Patent Publication Number: US-7913636-B2

Title: High speed watercraft suitable for rough water conditions

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a watercraft suitable for high speed operation in relatively rough water conditions. In particular, the invention relates to a boat which is designed to travel at relatively high speed in rough or turbulent conditions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to the invention there is provided a watercraft suitable for operation in rough water conditions, the watercraft comprising:
         a central platform;   at least one pair of hull units, the hull units being located on opposite sides of the platform and extending below the platform, with each hull unit comprising a mount attached to the platform and a trailing hull connected at a leading edge thereof to the mount by at least one joint arranged to constrain lateral and axial movement of the hull relative to the platform but to permit pivoting thereof about the mount, the hulls having sufficient buoyancy to support the boat in the water with the platform clear of the water; and   at least one pair of suspension assemblies arranged to support the respective hull units, each suspension assembly comprising a suspension member extending from the platform to a mounting point on the hull aft of the respective mount, and being arranged to accommodate movement of the hull relative to the platform and to apply damping to movement of the hull.       

     The watercraft may comprise two pairs of hull units, a forward pair and an aft pair. 
     Preferably, each hull unit includes a movable hull support located between the mount attached to the platform and the trailing hull, the movable hull support being connected at a leading end thereof to a trailing end of the mount by a first hinged joint, and being connected at a trailing end thereof to a leading end of the hull by a second hinged joint. 
     Each hull unit preferably has a generally “S” shaped profile in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis, with a leading end defined by the mount attached to the platform and a trailing end defined by the trailing end of the respective trailing hull, the trailing end of the hull unit being lower than the leading end thereof. 
     The length of the movable hull support in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the platform is preferably about 20% to 40% of the length of the trailing hull in the same direction. 
     The maximum range of vertical movement at the leading end of each hull is preferably about 10% to 30% of the maximum range of vertical movement at the trailing end of the hull. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the watercraft, the width of each hull at its leading end, in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the platform, is approximately 50% to 100% of the maximum width of the hull in the same direction. 
     Most preferably, the width of each hull at its leading end is approximately 60% of the maximum width of the hull. 
     Further, in a preferred embodiment of the watercraft, the vertical sectional depth of each hull at its leading end is 2% to 20% of the maximum vertical sectional depth of the hull. 
     Most preferably, the vertical sectional depth of each hull at its leading end is approximately 10% of the maximum vertical sectional depth. 
     Each hull unit preferably curves rearwardly and outwardly from its leading end, relative to the longitudinal axis of the platform. 
     The watercraft may include an auxiliary suspension unit between the hull and the movable hull support, the auxiliary suspension unit being configured to control relative movement between the hull relative and the movable hull support. 
     The auxiliary suspension unit preferably includes a spring and a damping device. 
     The auxiliary suspension unit may also include a stop mechanism that is preferably pre-tensioned so that the hull assumes a fully extended position relative to the movable hull support when the watercraft is stationary. 
     The suspension assemblies that support the hulls relative to the platform may each comprise a trailing arm connected pivotably to the platform at or adjacent a first end thereof, and to a respective hull at or adjacent a second end thereof. 
     Each suspension assembly may include a suspension element connected between the platform and the trailing arm at a point intermediate the ends of the trailing arm. 
     The suspension element may comprise a spring and a damping device. 
     Alternatively, the suspension element may comprise at least one hydraulic actuator. 
     Each suspension assembly may be pre-tensioned so that each respective hull assumes a fully extended position relative to the platform when the watercraft is stationary. 
     The watercraft may include flexible walls extending between at least one pair of hull units and the platform, thereby defining an air flow tunnel beneath the watercraft between the hull units. 
     Preferably, the flexible walls comprise a plurality of overlapping slats, each slat being mounted pivotably to accommodate relative movement between the hull units and the platform. 
     The watercraft may include at least one flap at the stern of the watercraft arranged to close the rear end of the tunnel at least partially, to maximise the lift provided by air trapped in the tunnel in use. 
     The flap or flaps are preferably arranged to engage a respective aft hull when the hull undergoes substantial excursions, to lift the flap clean of the water in use. 
