Hydrofoil deployment mechanism for rescue boat: Lightweight and cost-efficient solution to deploy a hydrofoil from a mid-sized boat

Abstract

Product development of a hydrofoil deployment mechanism A lightweight and cost-efficient solution aimed to be used in the Swedish Sea Rescue Society’s next-gen electric rescue boats. FREDRIK BYSTRÖM Department of Industrial Materials and Science Chalmers University of Technology Hydrofoiling boats are being introduced into commercial usage throughout the world. Being a relatively new phenomena (relative to the industries’ more established non-foiling boats) optimal ways of handling and controlling hydrofoils have not yet been discovered or established. This thesis aims to investigate a possible solution to the handling (restricted to managing lift and drag forces generated by a hydrofoil) and controlling of hydrofoils (restricted to deploying, retracting and controlling trim). The context in which this has been performed is on a moderately sized 2.6 ton and 8 meter long rescue boat from the Swedish Sea Rescue Society, aimed to be used in lakes and coastal areas in Sweden. Possible solutions have been investigated by following a typical new product development process between the phases of establishing requirements up until early detail design. Results include proof-of-concept CAD models that have been evaluated using FEA simulations. Findings suggest that a winch-based solution using HMPE-fiber synthetic rope is optimal as a means to lower overall weight. Furthermore, a support structure that allows for vertical linear movement whilst being exposed to lift- and drag forces from the hydrofoil is needed. Future work would entail proceeding with detail design with a focus on design-for-manufacturing and performing further stress- and weight optimizations.