Auxiliary power device of unpowered hydrofoil surfboard

Abstract

The invention provides an unpowered hydrofoil surfboard auxiliary power device which comprises a mounting plate fixedly arranged on the bottom face of a surfboard and an auxiliary power assembly fixedly connected with the mounting plate, and at least one first mounting hole is formed in the mounting plate. First mounting holes are formed in the mounting plate and correspond to fasteners for fixedly connecting the mast and the surfboard in a one-to-one mode, the first mounting holes matched with the original fasteners are formed in the mounting plate, the mast penetrates through the mounting plate through the fasteners to be connected with the surfboard, and therefore the situation that the overall strength of the surfboard is affected by the strength of the auxiliary device is avoided; and the thickness of the auxiliary device does not cause the defect that the gravity center moves upwards to influence user operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of hydrofoil surfboards, and in particular to an auxiliary power device for an unpowered hydrofoil surfboard. Background Art

[0002] Non-powered surfboards with hydrofoils are popular in the market. However, these boards require either natural waves or a run-up from the user to gain initial speed. This initial speed allows the hydrofoils to generate sufficient lift in the water to lift the board and the user above the surface. As speed decreases, the user must continuously pedal to repeatedly shift the hydrofoils between a diving and rising position to maintain speed. Therefore, non-powered hydrofoil surfboards can be quite challenging to master. Furthermore, if the speed required to maintain lift from the hydrofoils is lost or the user falls into the water, the user must return to the natural wave area by running back ashore or using other watercraft to regain speed and continue surfing.

[0003] In order to solve the problems encountered during the use of the above-mentioned unpowered surfboards, the prior art patent application WO2023159276, entitled "WATERCRAFT PROPULSION SYSTEM," proposes a power-assist device that can be installed on an unpowered hydrofoil surfboard. This technology proposes a built-in battery control module installed between the board body and the mast, wherein the upper surface of the control module is connected to the bottom of the board body; one end of the mast is connected to the lower surface of the control module, and the other end of the mast is connected to the hydrofoil device; the propulsion system is installed on the mast and connected to the control module via cables.

[0004] With this prior art power-assist device, when the speed decreases, the hydrofoil surfboard lowers, causing the propulsion system to enter the water. The user then controls the propulsion system via a remote control, providing power in the water to increase or maintain speed, thereby increasing or maintaining the lift generated by the hydrofoil. This auxiliary power is not required to provide power in the water at all times, so the motor power and battery capacity do not need to be large. The added weight of the power-assist device on an existing, non-powered hydrofoil surfboard does not affect the user's ability to operate while surfing.

[0005] However, the above technology has at least the following problems: 1. Because the mast and hydrofoil board are connected through the control module, the strength of the control module directly affects the overall strength of the hydrofoil surfboard. 2. Because the control module has a certain thickness, using this connection method will cause the center of gravity height to change, affecting user operation. 3. When modifying an existing hydrofoil surfboard, purchased auxiliary system accessories may not match the original hydrofoil surfboard. In particular, the original mast may not be able to be installed on the lower surface of the control module, and the user will need to purchase a mast that can be installed on the control module. 4. Because the propulsion system is installed on the mast in the above solution, the stability of its connection is uncontrollable during high-speed operation and is prone to loosening. 5. In the above solution, the cables are directly exposed to water, which generates significant resistance, requires a more advanced sealing process, and poses a safety hazard. 6. Because the mast is located at the rear of the surfboard, the power module of the prior art is placed behind the hydrofoil surfboard mast. There is no board body to block the power module, which poses a safety risk if the user falls into the water.

[0006] In view of this, those skilled in the art need to improve the current auxiliary power unit to overcome the above-mentioned defects. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard. By providing a first mounting hole that matches the original fastener on the mounting plate, the mast is connected to the surfboard through the mounting plate using the fastener, thereby preventing the strength of the auxiliary device from affecting the overall strength of the surfboard. In addition, the thickness of the auxiliary device will not cause the center of gravity to shift upward and affect user operation. In addition, by placing the power module in the front, user operation safety is improved.

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, in a first aspect, the present invention provides an auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard, comprising a mounting plate fixedly disposed on the bottom surface of the surfboard, and an auxiliary power assembly fixedly connected to the mounting plate, wherein at least one first mounting hole is formed on the mounting plate, and the first mounting hole corresponds one-to-one to a fastener that securely connects the mast to the surfboard.

