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 application relates to the field of hydrofoil surfboards, and in particular to an auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard. Background Art

[0002] Unpowered surfboards with hydrofoil devices are popular in the market. However, unpowered hydrofoil surfboards require natural waves to provide kinetic energy or the user to run on shore to gain initial speed, so as to gain a certain speed so that the hydrofoil can generate enough lift in the water to lift the board and the user out of the water. When the speed decreases, the user needs to keep pedaling the pedal body to make the hydrofoil device repeatedly change between diving and rising postures to maintain a certain speed. Therefore, it is very difficult to use unpowered hydrofoil surfboards. In addition, when the speed to maintain the lift of the hydrofoil is lost or the user falls into the water, the user can only run on shore again or use other water vehicles to return to the natural wave area, and regain speed through the waves to continue surfing.

[0003] In order to solve the problems encountered during the use of the above-mentioned unpowered surfboard, the prior art patent application WO2023159276 named: WATERCRAFT PROPULSION SYSTEM proposes a power assist device that can be installed on a unpowered hydrofoil surfboard. The technology proposes a built-in battery control module installed between the board body and the mast, and 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 the power-assisted device of the prior art, when the speed decreases, the hydrofoil surfboard will drop so that the propulsion system enters the water. The user controls the propulsion system through a remote controller to provide power in the water to increase or increase the speed, thereby increasing or maintaining the lift generated by the hydrofoil. This auxiliary power is not intended to provide power in the water all the time, so its motor power and battery capacity do not need to be too large, because the weight added by the user installing the power-assisted device on the original non-powered hydrofoil surfboard will not affect the user's operation when surfing.

[0005] However, the above technology has at least the following problems: 1. Since the mast and the hydrofoil board are connected through the control module, the strength of the control module directly affects the overall strength of the entire hydrofoil surfboard; 2. Since the control module has a certain thickness, the center of gravity height will change when connected in this way, which will affect the user's operation; 3. When the original hydrofoil surfboard is modified, the purchased auxiliary system accessories will not match the original hydrofoil surfboard, especially the original mast cannot be adapted to be installed on the lower surface of the control module, so the user needs to purchase another mast that can be adapted to be installed on the control module; 4. In the above scheme, since the propulsion system is installed on the mast, the stability of its connection is uncontrollable when running at high speed, and it is easy to loosen; 5. In the above scheme, the cable is directly exposed to the water, which will generate greater resistance, require a higher sealing process, and there are safety hazards; 6. Since the mast is set at the rear of the surfboard, the power module of the prior art is placed behind the hydrofoil surfboard mast, and there is no board body above the power module. When the user falls into the water, there is a safety risk.

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

[0007] The main purpose of the present application is to provide an auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard. By opening 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 avoiding the strength of the auxiliary device from affecting the overall strength of the surfboard, and the thickness of the auxiliary device will not cause the defect of the center of gravity moving up and affecting the user's operation; in addition, by placing the power module in front, the safety of user operation is provided.

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, in a first aspect, the present application provides an auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard, comprising a mounting plate fixedly arranged 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 fixes the mast to the surfboard.

[0009] Optionally, the first mounting hole is one of 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 application 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 located on the front side 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 disposed 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] The auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard provided by the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art: by opening a first mounting hole on the mounting plate, the original mast is directly mounted on the surfboard through the first mounting hole using a fastener, so the overall strength is not affected by the auxiliary power device, and the original surfboard can be directly used for modification without replacing accessories, and the thickness of the auxiliary power device will not cause the center of gravity of the user to move upward, and will not affect the operation of the user;

[0022] In addition, based on the unpowered hydrofoil board structure of the existing technology, the power module is arranged 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 drawings constituting a part of this application are used to provide a further understanding of this application, so that other features, purposes and advantages of this application become more obvious. The schematic embodiment drawings and their descriptions of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an improper limitation on this application. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 This invention illustrates Figure 1 ;

[0025] Figure 2 This invention illustrates Figure 2 ;

[0026] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary power unit;

[0027] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary power unit installed on an independent float;

[0028] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of a folding propeller;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a folding propeller (part of the housing is hidden);

[0030] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of another embodiment in which the power module is placed in front.

[0031] 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. floating board; 12. positioning slot; 13. blade; 14. gear. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solution of the present application, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0033] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequential order. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application described here. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, system, product or device comprising a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0034] In the present application, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "middle", "vertical", "horizontal", "lateral", "longitudinal" and the like indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the drawings. These terms are mainly used to better describe the present application and its embodiments, and are not used to limit the indicated devices, elements or components to have a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0035] In addition, some of the above terms may be used to express other meanings in addition to indicating orientation or positional relationship. For example, the term "on" may also be used to express a certain dependency or connection relationship in some cases. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of these terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0036] In addition, the term "plurality" shall mean two or more.

[0037] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other. The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0038] like Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, an auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard includes a mounting plate 1 fixedly arranged on the bottom surface of a surfboard 9, and an auxiliary power assembly fixedly connected to the mounting plate 1, wherein at least one first mounting hole 6 is formed on the mounting plate 1, and the first mounting hole 6 corresponds one-to-one to a fastener that fixes the mast 10 to the surfboard 9.

