Water ski

Abstract

The invention relates to a water ski (1) having: a ski body (2) which can float and is assigned, in addition to a binding (3), a propulsion drive comprising a rotary drive unit with a rotary drive (4) and a screw drive that can be driven therewith; and a control device (6) for specifying a drive power. In order to create advantageous drive conditions, according to the invention the water skis (1) of a water ski pair each comprise a rotary drive unit with at least one drive sensor (7), an assigned stored energy source and a communications device, which synchronises the rotary drives (4) of the two water skis (1) on the basis of drive sensor data and specification data of the control device (6).

Description

[0001] water skiing

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The invention relates to water skis with a floating ski body to which, in addition to a binding, a drive system is assigned, comprising a rotary drive unit with a rotary drive and a screw drive that can be driven therewith, and with a control device for specifying a drive power.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Such motorized water skis, which can be used on bodies of water without a tow boat or ski lift, are known, for example, from US 3646905 A, US 31 13550 A, and EP 0169818 A1. The device known from EP 0169818 A1 comprises water skis with a propeller drive, the drive being provided by a motor located in a backpack, which is connected to the propeller shaft via a flexible shaft. With buoyant water skis, it is customary for the tail of the ski to sink underwater when the skier is in a seated position and wearing a life jacket, while the shovel-shaped ski tips protrude above the water's surface. When the skier operates the steering mechanism, the rotary drive turns the screw, propeller, or jet drive and accelerates the skis. As a result of the increasing buoyancy of the water skis with increasing speed, they float onto the

[0006] The water surface rises until they enter a gliding phase, after which the skier can assume their skiing position with an upright upper body and slightly bent knees.

[0007] DE 29919545 U1 discloses a surfboard-like device with a propulsion system. US 3646905 A is similar in design to a catamaran with an outboard motor positioned between the hulls. US 31 13550 A is designed to draw water from under the skis, feed it through lines to a backpack, and expel the water from the back of the backpack for propulsion.

[0008] A major disadvantage of backpack solutions is that they significantly restrict freedom of movement while traveling. Description of the invention

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the task of improving water skiing, as described above.

[0010] to create the described type, which does not restrict the skier's freedom of movement and which is combined with intelligent, dangerous driving conditions

[0011] are equipped with a mitigating control system. The invention solves the stated problem by equipping each water ski of a pair with a rotary drive unit, each with at least one

[0012] drive sensor, an associated energy storage device and a

[0013] The communication device includes controls that operate the rotary drives of both water skis depending on drive sensor data and preset data.

[0014] The control unit is being calibrated.

[0015] This creates water skis that increase the freedom of movement of the

[0016] The skier's freedom of movement is not restricted. Each of the two water skis is equipped with a preferably electric or, alternatively, combustion engine, a propeller or jet drive, and all components necessary for propulsion. To avoid dangerous driving situations, the...

[0017] Communication facilities that provide an interface between the

[0018] The control unit and the rotary drive units represent the rotary drives of both water skis, depending on drive sensor data and control unit preset data. The drive sensor can be, for example, a speed sensor, a torque sensor to determine the drive power, or a force sensor to measure the drive thrust of the rotary drive unit, or similar. The speed can be controlled with a handle.

[0019] A control device is specified, which, for example, operates wirelessly via a

[0020] A wireless network is connected to the communication devices of both skis. To provide fully functional and non-restrictive motorized water skis, an intelligent system is required.

[0021] A communication system allows the two rotary drive units to communicate with each other, enabling safe and stable driving. This minimizes the risk of accidents, as the motorized

[0022] Water skiers can make controlled movements and uncontrollable driving conditions can be prevented.

[0023] To achieve advantageous, particularly compact and as safe as possible

[0024] To create suitable propulsion conditions, it is proposed that the rotary drive unit be a jet drive with its outlet nozzle located at the waterline near the tail of the water ski. The jet drive's outlet nozzle can be pivotally mounted on a jet drive body about at least one axis, allowing the water skis to be trimmed according to the skier's skill level. This adjustment can be fixed. If readjustment during operation is desired, the jet drive's outlet nozzle can be pivotally mounted on a jet drive body about at least one axis, with an actuating mechanism adjustable according to preset data from the control unit.

