An action automatic correction device and method for dragon boat paddles

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of action automatic correction device and method for dragon boat oar, the device is designed by paddle into one side convex, one side recessed tile surface or dipper surface arc structure, and setting the reinforcing rib of protruding in recessed surface middle part;The structure makes that paddle can more effectively aggregate water flow when rowing, increase propulsive force;Especially in the stage of oar out of water, can produce significant resistance resistance feedback to the wrong lateral "turning oar" action, and form relatively smooth water flow passage to the correct vertical oar action;Rower is passively guided to repeat the correct action of smaller resistance by muscle perception of this resistance difference, so as to automatically correct the error action and form correct muscle memory without relying on external instructions or complex equipment.The application has simple structure, and the correction process is natural, improves training effect while improving the efficiency of oar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water sports equipment technology, specifically to an automatic correction device and method for dragon boat paddling movements. Background Technology

[0002] Dragon boat racing is an ancient traditional Chinese water sport. Currently, in formal dragon boat races, paddlers generally use T-shaped paddles. These paddles are typically wider at the bottom and narrower at the top, thicker in the middle and tapering towards the edges, with both sides of the blade convex outwards. This design helps paddlers conserve energy and increase their paddling frequency (stroke rate).

[0003] However, this traditional T-shaped paddle has significant technical drawbacks in practical use: First, its streamlined design with outward-convex blades causes water flow to easily split to both sides during strokes, resulting in poor water grip and less water resistance, making it difficult for paddlers to obtain maximum propulsion. Second, and more critically, this blade shape easily induces and solidifies an incorrect exit motion: "paddle spin." Some paddlers unconsciously tilt the paddle handle inward towards their body while simultaneously flipping the blade outward when exiting the water. This "paddle spin" increases the exit stroke, severely impacting stroke rate, and in multi-person paddles, the paddler on top is prone to colliding with other paddlers in the same row, interfering with each other and disrupting the overall rhythm and power output. The correct technique involves lifting the paddle with both hands forward and upward, keeping the bottom edge of the blade approximately parallel to the water surface at the moment of exit, and then rotating the body forward to send the blade into the water.

[0004] Current technologies for correcting paddling motion largely rely on external observation by coaches, video analysis feedback, or the use of integrated sensors, gyroscopes, and other electronic monitoring devices to alert to errors. These solutions either depend on subjective experience and suffer from delayed feedback, or are complex, costly, and add weight to the equipment, making them difficult to widely apply in training and competition. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a technological solution that can be integrated into the paddling motion itself, passively guiding the paddler to form correct muscle memory and movement habits in real time without external intervention. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic correction device and method for dragon boat paddling movements, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, a specific embodiment of the present invention provides an automatic correction device for dragon boat paddling movements, comprising a paddle shaft and a blade connected to one end of the paddle shaft. The blade is characterized by having two opposing surfaces, one being a convex surface protruding outwards and the other a concave surface concave inwards, resulting in an arc-shaped cross-section and an overall tile-like or gourd-like structure. One or two raised reinforcing ribs are provided along the length of the blade in the middle of the concave surface. The arc-shaped structure of the blade and the reinforcing ribs are configured to: during the paddling phase, apply increased first water resistance feedback to incorrect lateral "paddle turning" movements, while simultaneously forming a relatively smooth second water resistance path for correct vertical paddle lifting movements, passively guiding the paddler's corrective movements through the physical difference between the first water resistance feedback and the second water resistance path.

[0007] This application provides an automatic correction device and method for dragon boat paddling movements, which is simple in structure, requires no external power or command, and can automatically guide and correct erroneous water-release movements during paddling solely through its own physical structure.

[0008] In addition, the automatic correction device and method for dragon boat paddling motion proposed in this application may also have the following additional technical features: In one embodiment of this application, when the blade is tile-shaped, its two side edges are located on the same plane (P), and its lower edge is arc-shaped.

