Spring-Loaded Cam Fin Mount for Water Sports Boards
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing and replacing fins on water sports boards, such as surfboards, are cumbersome and require significant force or tools, and fins can detach during use or become damaged, necessitating a simpler and more secure attachment system.
Innovation Solution
A fin mount system that securely fits within a cavity in the board, using a rotatable and releasable mechanism with a cam and pivoting member biased by a spring, allowing easy installation and removal with finger pressure, and optionally using additional packing for varied cavity shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fin installation methods are used, then fins can be securely attached to the board, but significant force or tools are required and the process is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The fin mount incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism with a movable locking element that transitions between locked and unlocked positions. The spring-loaded cam mechanism allows the fin to be securely held in a locked position during use, while enabling easy release with minimal finger pressure on the cam surface, eliminating the need for tools or excessive force
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary between the fin base and the mount body, providing a mechanical interface that translates minimal cam pressure into secure locking or release. This intermediary mechanism mediates between the user's finger pressure and the fin's attachment state, allowing easy operation without direct application of significant force to the fin itself
2Adaptability or versatility
If fins are made removable for replacement and adjustment, then versatility and maintenance are improved, but fins may detach during use or become damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic locking mechanism maintains a secure locked position during normal use through spring pressure on the fin base, preventing accidental detachment. The fin remains reliably attached under water sports conditions while still allowing intentional removal when the cam is pressed, balancing security with removability for replacement and adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism allows parameter changes in fin configuration (size, style) while maintaining consistent secure attachment during use. The spring force and cam geometry are designed to provide reliable locking across different fin types and sizes that fit the mount specification
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is used, then fin stability is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: a locking element with cam surface, a spring providing biasing force, and a fin base with complementary cam surface. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function simply, while collectively providing secure locking. The modular design reduces overall complexity compared to integrated complex mechanisms
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 easy and secure attachment and detachment of fins with minimal force, ensuring stability and versatility in different wave conditions without the need for tools, accommodating various fin sizes and shapes, and ensuring secure locking and easy release.
Implementation Method 1
a pivoting member biased by a biasing member to a position to engage with the distal end of the fin
Data Source
AI summary
A mount for removably installing a fin to a board used in water sports. The mount is secured within the deck of the board and has a cam including a pivoting member pivoting between a locking position, to lock a fin to the board, to an unlocked position where the fin can be removed from the board, under hand pressure. The pivoting member pivots about a pivot pin under the biasing pressure of spring. In the locking position lug engages with its complementary recess in the distal end of the base of fin and the fin is then locked in the mount. In the unlocking operation downward finger pressure on surface causes pivoting member to rotate, overcoming the strength of the spring, causing lug to disengage from recess and allow fin to be rotated about its butt end and be removed from the mount.