[0039] 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 and the surfboard 9, such as the bolt hole. The original surfboard 9 and the mast 10 are locked and fixed by the cooperation of bolts and nuts. Therefore, when modifying, the mast 10 and the 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, and then the bolt is passed through the mounting hole of the mast 10, the first mounting hole 6 and the mounting groove on the surfboard 9 in sequence, and then locked by a nut to complete the installation. The whole installation process is simple, and there is no need to replace accessories 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 fixedly connected, so the overall strength does not depend on the strength of the auxiliary power unit, and there is no problem of the center of gravity moving up due to the thickness of the auxiliary power unit to affect the operation.

[0040] 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.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the auxiliary power assembly includes a control module 2 and a power supply module 3. In order 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. 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 relative to the forward direction.

[0042] 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, a gap is provided between the power supply module 3 and the mounting plate 1, and the mounting portion of the mast 10 is located in the gap.

[0043] 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, and the two methods are functionally consistent.

[0044] 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 to rotate, wherein the propulsion assembly 5 can be a propeller or a jet pump and other propulsion structures known in the prior art. In this embodiment, a propeller is preferably used, which is driven to rotate by the drive motor 4 to provide auxiliary power. Regarding the setting position of the power module, it can be front-mounted or rear-mounted. In the forward direction, the power module can be set at a position forward relative to the mast 10, and the propeller generates a backward thrust in the water; in the forward direction, the power module can also be set at a position rearward relative to the mast 10. The advantage of the solution of the power module being front-mounted relative to the mast 10 is that it is in the middle and lower part of the board body, and when surfing, the user will have better safety in the event of falling into the water; the advantage of the rear-mounted power module is that the power module provides power to increase the speed to enhance the lift of the hydrofoil, and the surfboard 9 will be in a posture with the head of the board tilted up, so the power unit is rear-mounted, so that the power unit is in the water for a longer time, so there is a better propulsion effect.

[0045] In addition, depending on whether the power module is placed in front or rear relative to 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.

[0046] It should also be noted that in order to reduce water resistance, the entire auxiliary power unit is shaped with a rectifier, thereby reducing the resistance encountered when contacting water.

[0047] 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 the connecting rod 8 is adopted, 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 is not necessary to install it separately during installation. Therefore, during high-speed movement, it will not loosen or the structure will be unstable, thereby ensuring safe use. In addition, by setting the connecting rod 8, which is a hollow structure, the cable can be routed through its cavity, which reduces the resistance of the cable in the water and avoids unnecessary safety hazards.

[0048] 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 through 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 back 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 auxiliary device can also facilitate other water sports products to provide underwater power, such as a floating board 11, a paddle board, a traditional surfboard 9, etc. floating on the water surface, that is, the auxiliary power device can be used as a power device alone.

[0049] 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 driven by the water flow, thereby reducing the water resistance generated by the propeller.

[0050] Preferably, at least part of the power module is in conflict with the mast 10. In the present 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 matching with the mast 10. During installation, the mast 10 is clamped in the positioning slot 12, thereby improving the stability of the overall connection. In addition, in order to further improve the stability of the connection, while the power module is in conflict with the mast 10 through the connecting rod 8, the power module and the mast 10 can also be further reinforced through a fixing structure known in the prior art, such as a rack and a lock, a clamping structure, etc.

[0051] 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, along the forward direction of the surfboard 9, the power module is located in front of the mast 10 of the surfboard 9.

[0052] The mast 10 of the current non-powered hydrofoil surfboard 9 is arranged at the rear side of the board body of the surfboard 9, in order to have an elevation angle during surfing and provide upward power. Then 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 enough to block the propeller, thereby preventing the user from falling into the water and being injured by the propeller, thereby improving safety.

[0053] 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.

[0054] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the power module is fixedly arranged on the mast 10 via a connecting structure. In this embodiment, the power module is directly fixed on the mast 10 via a buckle.

[0055] In order to reduce the water resistance of the surfboard 9 when the user operates it, the power module includes a foldable propeller and a drive motor 4 for driving the foldable propeller to rotate. Since this solution is an auxiliary device, its purpose is only to provide auxiliary power, so it only works under specific circumstances. It is usually in a non-working state. The propeller is relatively large in size, so it will generate a lot of water resistance in the water. In order to improve the user's operating convenience, a foldable propeller is used. When working, the drive motor 4 first drives it to unfold and then rotates 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 the water resistance and further improving the safety when the user falls into the water.

[0056] In order to enable the propeller to be better unfolded and folded, the foldable propeller includes at least two blades 13, and a linkage structure for synchronous unfolding and folding is provided between adjacent blades 13. Since a "slipstream phenomenon" may occur in water, such as when the propeller is unfolded, some blades 13 may be blocked and unable to open. Therefore, by providing a linkage structure, all blades 13 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 meshed through gears 14, thereby achieving the purpose of linkage.

[0057] The above description is only the preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various modifications and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An auxiliary power device for a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard, characterized in that: The utility model comprises a mounting plate fixedly arranged on the bottom surface of a 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 of a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard as claimed in 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 of a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard as claimed in 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 as claimed in 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 of a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard as claimed in 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 as claimed in 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 as claimed in 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 of a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard as claimed in 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 of a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard as claimed in 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 of a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard as claimed in 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 of a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that: The power module includes a foldable propeller and a driving motor for driving the foldable propeller to rotate.

13. The auxiliary power device of a non-powered hydrofoil surfboard as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that: The foldable propeller comprises at least two blades, and a linkage structure for synchronous unfolding and folding is arranged between adjacent blades.

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