     The watercraft may include at least one propulsion unit mounted in or on the platform, and a pair of propellers, one propeller being mounted on each respective trailing end of a hull unit, the propellers being connected by telescopic drive shafts to said at least one propulsion unit. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  a pictorial view of a boat according to the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an under plan view of the boat of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view on the line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4(   a ) is a sectional view on the line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4(   b ) is a partial sectional view, similar to that of  FIG. 4(   a ), of an alternative embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear view of the boat; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the boat; and 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic sectional view of a hull unit of the boat. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT 
     The illustrated watercraft was designed for high speed operation in relatively rough water conditions. 
     Concisely, this is achieved by providing a central body or platform to which are attached two sets of independently suspended hull units, a forward pair and an aft pair. Each hull unit is mounted to the platform at a leading end thereof, and has a trailing end extending aft which can move through a substantial range of travel. A sprung and damped suspension controls the movement of each hull relative to the central platform. 
     Each hull is hydrodynamically shaped for high speed operation and has a mass which is relatively low compared to the mass of the central platform. Thus, the boat of the invention is somewhat analogous to a road-going motor vehicle having a suspension system with a low unsprung mass. 
     Referring now to the drawings, an embodiment of a boat  10  according to the invention comprises a narrow elongate central platform  12  having a bow  14  and a stern  16 . A cockpit  18  is located between the bow and the stern, and an engine compartment  20  is provided between the cockpit and the stern. 
     At either side of the bow  14  are a pair of curved blade-like, fixed hull supports  22 . 1  and  22 . 2  which extend laterally outwardly from the platform  12 . A pair of movable hull supports  24 . 1  and  24 . 2  are connected pivotably at leading ends thereof, by means of respective hinges  26 . 1  and  26 . 2 , to the trailing ends of the respective fixed hull supports  22 . 1  and  22 . 2 . These hinges permit the movable hull supports to pivot relative to the fixed hull supports, but constrain the movable hull supports against lateral and axial movement relative to the fixed hull supports and the platform  12 . 
     Connected pivotably to the trailing end of each of the movable hull supports  24 . 1  and  24 . 2  is a respective forward hull  28 . 1  and  28 . 2 . The hulls are connected to the respective movable hull supports at leading ends thereof, by means of hinged joints  30 . 1  and  30 . 2 , and are provided with suspension units  32 . 1  and  32 . 2  acting between the hulls and the movable hull supports, each comprising an adjustable coil spring and damper (shock absorber) assembly. 
     In addition to being supported at their leading ends by the hinges  30  and the suspension units  32 , the hulls  28 . 1  and  28 . 2  are each supported by a respective trailing arm  34 . 1  and  34 . 2 . Each trailing arm is connected to a pivot point  36 . 1  or  36 . 2  on the platform at the leading end thereof, and at the trailing end thereof to a swivel mount  38 . 1  or  38 . 2  mounted on the upper surface of the respective hull. The pivot point  36 . 1  or  36 . 2  incorporates an elastomeric bush, typically a “Rubaride” type axle unit which assists in suspension load sharing. The swivel mount  38 . 1  or  38 . 2  comprises a pivoting joint to which the aft end of the trailing arm is connected, and a resilient mounting connected to the respective hull. The resilient mounting comprises an elastomeric bush of a conventional kind. The elastomeric bushes provide rust free, seizure free bearing units. 
     The resilient mounting accommodates fore and aft movement of the pivot point due to the differential arcs of movement of the hull and the trailing arm. The pivoting joints at both ends of the trailing arms are oriented with their axes extending at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the platform  12 , and thus permit vertical movement of the hulls relative to the platform, but constrain the hulls against lateral and axial movement relative to the platform. 
     Struts  40 . 1  and  40 . 2  extend inwardly from mounting points on the respective trailing arms intermediate the ends thereof and are connected pivotably to outboard ends  42 . 1  and  42 . 2  of respective rockers  44 . 1  and  44 . 2  mounted on supports  46 . 1  and  46 . 2  within the platform  12 . Connected to respective inboard ends  48 . 1  and  48 . 2  of the rockers are adjustable suspension units  50 . 1  and  50 . 2  each comprising a coil spring and damper, with the lowest most ends of the suspension units being connected to respective brackets  52 . 1  and  52 . 2 . 