[0009] In one embodiment of this application, when the blade is gourd-shaped, its entire edge lies on the same plane (P).

[0010] In one embodiment of this application, the edge thickness of the blade is 4 mm to 10 mm.

[0011] In one embodiment of this application, the total length of the paddle is 1050 mm to 1300 mm, and the length of the paddle blade is 480 mm.

[0012] In one embodiment of this application, the width of the widest part of the lower edge of the blade is 180 mm, and its width gradually narrows from bottom to top.

[0013] In one embodiment of this application, the vertical distance from the highest point of the center arc of the blade to the plane (P) containing its edge is 20 mm to 40 mm.

[0014] In one embodiment of this application, when two reinforcing ribs are provided, the two reinforcing ribs are parallel to each other, and the distance between them is 40 mm to 60 mm.

[0015] An automatic correction method for dragon boat paddling motions, which relies entirely on the physical structure of the paddle blades to achieve passive correction, includes the following steps: When a paddler makes an incorrect "paddle turn" motion, that is, when the concave or convex surface of the paddle blade is at an angle to the water surface and the paddle is lifted out of the water, the arc-shaped structure of the paddle blade and the reinforcing ribs work together to drastically increase the water flow resistance of the paddle blade's lateral movement, forming the first water resistance feedback that hinders the incorrect motion. When the paddler lifts the paddle upwards with the correct vertical lifting motion, that is, when the plane (P) where the edge of the paddle blade is located is approximately parallel to the water surface, the water flow can be relatively smoothly separated along the arc surface of the paddle blade. At this time, the water resistance is less than the first water resistance feedback, forming a second water resistance path that allows for correct movement. By sensing the difference in physical resistance between the first water resistance feedback and the second water resistance pathway through the paddling muscles, the paddler is passively guided to automatically select the water exit action with less resistance during paddling, thereby achieving correction from "paddle turn" to vertical paddle lift.

[0016] In one embodiment of this application, under the erroneous "paddle turning" action, the concave surface is used to catch the water flow, while the reinforcing rib is used to further disturb and divide the water flow, thereby generating the first water resistance feedback.

[0017] The advantages of this invention compared to existing technologies are: (1) For the first time, the movement correction function is integrated into the paddling structure. It passively guides the paddler through the physical difference of water resistance. It achieves "unconscious" correction without the need for electronic devices or external commands, which helps to form correct muscle memory.

[0018] (2) The tile-shaped / gourd-shaped structure can better "hold" the water flow during the paddling stage, increasing the effective resistance, thereby converting more biological energy into the kinetic energy of the dragon boat to move forward and improving the propulsion efficiency of each paddle.

[0019] (3) The reinforcing ribs in the middle of the concave surface significantly enhance the structural strength of the blades, preventing the blades from deforming or breaking when paddling with great force.

[0020] (4) Innovation is made on the premise of being fully compatible with the traditional paddling size specifications and usage methods. It does not change the basic force exertion mode of the paddlers, is easy for athletes to accept and adapt to, and is conducive to correcting long-term erroneous dynamic stereotypes. It is suitable for training and competition.

[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a side view of a tile-surface paddle of an automatic correction device for dragon boat paddling motion according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a front view of a tile-surface paddle of an automatic correction device for dragon boat paddling in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a side view of a gourd-shaped paddle from an embodiment of the present invention, which is an automatic correction device for dragon boat paddling motion. Figure 4 This is a front view of a gourd-shaped paddle from an embodiment of the present invention, which is an automatic correction device for dragon boat paddling motion. Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an automatic correction method for dragon boat paddling motion in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a comparative diagram of the water resistance feedback mechanism in an automatic correction method for dragon boat paddling motion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Propeller shaft; 2. Propeller blade; 21. Lower edge; 3. Convex surface; 4. Concave surface; 5. Reinforcing rib. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown in the embodiment of the present invention, an automatic correction device and method for dragon boat paddling movements is based on the innovative design of the shape and structure of the paddle blades, which enables them to distinguish between correct and incorrect water-release movements at the physical level and provide different resistance feedback, thereby guiding the paddler to unconsciously and passively correct incorrect movements and form correct muscle memory.