[0025] The water skis can be equipped with a sensor that measures at least one angle of inclination around the longitudinal axis of the water ski in order to detect the position of the water ski on the water.

[0026] Suitable sensors for detecting the position of water skis on the water include inertial sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, tilt sensors, and angle sensors, among others. For example, if a water skier wants to make a left turn, they lean to the left and turn. If the sensors on both skis detect that the skier is initiating a certain tilt angle to the left, the right ski can be accelerated relative to the left ski to facilitate the turn. An accelerometer can also detect the speed of movement, meaning it can identify whether, for example, tight turns are being attempted, as is common in surfing and water skiing. Changes in direction can also be initiated or assisted by appropriately controlling the outlet nozzle with its associated actuator.

[0027] The two skis communicate constantly with each other via the communication devices, preferably wirelessly, for example via a Bluetooth connection.

[0028] Water skis can also be equipped with various sensors to…

[0029] For example, water ingress into one of the skis or unplanned situations.

[0030] To be able to detect temperature changes, speed changes, and other motor variations, the skis can be constantly monitored to prevent dangerous conditions for the skier. Through communication between the skis, any discrepancies in data between the two skis are immediately detected, allowing for intervention or emergency operation as needed. For example, if the speed or temperature of one ski becomes too high, the speed of both skis can be automatically reduced.

[0031] The speed can be reduced to a correspondingly lower level. Additional safety sensors, such as a water contact sensor, can determine whether a ski is in contact with water during the ride and automatically adjust the rotational speed of the skis or a single ski.

[0032] Another safety measure is the use of emergency stop switches in case of a fall. This can be achieved by incorporating a contact sensor in the binding or by connecting a body-worn cuff to the water ski via a rip cord. If the rider falls, the rip cord detaches from the skis and the spin drive is immediately shut off.

[0033] Similarly, water skis can be equipped with a position sensor to detect their relative positions on the water. If the distance between the two skis changes, either laterally or due to a longitudinal offset, this should be detected and, if necessary, corrected by adjusting the drive thrust or the exhaust nozzle. There are several

[0034] Possibilities for such position sensors, e.g. gyro sensors that

[0035] The system detects changes in position, which can then be compensated for. Additionally, the skis can be equipped with DGPS sensors to correct for any mutual positional changes. Solutions using strong magnets, cameras, sonar, and similar devices are also conceivable. For example, a force and / or pressure sensor, perhaps attached to the binding, particularly the binding base plate, can detect when the water skier exerts pressure to the left, right, backward, or forward.

[0036] In other words, if the water skier, for example, gets lost during the ride due to

[0037] If the skier's body of water shifts into a potentially dangerous position, this is detected via sensor data and the skier can counteract it accordingly. If the skier wants to shift their left ski further back, for example to initiate a turn, they push the ski back, and this is detected by the sensor. As a result, the left ski slows down compared to the right until the sensor returns to its normal position.

[0038] The system has a load collective. The movement is therefore supported. The same principle also works with speed sensors. For example, if the left ski slows down, the sensor recognizes that the skier is braking, i.e., trying to move the ski further back. This movement is supported by slowing down the respective ski until its speed is the same as the other ski's.

[0039] For beginners, or for learning how to use the equipment, it can be advantageous if the water skis can be mechanically connected using a coupling device. The rotary drives of both water skis would then preferably be rigidly coupled or synchronized. Using the mechanical coupling device, the water skis can potentially be connected to form a kind of monoski or surfboard. With a mechanical coupling device, the skis can be easily connected and disconnected. Disconnection, in particular, can be done either via a switch on the remote control or manually. This makes it easier, for example, to get going from the water. When the skis are connected, it is much easier to position oneself over the skis and slip one's feet into the bindings before the coupling device is released, either before or after starting to move.

