FinX - Outboards that emulate natural aquatic creatures

Discussion in 'Electric Propulsion' started by kach22i, Feb 3, 2024.

  1. kach22i
    Joined: Feb 2005
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    kach22i Architect

    From what I can tell this pair of young Frenchmen have developed at least three different kind of propulsion systems that emulate natural aquatic creatures.

    I have seen somewhat related attempts in creating sound for audio loudspeakers, but I'm pretty much awestruck, and even more awestruck they found the capital investors and are living the dream. Looks like they were inspired by or borrowed from medical device patents.

    First found out about them at the New Atlas link below, includes Youtube videos.

    2024
    Biomimetic electric outboard ditches propeller for fin-driven thrust
    Biomimetic electric outboard ditches propeller for fin-driven thrust https://newatlas.com/marine/finx-biomimetic-electric-outboard/


    2020
    FinX: An alternative to propellers for boat propulsion
    FinX: An alternative to propellers for boat propulsion https://www.boatindustry.com/news/32791/finx-an-alternative-to-propellers-for-boat-propulsion
    2022
    FinX: 6 million euros for membrane outboard engines
    FinX: 6 million euros for membrane outboard engines https://www.boatindustry.com/news/41393/finx-6-million-euros-for-membrane-outboard-engines



    2020


    2023
     
    Last edited: Feb 3, 2024
    kach22i, Feb 3, 2024
    #1
  2. kapnD
    Joined: Jan 2003
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    kapnD Senior Member

    It would be interesting to se a side by side study comparing it with traditional outboards.
    Although it is quite innovative, even novel, I can’t see this rippling fin concept having a very broad range of power settings?
     
    kapnD, Feb 3, 2024
    #2
  3. rangebowdrie
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    rangebowdrie Senior Member

    Even though I watched about half of each video the first sentence told me all I needed to know. :rolleyes:
    Do they expect any of those concepts to take the place of even a small outboard on an 8' dingy?
     
    rangebowdrie, Feb 5, 2024
    #3
  4. C. Dog
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    C. Dog Senior Member

    It was pitched well enough to attract a substantial grant, that's all that seems to matter.
     
    C. Dog, Feb 5, 2024
    #4
  5. kach22i
    Joined: Feb 2005
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    kach22i Architect

    Angle investors initially as I understood it, followed by real investors. I missed the grant part I guess.

    Flexible membranes are susceptible to fatigue - similar to hovercraft skirts, but the manatees will love you in return maybe.
     
    kach22i, Feb 5, 2024
    #5

  7. C. Dog
    Joined: May 2022
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    Location: Coffs Harbour NSW Australia

    C. Dog Senior Member

    I agree fully about being kinder to marine life. Since we began powering boats with rotating machines we have not given much consideration to the creatures that live in the water. Around that time the sailing craft that had been fairly friendly to marine life began to get faster and vertical foils became the norm, which wouldn't be a nice impact at 20 knots, and now we have doubled that speed and added horizontal foils, just in case there are schooling pelagics about.
     
    C. Dog, Feb 9, 2024
    #6
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