[0009] Optionally, the first mounting hole is a strip hole, a long hole or a waist-shaped hole.

[0010] Optionally, the auxiliary power assembly includes a control module and a power supply module, and the control module and the power supply module are wrapped around the outside of the mast.

[0011] Optionally, there are multiple power supply modules, and the multiple power supply modules are symmetrically arranged with the mast as the center.

[0012] Optionally, there is a gap between the power supply module and the mounting plate, and the mounting portion of the mast is located in the gap.

[0013] Optionally, the control module and the power supply module are integrally arranged or detachably arranged.

[0014] Optionally, the auxiliary power assembly also includes a power module, which includes a propulsion assembly, a drive motor for driving the propulsion assembly to rotate, a connecting rod with one end fixedly connected to the drive motor, and the other end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to at least one of the mounting plate, the control module, and the power supply module.

[0015] Optionally, the propulsion assembly has a folded state and an unfolded state, and the power module is in the unfolded state only when working.

[0016] Optionally, at least part of the power module interferes with the mast.

[0017] In order to achieve the above objectives, in a second aspect, the present invention provides an auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard, comprising a control module, a power supply module and a power module. The power module is located in front of the mast of the surfboard along the forward direction of the surfboard.

[0018] Optionally, the power module is fixedly connected to the control module or the power supply module via a connecting rod, or the power module is fixedly arranged on the mast via a connecting structure.

[0019] Optionally, the power module includes a foldable propeller and a drive motor for driving the foldable propeller to rotate.

[0020] Optionally, the foldable propeller includes at least two blades, and a linkage structure for synchronous unfolding and folding is provided between adjacent blades.

[0021] In order to achieve the above objectives, in a third aspect, the present invention provides an auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard, comprising a control module, a power supply module and a power module, wherein the power module is fixedly connected to the control module and / or the power supply module via a connecting rod.

[0022] The auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard provided by the present invention has the following advantages over the prior art: by providing a first mounting hole in the mounting plate, the original mast is directly mounted to the surfboard via the first mounting hole using fasteners. Therefore, the overall strength is not affected by the auxiliary power device, and the original surfboard can be directly modified without replacing parts. In addition, the thickness of the auxiliary power device does not cause the user's center of gravity to shift upward, thereby not affecting the user's operation. In addition, based on the existing technology of the non-powered hydrofoil board structure, the power module is set in front of the mast, and the board body can better play a shielding role. When the user falls into the water during surfing, it is more difficult to touch the blades of the power module, thereby improving safety. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which constitute part of the present invention, are intended to provide a further understanding of the present invention and to make other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention more apparent. The accompanying drawings and descriptions of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are intended to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 This invention illustrates Figure 1 ; Figure 2 This invention illustrates Figure 2 ; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary power unit; Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary power unit installed on an independent float; Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of a folding propeller; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the folding propeller (part of the housing is hidden); Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of another embodiment in which the power module is placed in front.

[0024] Among them: 1. Mounting plate, 2. Control module, 3. Power supply module, 4. Drive motor, 5. Propulsion assembly, 6. First mounting hole, 7. Second mounting hole; 8. Connecting rod; 9. Surfboard; 10. Mast; 11. Float; 12. Positioning slot; 13. Blade; 14. Gear. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solutions of the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," and the like in the specification and claims of the present invention and the accompanying drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or precedence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate for the embodiments of the present invention described herein. In addition, the terms "including," "having," and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus comprising a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0027] In the present invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "center," "vertical," "horizontal," "transverse," and "longitudinal" indicate positions or locations based on the positions or locations shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily intended to better describe the present invention and its embodiments and are not intended to limit the devices, elements, or components indicated to having a specific orientation, or to being constructed or operated in a specific orientation.

[0028] Furthermore, some of the above terms may be used to express other meanings besides indicating a position or location. For example, the term "on" may also be used to indicate a dependency or connection in certain circumstances. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] Additionally, the term "plurality" shall mean two or more.

[0030] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features of the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0031] like Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, an auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard includes a mounting plate 1 fixedly mounted on the bottom surface of a surfboard 9, and an auxiliary power assembly fixedly connected to the mounting plate 1. The mounting plate 1 is provided with at least one first mounting hole 6, and the first mounting hole 6 corresponds one-to-one with a fastener that securely connects a mast 10 to the surfboard 9.