[0040] For a special riding experience, the water skis can be equipped with a hydrofoil, with the rotary drive units preferably located in the area of ​​the hydrofoils' wings.

[0041] It is recommended that the communication device for reading data be designed to be wirelessly connectable to a computer unit. This allows for a

[0042] Programming, for example selecting an operating mode, can be done externally at any time.

[0043] Furthermore, a pair of ski poles can be assigned to the water ski pair, wherein the ski poles are equipped with floats at the end opposite the handles and wherein at least one of the two ski poles is equipped with an actuation for operating the control device.

[0044] There is the possibility for each of the two water skiers to have their own

[0045] The system uses two control units, one in the left hand and one in the right. This allows you to control the speed of the left ski with the control unit in your left hand and the right ski with the one in your right hand. This makes turning particularly easy. Since it's impossible to achieve the exact same speed for both skis, a button on either remote control allows you to control both skis simultaneously. The communication system prevents invalid, and especially dangerous, driving conditions. If, for example, the driver wants one of the motorized water skis to travel faster than the other, they can increase the speed of a single ski by a specific percentage of its current speed. A programmed lock prevents accidental excessive speed on one ski, i.e., the skis drifting apart.

[0046] Generally, the body of motorized water skis is constructed from lightweight materials such as carbon fiber or plastic. Additionally, the skis can consist of an inflatable body that integrates the drive technology and all its components. A significant advantage of this design is that it requires minimal storage space.

[0047] There are two design variations; one of them is to design the motorized water skis in such a way that the rider can remain on the skis even when not in motion.

[0048] The water surface floats. Therefore, the skis can support the rider's body weight. The second scenario is that motorized water skis cannot support the rider's weight unless they are traveling at a certain speed. Only when the water skis are moved across the water at a sufficient speed is the necessary buoyancy achieved to lift the rider out of the water. To improve the stability or contact area of ​​the water skis with a few simple adjustments, making them easier for children or...

[0049] To make it easier for novice skiers, it is suggested that a separate inflatable body, a kind of swim ring, be provided that completely encloses the respective water ski, or into which the water ski can be inserted.

[0050] To increase the safety of water skis, a pressure sensor can be attached to the binding, particularly the binding plate. As long as a skier applies sufficient pressure to the sensor, the skis can be operated as desired. If this pressure is lost due to a fall or similar event, the rotary drive is deactivated, or the binding is released, to prevent uncontrolled movement of the skis. Furthermore, it is advantageous to equip the remote control with a moisture sensor. This detects if the remote control is submerged in water during a fall and again deactivates the rotary drive.

[0051] As an additional feature, a personalized unlocking mechanism can be provided to prevent unauthorized use of the water skis by third parties. This unlocking mechanism makes it possible to...

[0052] For example, a fingerprint sensor on the remote control or on the skis can be used to unlock the controls, ensuring that the skis can only be operated by authorized persons.

[0053] Brief description of the invention

[0054] The invention is illustrated in the drawing as an example. It shows

[0055] Fig. 1 Water skis according to the invention in a schematic oblique view,

[0056] Fig. 2 shows a water ski in a partially cut-away side view and

[0057] Figures 3 to 5 show a possible sequence of movements during a start-up process.

[0058] Method for implementing the invention

[0059] The water skis 1 of a pair of water skis each comprise a buoyant ski body 2 to which, in addition to a binding 3, a drive system is assigned, comprising a rotary drive unit with a rotary drive 4, an electric motor, and a screw drive driven by it, in the exemplary embodiment a jet drive 5. In addition, a control device 6 is provided for specifying a drive power.

[0060] The water skis 1 of the water ski pair each comprise a rotary drive unit with at least one drive sensor 7, for example a speed sensor or the like, an associated energy storage device 8, a battery pack, and a

[0061] Communication device 9. Communication device 9 matches the

[0062] The rotary drives 4 of both water skis 1 are controlled based on drive sensor data and preset data from the control unit 6, and the water skis 1 are controlled accordingly. For example, for a start, for turning, or for changes in speed. For this purpose, the

[0063] Communication devices 9 of both water skiers 1 connect via a radio link, for example using Bluetooth. For stabilization, the

[0064] Underside of the water ski, below the binding 3 a fin 10 is arranged on the water ski 1.

