 diameter of approximately 6 inches and an outlet 26 diameter of approximately 5½ inches. In some embodiments the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 having an inlet 24 diameter of approximately 6 inches and an outlet 26 diameter of approximately 5½ inches which generates sufficient lift for an 18 foot long boat weighing 350 lbs. In some embodiments the size of the inlet 24 diameter and the outlet 26 diameter may be adjusted if a greater amount of lift or a lower amount of lift is required. In some alternative embodiments the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 has an inlet 24 diameter of greater than approximately 6 inches. In some alternative embodiments the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 has an outlet 26 diameter of greater than approximately 5½ inches. In some alternative embodiments the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 has an inlet 24 diameter of less than approximately 6 inches. In some alternative embodiments the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 has an outlet 26 diameter of less than approximately 5½ inches. In some alternative embodiments the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 has an inlet 24 diameter of greater than approximately 6 inches and an outlet 26 diameter of less than approximately 5½ inches. In some alternative embodiments the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 has an inlet 24 diameter of less than approximately 6 inches and an outlet 26 diameter of greater than approximately 5½ inches.
In some embodiments, the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 may be constructed through the use of 3-dimensional printed frame which is then skinned with carbon fiber. In some alternative embodiments the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 may be constructed from a molded carbon fiber part having a foam core. In some alternative embodiments the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 may be constructed from aluminum, steel or another suitable material depending on the strength/weight characteristics required for a type and/or classification of a vessel.
In some embodiments the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 of a V shaped hydrofoil 12 have a tapered profile where the upper section has a chord line dimension of approximately twelve inches and maintains that chord line dimension downwardly from the hull of a vessel for a distance dimension of approximately 30 inches. Below approximately 30 inches the cord line dimension in some embodiments may taper down in the narrowing angular section 44 to approximately 5 inches, and will connect to a tubular hydro-inlet device 16 having an approximate diameter of 4 inches. In some embodiments the hydrofoil 12 is designed so that more lifting area is proximate to the hull while the hull is in or near the water, however once the hull is out of the water, the drag generated by the hull is greatly reduced, and therefore the chord line dimension for the upper portion of the hydrofoil 12 is reduced since less lift is necessary.
In some embodiments the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 of a V shaped hydrofoil 12 have a tapered profile where the upper section has a chord line dimension greater than approximately twelve inches and continues the chord line dimension downwardly from the hull of a vessel for a distance dimension of greater than approximately 30 inches. In some embodiments the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 of a V shaped hydrofoil 12 have a tapered profile where the upper section has a chord line dimension less than approximately twelve inches and continues the chord line dimension downwardly from the hull of a vessel for a distance dimension of less than approximately 30 inches. In some embodiments the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 of a V shaped hydrofoil 12 have a tapered profile where the upper section has a chord line dimension greater than approximately twelve inches and continues the chord line dimension downwardly from the hull of a vessel for a distance dimension of less than approximately 30 inches. In some embodiments the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 of a V shaped hydrofoil 12 have a tapered profile where the upper section has a chord line dimension less than approximately twelve inches and continues the chord line dimension downwardly from the hull of a vessel for a distance dimension of greater than approximately 30 inches.
In some embodiments the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 of a V shaped hydrofoil 12 at a distance approximately 30 inches below the hull of a vessel have a cord line dimension which may taper down in the narrowing angular section 44 to a dimension greater than approximately 5 inches, and will connect to a tubular hydro-inlet device 16 having an diameter dimension greater than approximately 4 inches. In some embodiments the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 of a V shaped hydrofoil 12 at a distance approximately 30 inches below the hull of a vessel have a cord line dimension which may taper down in the narrowing angular section 44 to a dimension less than approximately 5 inches, and will connect to a tubular hydro-inlet device 16 having an diameter dimension less than approximately 4 inches. In some embodiments the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 of a V shaped hydrofoil 12 at a distance approximately 30 inches below the hull of a vessel have a cord line dimension which may taper down in the narrowing angular section 44 to a dimension greater than approximately 5 inches, and will connect to a tubular hydro-inlet device 16 having an diameter dimension less than approximately 4 inches. In some embodiments the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 of a V shaped hydrofoil 12 at a distance approximately 30 inches below the hull of a vessel have a cord line dimension which may taper down in the narrowing angular section 44 to a dimension less than approximately 5 inches, and will connect to a tubular hydro-inlet device 16 having an diameter dimension greater than approximately 4 inches.
In some embodiments the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 of a V shaped hydrofoil 12 may be formed of carbon fiber on a 3-dimensional printed skeleton. However, in other embodiments the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 of a V shaped hydrofoil 12 may be formed of other materials and other manufacturing processes including any of the materials or combinations of materials identified herein.
In some embodiments the size of the V shaped hydrofoil 12 was determined to be compatible with an 18 foot vessel, allowing the vessel to rise out of the water at a speed of approximately 8 knots and reach a top speed of approximately 35 knots. If different speeds or lift requirements for the vessel and V shaped hydrofoil 12 are required, then the dimensions for the hydrofoil 12 and the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 may be either increased or decreased, or the dimensions for the taper of the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 may vary depending on the desired performance considerations.
In some embodiments the upper portions of each of the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 may be engaged to the main hull and/or the outriggers of a vessel through the use of bolts and nuts. In some embodiments the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 may be pivotally engaged to the main hull and/or the outriggers of a vessel, establishing a mounting system for the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 which permits the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 to be raised or lowered relative to the hull and water.
In some embodiments the rudder support 18 comprising the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 may be engaged to a box system which uses a compression system to maintain the rudder support 18 and tubular hydro-inlet device 16 in a desired location. In one alternative embodiment the compression system may be loosened by an individual to vertically raise the rudder support 18 and tubular hydro-inlet device 16 relative to the hull and water.
In at least one alternative embodiment the center of lift of the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 relative to the left support leg 20 and the right support leg 22 may be offset, to establish a desired balance between the center of lift and speed, in order to optimize the likelihood of a desired level of performance to compensate for water, wave, tide, wind, currents or other conditions.
In at least one alternative embodiment any desired number of tubular hydro-inlet devices 16 may be stacked on top of each other as engaged to a hydrofoil 12. In at least one alternative embodiment any desired number of tubular hydro-inlet devices 16 may be stacked on top of each other as engaged to a rudder support 18. In at least one alternative embodiment the shape of any tubular hydro-inlet device 16 is not required to be identical to the shape of an adjacent tubular hydro-inlet device 16.
In some embodiments, the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 provides lift to a vessel and is not required the connected to a foil support or rudder support. In other embodiments, the tubular hydro-inlet device 16 may be attached directly to, or as a closed form, on any type of body, hull, or vessel propelled through water. In some embodiments one or more tubular hydro-inlet devices 16 are engaged directly to a hull of a watercraft to improve lift, providing an ancillary benefit of improved stabilization.
In a first embodiment a lifting device for a water vessel is provided, the lifting device comprising a left support leg, the left support leg comprising an upper section and a lower section, a right support leg, the right support leg comprising an upper section and a lower section, wherein the lower section of the left leg support and the lower section of the right leg support are positioned proximate to each other, and a hydro-inlet device engaged to the lower section of the left leg support and the lower section of the right leg support, wherein the left support leg, the right support leg, and the hydro-inlet device form a V shaped hydrofoil for the water vessel.
In a second embodiment according to the first embodiment the hydro-inlet device is tubular in shape.
In a third embodiment according to the second embodiment the hydro-inlet device comprises an inlet having a first dimension and an outlet having a second dimension, wherein the first dimension is larger than the second dimension.
In a fourth embodiment according to the third embodiment the left support leg and the right support leg are foil shaped.
In a fifth embodiment according to the fourth embodiment the hydro-inlet device is cylindrical in shape.
In a sixth embodiment according to the fourth embodiment the hydro-inlet device is conical in shape.
In a seventh embodiment according to the first embodiment the water vessel further comprises a rudder support the rudder support having a second hydro-inlet device.
In an eighth embodiment according to the seventh embodiment the second hydro-inlet device is tubular in shape.
In a ninth embodiment according to the eighth embodiment the second hydro-inlet device comprises a second inlet having a third dimension and a second outlet having a fourth dimension, wherein the third dimension is larger than the fourth dimension.
In a tenth embodiment according to the ninth embodiment the rudder support is foil shaped.
In an eleventh embodiment according to the tenth embodiment the second hydro-inlet device is cylindrical in shape.
In a twelfth embodiment according to the tenth embodiment the second hydro-inlet device is conical in shape.
In addition to being directed to the embodiments described above and claimed below, the present invention is further directed to embodiments having different combinations of the features described above and claimed below. As such, the invention is also directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the dependent features claimed below.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof; and it is, therefore, desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.
This completes the description of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto.