     In an arrangement similar to that of the forward pair of hull units, the illustrated boat also includes an aft pair of hull units. Extending transversely outwardly from the platform  12  adjacent the trailing ends of the forward hulls  28 . 1  and  28 . 2  are respective fixed hull supports  54 . 1  and  54 . 2 , to which are mounted respective moveable hull support members  56 . 1  and  56 . 2  by means of respective transversely oriented hinges  58 . 1  and  58 . 2 . Respective aft hulls  60 . 1  and  60 . 2  are attached pivotably to the movable hull support members  56 . 1  and  56 . 2  by means of hinges  62 . 1  and  62 . 2  and respective suspension units  64 . 1  and  64 . 2 , each comprising a coil spring and damper assembly. 
     Respective trailing arms  66 . 1  and  66 . 2  extend rearwardly and outwardly from mounting points  68 . 1  and  68 . 2  on the sides of the platform  12  and are connected to the hulls  60 . 1  and  60 . 2  by means of pivoting brackets  70 . 1  and  70 . 2  in a similar manner to the arrangement of the forward hulls. Struts  72 . 1  and  72 . 2  extend through openings in the sides of the platform  12  between the trailing arms  66 . 1  and  66 . 2  in a suspension arrangement comprising rockers and spring/damper units as shown in  FIG. 4 , in an arrangement similar to that of  FIG. 3 . 
     The fixed hull supports  54 , movable hull supports  56 , and the aft hulls  60  make up a pair of aft hull units. 
     Although  FIGS. 3 and 4  show an inboard suspension system configuration, an outboard configuration could also be used, with the suspension units, each comprising a spring and damper assembly, mounted outside the platform, between the platform and the respective hull. 
     Instead of the mechanical spring/damper suspension system shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4(   a ), an active suspension system could be used instead. For example,  FIG. 4(   b ) shows an active suspension system comprising a main actuator  118  and an auxiliary actuator  120 , both arranged to be operated by a hydraulic control unit  122  located within the platform  12 . The two actuators operate between a mounting point  124  in the platform and a respective trailing arm  34 ;  66  via an actuator rod  126 . The main actuator  118  controls the dynamic suspension characteristics of the water craft in use, while the auxiliary actuator  120  is used to adjust the ride height setting of the craft. 
     The suspension system of  FIGS. 3 and 4  further incorporates an over-extension limiting device enabling the suspension system to be pre-tensioned and preventing over-extension of the hulls with respect to the platform in extreme operating conditions. The suspension system is preferably pretensioned (typically by about 110%) to ensure that the suspension is fully extended when the craft is at rest. 
     A ride height facility is also integrated into the suspension system, enabling vertical height adjustment of the platform relative to the hulls. This allows the platform height with respect to the water surface to be increased or decreased in use. 
     The described arrangement permits a degree of controlled vertical movement of the leading end of each hull  28 , and a greater degree of vertical movement of the trailing end of each hull. 
     The maximum vertical movement at the pivot points  30  and  62  is typically within the range of 10% to 30% of the maximum vertical movement at the trailing ends of the hulls. 
     The hinges  26 ;  58  and  30 ;  62  and the suspension units  32 ;  64  are designed to limit downward travel of the movable hull supports beyond the positions illustrated schematically in  FIG. 7 , to prevent over-extension of the hull units. The trailing ends of the movable hull supports  24 ;  56  can pivot upwardly from their illustrated rest positions, about the hinges  26 ;  58 , along an arcuate path A, while the trailing ends of the hulls  28 ;  60  can pivot upwardly about the hinges  30 ;  62  along an arcuate path B having a substantially greater radius than that of the path A. 
