HoverIQ

What it does

HoverIQ is an intelligent hovercraft control support system that eliminates the problem of sudden descent and loss of maneuverability when the throttle is released, thanks to efficient use of airflow through an innovative wing mechanism with servomechanisms.

Your inspiration

During hovercraft model testing, I noticed a problem with sudden descent and loss of maneuverability when the throttle was released, which limited its effectiveness and safety. I became intrigued by how to better utilize the air generated by the propeller to improve the vehicle’s stability. This led me to develop an innovative pressure control system for the air cushion using a movable wing and servomechanisms. This solution has particular potential for hovercrafts powered by combustion engines, where precise pressure control is crucial for operational stability and efficiency.

How it works

The project is based on a standard hovercraft design, enhanced with an additional horizontal wing mounted behind the propeller. The model is equipped with a set of sensors: two pressure sensors—placed at the front and rear of the air cushion—an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a proximity sensor. All these sensors are connected to a dedicated mini controller, which analyzes the current state of the vehicle based on the collected data and controls the servomechanisms responsible for moving the horizontal wing. The controller also manages other components, such as the engine, allowing for smooth adjustment of propulsion power. In the event of a detected rollover or dangerous tilting, the system immediately cuts off control and slows the engine, while activating safety mechanisms to protect the user—for example, by disabling the drive system during model handling, which helps prevent accidental injuries such as finger loss.

Design process

Work on the hovercraft model began at the start of my engineering studies. Initially, it wasn’t intended as a thesis topic but rather a research project aimed at understanding the fundamentals of hovercraft operation. The original concept involved a simple model powered by a single combustion engine, which was meant to both lift the vehicle on an air cushion and propel it forward. In later stages of the project, I decided to replace the combustion engine with an electric unit, which significantly simplified the model’s operation and facilitated testing of the innovative air cushion pressure control system. The entire structure was built primarily from wood—most components were precisely laser-cut from 3 mm plywood, while the remaining parts were manually finished using soft balsa wood, allowing for detailed adjustments and maintaining a lightweight design. In the final phase, control electronics were installed and dedicated software was written to manage the operation of the entire model. After many hours of testing and calibration, optimal settings were achieved, resulting in smooth performance and a user-friendly experience.

How it is different

What makes my project unique is its innovative system for dynamic pressure management within the air cushion, which breaks away from the traditional linear relationship between engine thrust and hovercraft lift. Most similar models rely on simple air supply, where any change in engine power directly affects lift and maneuverability. My design, by incorporating a movable wing controlled by servomechanisms and analyzing sensor data, enables intelligent control of air distribution—independent of the current propulsion power. This solution allows the vehicle to remain stable even during sudden throttle changes, which in conventional designs would lead to descent and loss of control.

Future plans

In the next stages, I plan to develop an innovative hovercraft chamber in which the air distribution will be dynamically regulated by dozens of servomechanisms based on readings from pressure and tilt sensors. This will enable precise real-time control of the cushion. Ultimately, the hovercraft is intended to maintain its position autonomously, compensating for terrain inclination without operator assistance. My goal is to create a universal, intelligent control platform for hovering vehicles capable of operating in harsh conditions—such as in rescue missions, logistics, or exploration of difficult and inaccessible terrain.

Awards

1st place in the competition organized by the Association of Polish Electricians – Tarnów Branch for the best diploma thesis among higher education institutions in the Tarnów region. 2nd place in the nationwide “Young Innovators” competition in the engineering category, organized by the Łukasiewicz Research Network.