[0065] The outlet nozzle 1 1 of the jet drive 5 is located in the area of ​​the water ski end in the

[0066] The outlet nozzle 11 is located in the area of ​​the waterline. Furthermore, the outlet nozzle 11 can be pivotally mounted on a jet propulsion unit 12 about at least one axis H, V. For this pivoting adjustment, an actuating drive (not shown in detail) can be provided, with which the outlet nozzle 11 is pivotally mounted on a jet propulsion unit 12 depending on the parameters of the control device 6. The jet propulsion unit 5 draws in the water to be expelled in the usual manner in front of its propeller (impeller) on the underside of the water ski and expels it behind the propeller (impeller) through a nozzle to generate the propulsion thrust.

[0067] Furthermore, the water skis 1 are designed to detect the position of the water skis on the water with at least one angle of inclination around the longitudinal axis L of the water skis.

[0068] equipped with a measuring tilt angle sensor 13.

[0069] In a possible starting position, the water skier, equipped with a life jacket and skis strapped on, sits in the water (Fig. 3). The tail of the ski sinks underwater, while the shovel-shaped ski tips protrude above the water's surface.

[0070] When the skier activates the control device 6 via the Fland, the rotary drive 4 engages the propeller of the jet drive 5 and accelerates the skis, with the skier initially remaining in a seated position with their weight shifted forward. The swiveling nozzle ensures stability by pivoting around the corresponding axis to provide more or less additional lift, depending on the speed. This is determined by whether the jet stream is intended to push the ski end underwater or lift it out of the water (Fig. 4). As the speed increases, the water skis 1 gain more buoyancy and float to the surface until they enter a gliding phase, after which the skier can assume their riding position with an upright torso and slightly bent knees (Fig. 5).In this position, the swiveling nozzles can be used to assist changes in direction of travel by deflecting them accordingly.

Claims

A water ski (1) having a buoyant ski body (2) to which, in addition to a binding (3), a propelling drive is assigned, which comprises a rotary drive unit with a rotary drive (4) and a screw drive which can be driven thereby, and having a control device (6) for presetting a drive power, characterized in that the water skis (1) of a pair of water skis each comprise a rotary drive unit with at least one drive sensor (7) each, an associated energy storage device (8) and a communication device (9) which adjusts the rotary drives (4) of both water skis (1) as a function of drive sensor data and of preset data of the control device (6).The water ski (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotary drive unit is a jet drive (5) with an outlet nozzle (11), which is arranged in the area of the water ski end in the region of a water line.The water ski (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the outlet nozzle (11) of the jet drive (5) is mounted on a jet drive body (12) so as to be pivotable about at least one axis.The water ski (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the outlet nozzle (11) of the jet drive (5) is mounted on a jet drive body (12) so as to be pivotable about at least one axis by means of an actuator which is adjustable as a function of preset data of the control device (6).The water ski (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the water skis (1) are equipped with a sensor measuring at least one angle of inclination about the longitudinal axis of the water ski for detecting the position of the water skis on water. The water ski (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the binding (3) is equipped with a pressure sensor for detecting a fall.The water ski (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the water skis (1) are equipped with a position sensor for detecting the mutual position on the water.The water ski (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the water skis (1) are mechanically connectable to a coupling device. The water ski (1) according to claims1, characterized in that the water skis (1) are equipped with a hydrofoil, wherein the rotary drive units are arranged in the area of the wings of the hydrofoils.The water ski (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication device (9) can be wirelessly coupled to a computer unit for reading out data.The water ski (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a pair of ski poles is associated with the water ski pair, wherein the ski poles are equipped with floats at the end facing away from the grips and wherein at least one of the two ski poles is equipped with an actuating means for operating the control device (6).

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