[0032] It should be noted that the position of the first mounting hole 6 is consistent with the position of the mounting hole of the fastener that originally fixed the mast 10 to the surfboard 9, such as the bolt hole. The surfboard 9 and the mast 10 were originally locked and fixed together by the cooperation of bolts and nuts. Therefore, when performing modification, the mast 10 and surfboard 9 are first removed, and then the mounting plate 1 is placed on the bottom of the surfboard 9 so that the first mounting hole 6 is aligned with the mounting holes on the surfboard 9 and the mast 10. Then, a bolt is inserted through the mounting hole of the mast 10, the first mounting hole 6, and the mounting slot on the surfboard 9 in sequence, and then tightened with a nut to complete the installation. The entire installation process is simple and does not require replacement of parts due to assembly problems. In addition, although the mounting plate 1 is located between the mast 10 and the surfboard 9, the mast 10 and the surfboard 9 are directly fixed to each other. Therefore, the overall strength does not depend on the strength of the auxiliary power unit, and the problem of the center of gravity shifting upward due to the thickness of the auxiliary power unit and affecting operation is not caused.

[0033] In addition, in order to better adapt to different models of surfboards 9, in this embodiment, preferably, the first mounting hole 6 is one of a strip hole, a long hole or a waist-shaped hole, thereby adapting to the mounting hole position of the mast 10 of different non-powered hydrofoil boards, thereby improving the compatibility of the mounting plate 1.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the auxiliary power assembly includes a control module 2 and a power supply module 3. To make the overall structure compact, the control module 2 and the power supply module 3 are wrapped around the outside of the mast 10. In addition, a second mounting hole 7 for mounting the control module 2 and the power supply module 3 is provided on the mounting plate 1. The power supply module 3 is powered by a battery, and in order to evenly distribute gravity to maintain the balance of the surfboard 9, there are multiple power supply modules 3. The multiple power supply modules 3 are symmetrically arranged with the mast 10 as the center. In this embodiment, there are two power supply modules 3, and the two battery modules are respectively arranged on both sides of the mast 10 with respect to the forward direction.

[0035] In order to make the installation position of the battery module closer to the mast 10 so that the weight of the battery has less impact on the user's operation during surfing, there is a gap between the power supply module 3 and the mounting plate 1, and the mounting part of the mast 10 is located in the gap.

[0036] In this embodiment, preferably, the control module 2 and the power supply module 3 are integrally arranged or detachably connected, that is, the power supply module 3 and the control module 2 can be integrated into one module. Of course, they can also be separated and disassembled as in this embodiment. The two methods are functionally consistent.

[0037] Finally, the auxiliary power assembly also includes a power module, which includes a propulsion assembly 5 and a drive motor 4 for driving the propulsion assembly 5. The propulsion assembly 5 can be a propeller, a jet pump, or other propulsion structures known in the art. In this embodiment, a propeller is preferably used, which is driven by the drive motor 4 to provide auxiliary power. The power module can be placed in the front or rear position. In the forward direction, the power module can be placed in front of the mast 10, and the propeller generates rearward thrust in the water. In the forward direction, the power module can also be placed in the rear relative to the mast 10. The advantage of placing the power module in front of the mast 10 is that it is located in the middle and lower part of the board body, which improves safety in the event of a user falling into the water while surfing. The advantage of placing the power module in the rear is that the power module provides power to increase speed to enhance the lift of the hydrofoil, and the surfboard 9 is in a nose-up posture. Therefore, placing the power unit in the rear allows the power unit to remain in the water longer, thereby achieving a better propulsion effect.

[0038] In addition, depending on whether the power module is placed in front or behind the mast 10, the control module 2 can be installed on the same side of the mast 10 as the power module to reduce the cable routing distance (cable length), which can reduce the water resistance generated by the cable and provide installation convenience.

[0039] It should also be noted that in order to reduce water resistance, the entire auxiliary power unit adopts a rectifier design to reduce the resistance encountered when contacting water.

