Patent · US Active

Hydrofoil equipped seaglider takeoff

US12116139B2 · kind B2 · utility

3Cited by
29References
19Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 10, 2022
Grant dateOct 15, 2024
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 10, 2042

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB64C35/007
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

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.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.