Body Surfing Hydrofoil Segmented Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Body surfing suits lack adequate stability, direction control, and buoyancy distribution, making it difficult for surfers to maintain a stable ride and control on waves, especially in rigorous conditions, and often restrict natural body movement and breathing.

Innovation Solution

A body surfing hydrofoil system comprising a breastplate with a buoyant, semi-rigid construction, spacers for breathing comfort, and rear flotation members, integrated with a wet suit featuring fixed non-elastic elements and leg wings for enhanced hydrodynamics and lift, allowing for improved stability and control on waves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid structure is employed in body surfing suits, then stability and buoyancy are improved, but ease of body bending and natural movement is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidease of body bending

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The suit is divided into multiple rigid elements (breastplate, rear flotation member, leg wings) connected by flexible straps and bands. This segmentation allows each rigid component to provide stability in its specific location while the flexible connections permit natural body movement and bending, resolving the contradiction between overall stability and ease of movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the suit have different rigidity characteristics. The breastplate and rear flotation member are rigid to provide buoyancy and stability in those locations, while the connecting straps and bands are flexible to allow movement. This local differentiation of structural properties enables simultaneous achievement of stability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If buoyant materials are strategically placed, then buoyancy distribution and comfort are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuoyancy distributionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Buoyancy is distributed through separate rigid elements (breastplate with buoyant material, rear flotation member) rather than a single complex buoyant structure. Each element is independently constructed and connected, simplifying the overall device while achieving improved buoyancy distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Buoyant materials are strategically placed in specific locations (breastplate area, rear region) where they are most effective for stability and comfort. This localized placement achieves optimal buoyancy distribution without requiring complex buoyant structures throughout the entire suit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If fins are sized and positioned to enhance hydrodynamics, then control and direction are improved, but ease of manufacture worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecontrolVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hydrodynamic control elements are segmented into separate components (leg wings, fins) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled to the suit using simple connection methods. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing while allowing optimization of each element's hydrodynamic properties for improved control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fins and leg wings are designed with flexible connections that allow them to move and adjust dynamically in water conditions, enhancing control and direction. This dynamic capability is achieved through simple flexible straps and bands rather than complex mechanical systems, maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 hydrofoil system provides enhanced stability, control, and comfort during body surfing, allowing surfers to navigate waves with reduced exertion and improved buoyancy distribution, even in demanding conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a breastplate having a buoyant material extending between an inner surface and outer surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

the spacer is sufficiently flexible for compressing and retracting as a result of breathing by a person in a prone position on the spacer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrodynamics: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentUS8821203B1Body surfing hydrofoil and associated methods

Publication Date: 2014.09.02 SURFACE WINGS

AI summary

A body surfing hydrofoil includes a breastplate having a buoyant material extending between an inner surface and outer surface. The breastplate has a generally rigid planar shape defined by a perimeter having opposing sides diverging outwardly from a top portion to a bottom portion. A spacer is affixed to the inner surface of the breastplate and is sufficiently flexible for compressing and retracting as a result of breathing by a person biased against the spacer. A rear flotation member is integrally connected to the breastplate.