[0040] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 As shown, in order to improve the overall strength of the auxiliary power unit and the convenience of installation, it also includes a connecting rod 8 with one end fixedly connected to the power module, and the other end of the connecting rod 8 is fixedly connected to at least one of the mounting plate 1, the control module 2, and the power supply module 3. It should be noted that, in order to reduce water resistance, the connecting rod 8 also adopts a streamlined shape to reduce resistance. After adopting the connecting rod 8, the power module is directly fixed on the connecting rod 8, instead of being fixed on the mast 10 as in the prior art. The advantage is that since the connecting rod 8 is fixed to the mounting plate 1 or the control module 2, it can be integrally formed or detachably connected. Therefore, it does not need to be installed separately during installation. Therefore, during high-speed movement, it will not become loose or the structure will be unstable, ensuring safe use. In addition, by setting the connecting rod 8, which is a hollow structure, the cable can be routed through its cavity, reducing the resistance of the cable in water and avoiding unnecessary safety hazards.

[0041] Moreover, the power module is fixedly connected to at least one of the mounting plate 1, the control module 2, and the power supply module 3 via a connecting rod 8, which makes the auxiliary device easier to disassemble and assemble as a whole. On the other hand, when the power module is selected to be placed in front or in the rear according to the user's needs, the auxiliary power device can be installed forward or reversely on the hydrofoil surfboard 9, and propellers with different propulsion directions can be selected; Figure 4 As shown, on the other hand, the power assist device can also facilitate other water sports products to provide underwater power, such as a float 11, a paddle board, a traditional surfboard 9, etc. floating on the water surface carrier, that is, the auxiliary power device can be used as a power device alone.

[0042] Finally, in order to reduce resistance, the power module has a folded state and an unfolded state. The power module is in the unfolded state only when working. For example, if a foldable propeller is used, that is, when the power module is in the water and the motor is not working, the propeller blades can be retracted backwards under the drive of the water flow, thereby reducing the water resistance generated by the propeller.

[0043] Preferably, at least part of the power module is in conflict with the mast 10. In this embodiment, a positioning structure is provided between the power module and the mast 10. The positioning structure is a positioning slot 12 provided on the power module and matched with the mast 10. During installation, the mast 10 is clamped in the positioning slot 12, which improves the stability of the overall connection. In addition, in order to further improve the stability of the connection, the power module is in conflict with the mast 10 through the connecting rod 8, and the power module and the mast 10 can be further reinforced by fixing structures known in the prior art, such as racks and locks, clamping structures, etc.

[0044] like Figure 2 、 Figure 7 As shown, an auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard includes, in addition to a control module 2, a power supply module 3 and a power module, in this solution, the power module is located in front of the mast 10 of the surfboard 9 along the forward direction of the surfboard 9.

[0045] The mast 10 of the current non-powered hydrofoil surfboard 9 is arranged on the rear side of the board body of the surfboard 9 in order to have an elevation angle during surfing and provide upward power. The board body part on the front side of the mast 10 is larger, and the board body part on the rear side is smaller. Due to surfing, users often fall into the water during operation. The current power modules are all arranged on the rear side of the mast 10 in order to provide better power and better propulsion effect. However, the board body on the rear side of the surfboard 9 does not have enough area to block the propeller, so the user is very likely to be injured after falling into the water. In this solution, the propeller is placed in front, and the board body area on the front side of the mast 10 is large, which is sufficient to block the propeller, preventing the user from falling into the water and being injured by the propeller, thereby improving safety.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the power module is fixedly connected to the control module 2 or the power supply module 3 via a connecting rod 8, and of course, it can also be fixedly connected to the above-mentioned mounting plate 1.

[0047] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the power module is fixedly arranged on the mast 10 through a connecting structure. In this embodiment, the power module is directly fixed to the mast 10 through a buckle.

[0048] In order to reduce the water resistance encountered by the user when operating the surfboard 9, the power module includes a foldable propeller and a drive motor 4 for driving the foldable propeller. Since this solution is an auxiliary device, its purpose is only to provide auxiliary power. Therefore, it only works in specific situations and is usually in a non-operating state. The propeller is relatively large and therefore generates a large amount of water resistance in the water. In order to improve the user's operating convenience, a foldable propeller is adopted. When working, the drive motor 4 first drives it to unfold and then rotates it to propel it, providing auxiliary power. When it is not working, it automatically retracts backwards under the action of the water flow, thereby greatly reducing water resistance and further improving safety when the user falls into the water.