[0027] Example 1: Tile-shaped blade This embodiment provides a dragon boat paddle with "tile-shaped" blades. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1and Figure 2 The paddle consists of two main parts: the shaft 1 and the blade 2. The shaft 1 is typically a long, straight shaft, with one end for the paddler to grip and the other end fixedly connected to the blade 2. It is made of carbon fiber and manufactured using a one-piece molding process to ensure a strong and reliable connection between the shaft 1 and the blade 2, preventing displacement or detachment during high-intensity paddling.

[0028] The blade 2 is the core improved component of this invention. Its main body is a thin sheet structure with two opposing surfaces: one surface is constructed as an outwardly convex surface 3, and the other surface is constructed as an inwardly concave surface 4. This convex-concave design results in the blade 2's material exhibiting a continuous, smooth, arc-shaped distribution in cross-section, rather than the symmetrical double-sided protrusions of traditional paddles. From an overall three-dimensional perspective, this structure makes the blade 2 resemble an ancient Chinese tile, hence the definition "tile-shaped".

[0029] More specifically, the tile-shaped blade 2 of this embodiment is further characterized in that its two side edges (i.e., the two long sides along the blade's length) lie on the same imaginary reference plane P. This means that, viewed from the front of the blade 2, its two side edges are flush. However, its lower edge 21 (i.e., the side furthest from the propeller 1 and entering the water first) is not a straight line, but is designed as a smooth arc. This arc-shaped lower edge 21 helps to reduce the impact and splashing of water upon entry and allows the water flow to be guided more smoothly to the concave surface 4.

[0030] To significantly improve the structural rigidity and bending and torsional resistance of the blade 2, a raised reinforcing rib 5 is integrally formed or machined in the central region of the concave surface 4, along the length of the blade 2 (i.e., extending downwards from the end near the shaft 1 to the lower edge 21). This reinforcing rib 5 acts like a "spine" on the concave surface 4, and its cross-section can be semi-circular, trapezoidal, or other suitable raised shapes. The presence of the reinforcing rib 5 significantly increases the material distribution of the blade 2 in the thickness direction, thereby greatly enhancing its ability to resist bending deformation or torsion towards the convex surface 3 when subjected to water resistance, effectively eliminating the risk of the blade breaking in the middle.

[0031] Regarding the key dimensions of blade 2, this invention has optimized the design to ensure optimal hydrodynamic and mechanical performance. The overall edge thickness of blade 2 is controlled between 4 mm and 10 mm, for example, 4 mm can be selected in this embodiment. This thickness range ensures edge strength and durability while maintaining sufficient lightweight. The total length of the entire paddle (including shaft 1 and blade 2) is suitable for standard racing requirements and is adjustable between 1050 mm and 1300 mm, with the length of blade 2 preferably being 480 mm, a length that balances power output and operational flexibility.

[0032] The width of blade 2 (i.e., its dimension perpendicular to its length) varies to conform to hydrodynamic principles. Its widest point, at the lower edge 21, is 180 mm wide to provide the maximum initial water-grabbing area. From the lower edge 21 upwards, the width gradually and uniformly narrows, forming a streamlined profile. Specifically, the width is 167.5 mm 120 mm above the lower edge 21, 154 mm 240 mm above the lower edge 21, and 140.5 mm 360 mm above the lower edge 21. This tapering design helps the water flow smoothly exit after passing over the blade, reducing turbulence.

