System and method for reducing drag on hulls of marine crafts thereby increasing fluid dynamic efficiencies
US12097932B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 9, 2023 |
| Grant date | Sep 24, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 9, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T70/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention seeks to reduce the frictional resistance of a vessel through enhanced air lubrication by creating and sustaining a superaerophilic surface underneath the vessel. Air is supplied by two different means: through vents near the bow of the vessel and through the perforated superaerophilic surface underneath the vessel. The air delivered through the perforations in the superaerophilic surface prohibits wetting of microscopic structures on the surface, maintaining the superaerophilic properties of it. Since the superaerophilic surface attracts air close to the hull surface, this invention greatly increases the ratio of air from the bow vents within the boundary layer, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the air lubrication system. Aerophilic effects are enhanced by carbon, which is captured, filtered, and mixed in with the air supplied to the plastron.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.