High efficiency hydrofoil and swim fin designs
US6371821B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 14, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 16, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 14, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63B31/11
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Methods are disclosed for increasing lift and decreasing drag on hydrofoils and swim fins. These methods include providing a hydrofoil with a highly swept back leading edge portion and orienting the hydrofoil at a significantly reduced angle of attack in which the reduced angle of attack occurs at an angle that is substantially transverse to the hydrofoil's direction of movement through a surrounding fluid medium. The lee surfaces of the hydrofoil is provided with a substantially unobstructed flow path as well as a separation reducing contour so as to permit lift generating attached flow conditions to form along such lee surfaces. Substantially rigid structural reinforcement is provided to prevent the hydrofoil from deforming significantly during use. Methods are disclosed for providing a hydrofoil with a substantially longitudinal recess or venting system located substantially along the center axis of the hydrofoil. The attacking surfaces of such a hydrofoil is provided with an anhedral contour that forms a substantially lengthwise channel with the recess or venting means located along the center axis of this lengthwise channel. The anhedral contour directs water toward the center…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.