Adjustable Quick-Release Connection for Kiteboarding Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing kiteboarding quick release safety mechanisms lack an adjustable mechanism for adjusting the release force, making them ineffective across varying user physical conditions and prone to accidental disengagement due to frictional elements or unfavorable force patterns.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical device with a body and release member, featuring a resilient element and adjusting assembly that allows users to customize the release force by adjusting the tension of a compressible or tensile element, ensuring reliable connection and release regardless of external factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed release force mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying user physical conditions and is prone to accidental disengagement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to user physical conditionsVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The release mechanism transitions from a fixed static design to a dynamic adjustable system. The adjusting assembly allows the release force to be modified based on user needs, while the resilient element provides dynamic force adaptation. This enables the same device to accommodate users with different physical strengths without requiring multiple fixed-force mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameter of release force from a fixed value to an adjustable range. By incorporating an adjusting assembly with resilient elements (springs), the system can modify the release force parameter to match different user capabilities, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If frictional elements are used in the connection mechanism, then the connection is stable, but accidental disengagement occurs due to friction variability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidaccidental disengagement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient element acts as an intermediary between the connecting members, providing a controlled elastic force that supplements friction-based holding. This intermediary mechanism ensures stable connection through predictable elastic recovery while preventing accidental disengagement by maintaining consistent holding force independent of friction variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient element is pre-loaded to provide beforehand cushioning force that compensates for potential friction losses or variations. This pre-loaded elastic energy creates a safety margin that prevents accidental disengagement while maintaining reliable connection under varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If the release force is increased for stronger users, then accidental release is prevented, but weaker users cannot release the connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease operation feasibilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The release mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing the release force to be adjusted according to user capability. This enables the same mechanism to provide appropriate resistance for stronger users (preventing accidental release) while remaining operable for weaker users, thereby resolving the contradiction between connection stability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If no adjustable mechanism is provided, then the device is simpler, but it cannot ensure reliable release under all physical conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease function reliabilityVSAvoidadjusting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces parameter adjustability (release force) to ensure reliable release function across all user physical conditions. The adjusting assembly with resilient elements provides a relatively simple mechanism that modifies the release force parameter, thereby achieving high reliability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables secure and reliable connection and release of the kiteboarding system, adaptable to individual user needs, preventing accidental disengagement and ensuring safety across different conditions and forces.

Implementation Method 1

featuring a resilient element and adjusting assembly that allows users to customize the release force by adjusting the tension of a compressible or tensile element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4071045A1Device used for connecting and releasing a connection between two elements
Publication Date: 2022.10.12 ACTION 13 SP ZOO
  • EP4071045A1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP4071045A1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP4071045A1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

The object of the invention is a device for connecting and releasing the connection between two elements (3, 8). Fastened to the body of the device (1) is an attached element (3) and a first connecting member or assembly (5, 501, 503) to which a second connectiong member (7) fastened to the detachable element (8) can be connected. Mounted on or in the body (1) is an active release member (10). On/in the body or/and on/in release member (10) and/or between the body (1) and the release member (10) there is an adjusting element or assembly (12, 1201, 1202). A movement of the first connecting member or assembly (5, 501, 503) is caused by acting on it with the active release member (10) and/or by acting on it with the active second connecting member (7).