Water Sports Board Surface Patterning for Custom Non-Slip Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water sports boards face challenges with non-slippery riding surfaces, particularly in inflatable boards, which affect the riding experience and require conventional solutions like wax or peel-and-stick enhancers.
Innovation Solution
A customizable system using UV curable liquid material is applied via a computer-controlled print head to create friction-enhanced surfaces with customizable patterns and drain channels, enhancing traction and water drainage on water sports boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional solutions like wax or peel-and-stick surface enhancers are used on water sports boards, then the riding surface becomes non-slip, but the customization and durability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies UV curable liquid material that can be deposited in variable patterns, heights, and densities to create customized friction surfaces. The system allows riders to select from multiple friction surface patterns and configurations, transforming the fixed non-slip surfaces into adaptable, personalized solutions that maintain reliability while enabling versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical application methods (manual wax application or peel-and-stick processes) with a computer-controlled UV curable material deposition system. This automated system uses digital patterns and UV light curing to create precise, durable friction surfaces that are both customizable and long-lasting, overcoming the limitations of traditional mechanical application methods.
2Reliability
If fixed friction surfaces are applied to water sports boards, then non-slip performance is achieved, but adaptability to different rider preferences and board types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static, fixed friction surfaces into dynamic, customizable solutions. The system allows riders to select from multiple friction surface patterns, heights, and distributions that can be tailored to their specific preferences, riding style, and board type. The UV curable material can be deposited in variable configurations, enabling the same board to be adapted for different riders and conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies friction-enhancing material with varying local properties - different heights, densities, and patterns in different areas of the board. This allows optimization of traction in specific zones based on rider preferences and riding position, while maintaining overall board performance. The system can create localized friction variations that address specific riding needs without compromising the entire surface.
3Ease of operation
If inflatable boards are used for transport convenience, then portability is improved, but the riding surface becomes slippery compared to solid boards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies UV curable liquid material that forms a composite friction surface on top of the inflatable board material. This composite structure combines the portability benefits of inflatable boards with the enhanced grip of textured surfaces. The cured material creates a durable, textured layer that maintains its friction properties regardless of the underlying board construction, effectively decoupling the grip performance from the board's structural type.
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
The system provides highly customizable, durable, and effective non-slip surfaces tailored to individual rider preferences, improving rideability and water drainage on both inflatable and solid boards.
Implementation Method 1
UV curable liquid material is applied via a computer-controlled print head to create friction-enhanced surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method is provided for forming a friction enhanced non-slip surface upon a water sports board comprising a computer controlled print head which deposits UV curable liquid material in defined patterns or areas on a riding surface of a water sports board. UV curing light emitters cure the liquid material to form friction enhanced areas upon the sports board.