Adjustable Fin Retention System for Waterboards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fin retention systems for waterboards, such as surfboards and stand-up paddleboards, are permanent and do not allow for easy removal or adjustment of fin orientation, limiting user customization and performance.
Innovation Solution
A fin retention system comprising a board housing, a fin housing with inner grooves, and a fin carriage with an outer ridge, enabling adjustable fin placement with for-and-aft movement and angular rotation, allowing users to easily change and align fins using a standard surf key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent adhesive fin retention device is used, then the fin placement is secure and stable, but the fin orientation cannot be adjusted or changed
Solution Approach 1:
The fin retention system is divided into separate components: a board housing that is permanently adhesive-mounted, and a fin carriage that is removable and adjustable. The fin carriage includes a fin holder that can be independently positioned and locked at different angles, allowing the fin orientation to be changed while maintaining secure retention. This segmentation enables the fin to be adjusted without compromising the secure attachment of the retention device to the board.
2Ease of operation
If a removable fin retention device is used, then the fin can be easily removed and reinserted, but the fin orientation is fixed and cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The fin carriage incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through a ratchet mechanism and adjustable fin holder that allows the fin orientation to be changed while maintaining secure retention. The ratchet mechanism enables easy removal and reinsertion of the fin, while the adjustable fin holder allows the fin to be positioned at different angles. This dynamic design combines ease of operation with adaptability, allowing users to easily adjust fin orientation without compromising the removable nature of the device.
3Device complexity
If a fixed fin placement system is used, then the structure is simple, but the user cannot customize fin placement for different performance needs
Solution Approach 1:
The fin carriage is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different fin types and orientations. It includes an adjustable fin holder that can be positioned at various angles and a ratchet mechanism that allows easy adjustment. This multi-functional design enables the same fin carriage structure to support different fin placements for various performance needs, such as speed, maneuverability, or stability, without requiring multiple different retention devices.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable fin carriage with multiple components is used, then the fin orientation can be changed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fin carriage uses a nested structure where the fin holder is positioned within the carriage body, and the ratchet mechanism is integrated into the fin holder assembly. The adjustable fin holder nests within the carriage, allowing for compact packaging of multiple functional elements. This nesting approach enables fin orientation adjustment while minimizing the overall complexity by efficiently organizing components within a compact structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are fin retention systems adapted to releaseably attach a fin to a waterboard, comprising an outer carrier, an inner carrier, a fin carrier, and an end cap, wherein the fin retention system is adapted for movement in a generally for-and-aft direction, side to side angular rotation directional motion, and/or planar angle rotation directional motion.