[0033] Furthermore, the curvature depth of blade 2 is a key parameter. For blades made of carbon fiber, both sides bulge outwards, with lightweight material filling the middle to reduce weight and ensure strength. Therefore, the curvature depth referred to here is defined as the vertical distance from the most convex point of the convex surface 3 to the chords containing its two side edges. This depth is designed to be between 30 mm and 60 mm, for example, 45 mm in this embodiment. This depth range ensures that the blade has sufficient water flow guidance capability without causing water flow separation or increasing manufacturing difficulty due to excessive curvature.

[0034] Example 2: Goblet-shaped paddle blade This embodiment provides another preferred solution. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The main difference from Embodiment 1 lies in the overall outline shape of the blade 2. In this embodiment, the blade 2 is constructed in a "gourd-shaped" form. The gourd-shaped form means that the entire edge of the blade 2, including its two long sides and lower edge 21, lies on the same imaginary reference plane P. Its three-dimensional shape is more similar to the concave part of a rice spoon or ladle. Similarly, it has a convex surface 3 and a concave surface 4.

[0035] This embodiment can be further optimized in terms of structural reinforcement. For example... Figure 4 As shown, two parallel and raised reinforcing ribs 5 can be provided on the concave surface 4. The two reinforcing ribs 5 extend along the length of the blade 2, and the spacing between them is optimized to be between 40 mm and 60 mm, for example, 50 mm. This double reinforcing rib layout can provide more uniform and stronger support on the surface of the blade 2, distributing the load borne during stroke, and is particularly suitable for competitive scenarios with extremely high strength requirements.

[0036] In Embodiment 2, key dimensional parameters such as the length, width variation, edge thickness, and curvature depth of the blade 2 can remain the same as in Embodiment 1 or be finely adjusted according to the gourd-shaped form. Their numerical ranges all fall within the range defined in the claims to ensure core performance. For example, the blade 2 can still be 480 mm long, with a lower edge 21 width of 180 mm, gradually narrowing from bottom to top, and a curvature depth of approximately 50 mm.

[0037] Workflow and Automatic Correction Principle The working process of the device of the present invention integrates two consecutive stages: water propulsion and water exit correction. Its automatic correction function relies entirely on the passive response generated in the fluid by the unique physical structure of the blade 2.

[0038] Phase 1: Paddle Propulsion Phase When the paddler inserts the paddle blade 2 into the water at a certain angle and begins to pull back, the arc-shaped structure of either the convex surface 3 or the concave surface 4, as the main working surface, can more effectively "catch" or "capture" the water flow compared to traditional double-convex or flat paddle blades. Especially when the concave surface 4 is used as the working surface, its concave shape forms a temporary "water trap," greatly reducing the lateral escape of the water flow. Simultaneously, the reinforcing ribs 5 on the concave surface 4 can guide the water flow during the stroke, generating a certain longitudinal vortex, which helps increase the "grabbing force" or effective contact mass between the paddle blade 2 and the water. According to the principles of fluid mechanics and the law of action and reaction, the resistance of the water to the paddle blade 2 (i.e., the propulsive reaction force) is therefore significantly increased. Under the condition that the paddler applies the same pulling force, greater water resistance means that more energy is transferred to the dragon boat, converted into kinetic energy for the dragon boat's forward movement, thereby improving the propulsive efficiency of a single stroke.

[0039] Phase Two: Water Discharge and Automatic Correction Phase After the stroke is completed, blade 2 needs to leave the water (i.e., exit the water) and return to its original position (i.e., return the paddle). This is when the automatic correction function of the present invention comes into play. The quality of the exit stroke directly affects the return speed, paddle frequency, and coordination among team members.

[0040] Scenario A: Incorrect action ("paddle turning") and its feedback If a paddler develops an incorrect "paddle rotation" habit—that is, at the moment of exiting the water, the movement of their wrist and arm causes the paddle stick 1 to tilt inward toward the body, while simultaneously causing the paddle blade 2 to rotate around its long axis—then the concave surface 4 or convex surface 3 of the paddle blade 2 will form a significant angle of inclination with the horizontal plane (instead of being parallel). In this case, the paddle blade 2 will break through the water at a large lateral angle.