     This is achieved by incorporating a suitable stop mechanism in each hinge joint, and by pre-tensioning the suspension units to ensure that the hull units adopt a neutral alignment when the craft is at rest. The use of the pre-tensioned suspension units gives a degree of rigidity to the hull units, and the hulls will only heave or pivot when subjected to transient impact forces. The use of sprung and damped hinges as described above avoids the need for a second relatively bulky trailing arm assembly with associated suspension components for the movable hull supports  24 ;  56 , offering a light weight and relatively low cost alternative. 
     Each hull unit has a flattened generally “S” shaped profile in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis, with a leading end defined by the mount attached to the platform and a trailing end defined by the trailing end of the respective trailing hull, the trailing end of the hull unit being lower than the leading end thereof. 
     It can be seen from the drawings that the trailing ends of the forward hull units lie below the leading ends of the aft hull units. The suspension units of the forward hulls are designed to limit the upward travel of the forward hulls to prevent interference between the forward and aft hulls. The outer edges of the forward and aft hulls are substantially aligned, as best seen in the under plan view of  FIG. 2 . The forward hull units are somewhat shorter than the aft hull units, typically about 20% to 40% shorter. 
     It can be noted that each hull unit curves both rearwardly and outwardly, relative to the longitudinal axis of the platform, from its leading end. This provides a desirable free-flowing platform and hull configuration. 
     The length of the movable hull support members  24  and  56  is typically approximately 20% to 40% of the length of the respective hulls connected thereto. The leading ends of the movable hull support members are attached to the respective fixed hull support members relatively high on the body of the platform  12 , while the movable hull support members and the hulls themselves curve downwardly towards their trailing ends so that a substantial portion of each hull is beneath the underside of the platform  12 . The volume and buoyancy of the hulls is designed to ensure that when the boat is at rest in the water, the underside of the platform  12  is clear of the water. In general, the volume and buoyancy of the hulls is selected as a function of the craft&#39;s specific application and performance requirements. 
     The shape of each hull unit is designed for optimum hydrodynamic effect. Each moveable hull support and hull assembly forms an integral, free flowing S-shaped hull unit, providing optimum shock absorbing qualities in both horizontal and vertical planes. The hull units have an overall uniformly tapering profile, with the shape and profile of the fixed hull supports, movable hull supports and hulls flowing smoothly from one to the next. The width of each hull at its leading end, in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the platform  12 , is in the range from 50% to 100%, typically approximately 60% of the maximum width of the hull, while the vertical sectional depth at the leading end of each hull is in the range from 2% to 20%, typically approximately 10% of the maximum vertical sectional depth of the hull. 
     Each hull is formed with at least one chine which curves rearwardly and outwardly from the leading end thereof. The upper surface of each hull directly aft of the respective swivel mount  38  or  70  curves downwardly to a diminishing tapering trailing end. This profile assists in reducing hydrodynamically induced negative pressures which could be expected here. A further measure to reduce negative pressures in this region entails the incorporation of a vent duct within the abovementioned tapered region, with the inlet port of the duct being positioned above the water level of the hull. 
     For optimum hull dynamics, with desirably rapid vertical acceleration characteristics, the hull should have a low mass. At the same time, the hulls are subject to substantial stresses in use, and this will generally dictate a hull construction of a durable, high strength and light weight material such as carbon fibre, Kevlar or aluminium alloy. 
     In some embodiments, in order to minimise the mass of the hulls and to increase their impact resistance, they may be internally pressurised. For example, each hull may be filled with one or more flexible bladders which are pneumatically pressurised. 
     Due to the fact that the forward end of each hull is attached to and supported by a hull support mounted on the platform, approximately 30% of the mass of each hull is essentially static and inactive. The free floating trailing end of each hull represents approximately 70% of the effective hull mass, which is the portion of the hull which is subjected to dynamic movement. 
     It is important that the hull mass, particularly the dynamic mass, of each hull should be minimised as such, apart from the achievement of a high sprung:unsprung mass ratio. 
     Although a high sprung:unsprung mass ratio might appear to provide an index for an efficient craft, this index can be manipulated by adjusting the platform weight, typically using ballast or a payload. 