Claims

I claim:

1. A lifting device for a water vessel, said lifting device comprising:

a left support leg, said left support leg comprising an upper section and a lower section;

a right support leg, said right support leg comprising an upper section and a lower section;

wherein said lower section of said left leg support and said lower section of said right leg support are positioned proximate to each other; and

a hydro-inlet device engaged to said lower section of said left leg support and said lower section of said right leg support, wherein said left support leg, said right support leg, and said hydro-inlet device form a V shaped hydrofoil for said water vessel.

2. The lifting device according to claim 1, wherein said hydro-inlet device is tubular in shape.

3. The lifting device according to claim 2, said hydro-inlet device comprising an inlet having a first dimension and an outlet having a second dimension, wherein said first dimension is larger than said second dimension.

4. The lifting device according to claim 3, wherein said left support leg and said right support leg are foil shaped.

5. The lifting device according to claim 4, wherein said hydro-inlet device is cylindrical in shape.

6. The lifting device according to claim 4, wherein said hydro-inlet device is conical in shape.

7. The lifting device according to claim 1, said water vessel further comprising a rudder support said rudder support comprising a second hydro-inlet device.

8. The lifting device according to claim 7, wherein said second hydro-inlet device is tubular in shape.

9. The lifting device according to claim 8, said second hydro-inlet device comprising an second inlet having a third dimension and an second outlet having a fourth dimension, wherein said third dimension is larger than said fourth dimension.

10. The lifting device according to claim 9, wherein said rudder support is foil shaped.

11. The lifting device according to claim 10, wherein said second hydro-inlet device is cylindrical in shape.

12. The lifting device according to claim 10, wherein said second hydro-inlet device is conical in shape.