[0041] 1. Concave surface 4 tilted towards the water: If concave surface 4 faces the water flow at a large angle, its concave structure will act like a "bucket," intercepting and catching a large amount of water from the front. The water flow cannot smoothly slide away from the side, but is forcibly blocked within concave surface 4.

[0042] 2. The disturbance effect of the reinforcing rib 5: At the same time, the reinforcing rib 5 on the concave surface 4 protrudes into the flow channel, which will violently cut and disturb the trapped water flow, generating strong local eddies and turbulence, further increasing the difficulty of water flow separation.

[0043] 3. Generation of First Water Resistance Feedback: The synergistic effect of the above two factors results in the paddle blade 2 experiencing an exceptionally large fluid resistance in the opposite direction of motion during the lateral pull out of the water. This resistance is clearly and directly transmitted through the paddle shaft 1 to the arm and shoulder muscles of the paddler, creating a strong sense of "resistance" or "heaviness." This uncomfortable mechanical sensation is the "first water resistance feedback," which clearly warns the paddler that the current motion path is inefficient and strenuous.

[0044] Scenario B: Correct Action (Vertical Paddle Lift) and its Feedback The correct exit action requires the paddler to use the coordinated force of the arm and back muscles to pull the paddle stick 1 upward in a vertical (or near-vertical) direction at the end of the paddle pull, and to try to control the wrist angle so that the entire reference plane P of the paddle blade 2 (i.e. the plane where its outer edge is located) is as parallel as possible or at a very small angle to the water surface.

[0045] 1. Smooth water flow separation: When water exits in this posture, the water flow is mainly parallel to the reference plane P, flowing backward and to both sides along the curved surface of blade 2 (whether it is the convex surface 3 or the concave surface 4). Due to the smallest water-facing area and the water flow direction being compatible with the general direction of the blade's curved surface, the water flow can leave the blade surface relatively smoothly.

[0046] 2. Formation of a second water resistance path: Although some fluid viscosity and form resistance still exist, their total resistance is far less than the enormous resistance encountered by the incorrect "paddle turn" movement. This process forms a relatively low-resistance "second water resistance path." The paddler will feel the water exit motion is "light" and "smooth," with almost no noticeable lateral pull.

[0047] The formation of automatic correction mechanism In every training session or competition, a paddler repeats hundreds of paddling cycles. At each moment of exiting the water, their nervous and muscular systems sense and record in real time the mechanical signals (resistance) transmitted back from the paddle blade 2.

[0048] When making an incorrect "paddle turn" motion, you will continuously receive strong "first water resistance feedback" (heaviness, resistance).

[0049] When the correct vertical lift is performed, a slight "second water resistance feedback" (light and smooth) is received.

[0050] The human motor learning system naturally tends to choose more energy-efficient and less strenuous movement patterns to conserve energy. Through repeated comparisons, the paddler's subconscious gradually associates "heaviness" with "incorrect movement" and "smoothness" with "correct movement." To avoid discomfort and fatigue, the paddler unconsciously adjusts the direction of force and wrist angle upon exiting the water, striving to find and repeat the exit path that brings "smoothness"—that is, vertical stroke. This process requires no real-time verbal correction from a coach or electronic prompts; it is entirely accomplished through the physical feedback provided by the device itself and the body's own motor learning ability, achieving both "passive guidance" and "automatic correction." With long-term use, the correct exit movement pattern will solidify into new muscle memory, thereby fundamentally correcting the incorrect dynamic stereotype of "paddle rotation."