[0049] In order to make the propeller able to unfold and fold better, the folding propeller includes at least two blades 13, and a linkage structure for synchronous unfolding and folding is set between adjacent blades 13. Since a "slipstream phenomenon" will occur in the water, such as when the propeller is unfolded, some blades 13 will be blocked and unable to open. Therefore, by setting a linkage structure, all blades 13 will move synchronously when unfolding or folding. The specific structure of the linkage structure is not a design point, and can be as follows: Figure 5 、 Figure 6 As shown, adjacent blades 13 are engaged with each other through gears 14, thereby achieving the purpose of linkage.

[0050] On the other hand, an auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard includes a control module 2, a power supply module 3 and a power module. The power module is fixedly connected to the control module 2 and / or the power supply module 3 through a connecting rod 8. The specific structure is the same as Figure 2 Similar, compared to Figure 2 The mounting plate 1 is missing, and the function of the connecting rod 8 is to fix the power module and the control module 2 and / or the power supply module 3 through the rigid connecting rod 8, that is, to form an integral structure, which is convenient for assembly and disassembly. Therefore, when the power module of the surfboard is switched between the front and rear positions, the so-called front position of the power module means that the power module is located in front of the mast 10 along the forward direction, and the rear position means that the power module is located behind the mast 10 along the forward direction. It is only necessary to disassemble the connecting rod 8 and rotate it 180 degrees for installation, and then replace the propeller of the power module in the opposite direction, which is convenient to operate.

[0051] In addition, the above description states that the rigid connecting rod 8 fixes the power module and the control module 2 and / or the power supply module 3, thereby forming an integral structure of each module, which is not only convenient for forward installation or directional installation, but also convenient for installation in the same direction. Figure 4 As shown, it can also facilitate other water sports products to provide underwater power, such as a float 11, a paddle board, a traditional surfboard 9, etc. floating on the water surface carrier, that is, the auxiliary power device can be used as a power device alone.

[0052] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An auxiliary power device for an unpowered hydrofoil surfboard, characterized in that: The invention comprises a mounting plate fixedly arranged on the bottom surface of the surfboard and an auxiliary power assembly fixedly connected to the mounting plate. The mounting plate is provided with at least one first mounting hole, and the first mounting hole corresponds one-to-one with a fastener that fixes the mast to the surfboard.

2. The auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first mounting hole is one of a strip hole, a long hole or a waist-shaped hole.

3. The auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard according to claim 1, characterized in that: The auxiliary power assembly includes a control module and a power supply module, and the control module and the power supply module are wrapped around the outside of the mast.

4. The auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard according to claim 3, characterized in that: There are multiple power supply modules, and the multiple power supply modules are symmetrically arranged with the mast as the center.

5. The auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard according to claim 3, characterized in that: There is a gap between the power supply module and the mounting plate, and the mounting portion of the mast is located in the gap.

6. The auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard according to claim 3, characterized in that: The control module and the power supply module are integrally arranged or detachably arranged.

7. The auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard according to claim 3, characterized in that: The auxiliary power assembly also includes a power module, which includes a propulsion assembly, a drive motor for driving the propulsion assembly to rotate, a connecting rod with one end fixedly connected to the drive motor, and the other end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to at least one of the mounting plate, the control module, and the power supply module.

8. The auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard according to claim 7, characterized in that: The propulsion assembly has a folded state and an unfolded state, and the power module is in the unfolded state only when working.

9. The auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard according to claim 8, characterized in that: At least a portion of the power module interferes with the mast.

10. An auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard, comprising a control module, a power supply module, and a power module, characterized in that: Along the forward direction of the surfboard, the power module is located at the front side of the mast of the surfboard.

11. The auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard according to claim 10, characterized in that: The power module is fixedly connected to the control module or the power supply module via a connecting rod, or the power module is fixedly arranged on the mast via a connecting structure.

12. The auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard according to claim 10, characterized in that: The power module includes a foldable propeller and a drive motor for driving the foldable propeller to rotate.

13. The auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard according to claim 12, characterized in that: The foldable propeller includes at least two blades, and a linkage structure for synchronous unfolding and folding is provided between adjacent blades.

14. An auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard, comprising a control module, a power supply module, and a power module, characterized in that: The power module is fixedly connected to the control module and / or the power supply module via a connecting rod.

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