     Ideally, the craft should have the lowest possible unsprung dynamic mass relative to a given platform mass. Simply dividing the hull of the craft into two separate hulls will increase this ratio, and the use of four hulls will increase the ratio four-fold. The use of the described pivoting geometry can improve the dynamic unsprung mass figure by a further 30% or so. 
     The described arrangement permits a high sprung:unsprung mass ratio in the craft, typically in the region of 10:1 overall. This is achieved by a combination of the described hull design and the use of light weight materials in the hulls. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 5 , propellers  86 . 1  and  86 . 2  are mounted at the trailing ends of the aft hulls  60 . 1  and  60 . 2  and are connected by telescopic drive shafts  88 . 1  and  88 . 2  to a pair of marine engines  90 . 1  and  90 . 2  located in the engine compartment  20 . 
     In order to define a tunnel or airflow passage between the underside of the platform  12  and the aft hulls  60 . 1  and  60 . 2 , flexible walls or curtains  92 . 1  and  92 . 2  are provided between the sides of the platform and the respective hulls. Each wall comprises a set of generally rectangular overlapping slats  94 , each of which is pivoted at an upper corner  96  to an upper support rail  98  fixed to the side of the platform, with a curved slot  100  being formed in an opposed, lower corner thereof which receives a pin  102  mounted on a lower support rail  104  on the upper, inner edge of the respective hull. The pivoting/sliding configuration of the slats  94  allows them to move to accommodate relative movement between the hulls and the platform, while the overlap between adjacent slats insures adequate air tightness. The slats are preferably formed from a light, stiff but flexible material, such as carbon fibre or Kevlar composites. 
     When the boat is travelling at speed, air enters the tunnel defined between the underside of the platform  12  and the inner sides of the aft hulls, and induces a positive aerodynamic pressure, to assist in reducing hydrodynamic drag losses. To enhance the aerodynamic pressure, a pair of downwardly extending flaps  106  and  108  are provided at the stern of the boat to close the rear end of the airflow passage or tunnel to a large extent, and thus to maximise the lift provided by air trapped in the tunnel. The respective flaps are supported independently by sprung and damped suspension units  110  and  112  which control sudden movement of the flaps. The lower outer corners  114  and  116  of the respective flaps can engage the inner edges of the respective hulls  60 . 1  and  60 . 2  when the latter ride upwardly when the boat is in operation, and rollers or other bearing means can be provided on the flaps and/or the hulls to permit the components to move relative to one another without damage. This arrangement moves the flaps upwardly out of contact with the water during major excursions of the hulls. 
     The described boat is designed to travel at high speeds, with a relatively small wetted area due to the combined effect of air trapped under the platform and the efficient hydrodynamic shape of the individual hulls. In addition, the use of multiple independently suspended hulls, each of which is much lower in mass than the central platform of the boat, allows the boat to deal effectively with rough or turbulent water conditions, imparting a minimum of shock to the platform and hence to the occupants of the boat. The described four-hull configuration provides four points of contact between the craft and the water, ensuring that the craft is stable in both lateral and longitudinal planes. 
     It will be appreciated that the relative sizes and proportions of the platform and the hull, the relative masses thereof, the degree of travel of the suspension components and the geometry of the hulls can be adjusted according to requirements. For example, the boat can be optimised for maximum speed, or for carrying a predetermined payload. 
     The configuration of the described watercraft is well suited for extensive geometrical modulation, and provides a craft usable in both mild and extreme operational conditions. The design provides a large shock absorbing capacity and a high system efficiency. The described craft is primarily performance oriented, with a lesser emphasis being placed on volumetrics and payload requirements. 
     Although a watercraft having four hulls has been described, the principles of the invention can be applied to a two-hulled configuration as well. In a two-hulled version, the hulls will extend substantially the full length of the craft, each having a flexible skirt or curtain between itself and the platform of the craft. In other respects, the suspension of the hulls will be substantially the same as that described above for a single pair of hulls. 
     The described embodiment has inboard propulsion units but it is also possible to make use of outboard units, which could either be mounted on the platform, or on the trailing ends of the aft hulls. In the case of a sailcraft, self-contained power units will be omitted.