[0051] The technical solution in the above-described embodiments of this application, by designing the paddle blade 2 as a tile-shaped or gourd-shaped structure with a convex surface 3 and a concave surface 4, and setting reinforcing ribs 5 on the concave surface 4, enables the paddling device to not only increase propulsion by optimizing water flow during the paddling phase, but also passively generate differentiated water resistance feedback (first water resistance feedback and second water resistance path) during the exit phase, thereby automatically guiding and correcting the paddler's incorrect "paddle turning" movements. This invention has a simple structure, requires no external intervention, effectively improves training efficiency and athletic performance, and solves the technical problems of existing paddling techniques that easily lead to incorrect dynamic patterns and lack a built-in correction mechanism.

[0052] Obviously, the above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present invention fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalents, the present invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. An automatic correction device for dragon boat paddling motion, comprising a paddle shaft (1) and a blade (2) connected to one end of the paddle shaft (1), characterized in that: The blade (2) has two opposing surfaces, one of which is a convex surface (3) that protrudes outward and the other is a concave surface (4) that is recessed inward, so that the cross-section of the blade (2) is arc-shaped and the whole is in the shape of a tile or a gourd. One or two raised reinforcing ribs (5) are provided in the middle of the concave surface (4) along the length of the blade (2). The arc-shaped structure of the blade (2) and the reinforcing rib (5) are configured to: apply increased first water resistance feedback to incorrect lateral "paddle turn" movements during the paddle-out phase, while forming a relatively smooth second water resistance path for correct vertical paddle lift movements, and passively guide the paddler to correct movements by using the physical difference between the first water resistance feedback and the second water resistance path.

2. The automatic correction device for dragon boat paddling motion according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the blade (2) is tile-shaped, its two sides are on the same plane (P), and its lower edge (21) is arc-shaped.

3. The automatic correction device for dragon boat paddling motion according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the blade (2) is gourd-shaped, its entire edge lies on the same plane (P).

4. The automatic correction device for dragon boat paddling motion according to claim 1, characterized in that, The edge thickness of the blade (2) is 4 mm to 10 mm.

5. The automatic correction device for dragon boat paddling motion according to claim 1, characterized in that, The total length of the paddle is 1050 mm to 1300 mm, and the length of the paddle blade (2) is 480 mm.

6. The automatic correction device for dragon boat paddling motion according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the blade (2) at its widest point is 180 mm, and its width gradually narrows from bottom to top.

7. The automatic correction device for dragon boat paddling motion according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vertical distance from the highest point of the center arc of the blade (2) to the plane (P) containing its edge is 20 mm to 40 mm.

8. The automatic correction device for dragon boat paddling motion according to claim 1, characterized in that, When two reinforcing ribs (5) are provided, the two reinforcing ribs (5) are parallel to each other, and the distance between them is 40 mm to 60 mm.

9. A method for automatically correcting the paddling motion of a dragon boat based on the device described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The method relies entirely on the physical structure of the blade (2) to achieve passive correction, and includes the following steps: When the paddler makes an incorrect "paddle turn" action, that is, when the concave surface (4) or convex surface (3) of the paddle (2) is at an angle to the water surface and the paddle is lifted out of the water, the arc-shaped structure of the paddle (2) and the reinforcing rib (5) work together to drastically increase the water flow resistance of the paddle (2) in lateral movement, forming the first water resistance feedback that hinders the incorrect action. When the paddler lifts the paddle upwards with the correct vertical lifting action, that is, when the plane (P) where the edge of the paddle blade (2) is located is approximately parallel to the water surface, the water flow can be relatively smoothly separated along the arc surface of the paddle blade (2). At this time, the water resistance is less than the first water resistance feedback, forming a second water resistance path that allows the correct action. By sensing the difference in physical resistance between the first water resistance feedback and the second water resistance pathway through the paddling muscles, the paddler is passively guided to automatically select the water exit action with less resistance during paddling, thereby achieving correction from "paddle turn" to vertical paddle lift.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, During the erroneous "paddle turning" action, the concave surface (4) is used to catch the water flow, while the reinforcing rib (5) is used to further disturb and divide the water flow, thus generating the first water resistance feedback.

Images