Collapsible Scuba Fin with Cam Lock and Adjustable Blades
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current scuba fins are bulky when not in use, inflexible for different swimming environments, and lack adjustable foot pockets for varying foot sizes, requiring multiple fins for different conditions and sizes.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable scuba fin apparatus with fully enclosed tracks and a cam lock system allows for variable blade lengths without tools or excessive force, featuring a T-Bolt Track and T-Bolt Slider mechanism, adjustable straps, and a cam lock system for customizable fit and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed length fin blade is used, then the fin structure is simple, but the fin creates extra bulk when not in use and inhibits land-based activities
Solution Approach 1:
The fin blade is divided into multiple segments that can be independently adjusted. The blade consists of a first portion and a second portion that can be positioned at different lengths relative to the foot pocket, allowing the fin to be segmented into different effective lengths based on user needs and footwear size.
Solution Approach 2:
The fin blade transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure. The blade can be extended or retracted using a cam lock mechanism, allowing it to change length based on whether the user is swimming or engaging in land-based activities, thus adapting the fin's configuration to different operational states.
2Power
If a longer fin blade with more surface area is used, then more thrust is provided, but more effort is required to use it
Solution Approach 1:
The fin blade length can be dynamically adjusted based on swimming conditions and user preference. Users can extend the blade for maximum thrust when needed and retract it to reduce effort and improve maneuverability, allowing the same fin to provide different power characteristics for different swimming scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different fins are produced for different sizes of foot, then the fit is optimal, but the quantity of fins required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fin is designed with universal adaptability through adjustable blade length and an adjustable foot pocket system. The foot pocket can be positioned at different locations on the foot, and the blade length can be modified, allowing a single fin to fit different foot sizes and shapes, eliminating the need for multiple fins for different feet.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot pocket area is made adjustable through a system that allows repositioning of the pocket location on the foot. This segmentation of the fin into adjustable components (foot pocket position, blade length) enables one fin to serve multiple foot sizes and conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable fin system is implemented, then blade length can be varied, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam lock mechanism is designed to be self-operating through a simple thumb-operated cam action. The user can extend or retract the blade by applying thumb pressure to the cam lock, which automatically engages or disengages the locking mechanism without requiring tools or complex operations, making the adjustment system self-sufficient and user-friendly.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex multi-component adjustment mechanism is replaced with a simplified cam lock system. The cam lock mechanism uses a single cam component that translates thumb pressure into the necessary motion to engage or disengage the blade locking mechanism, substituting a potentially complex mechanical system with a simpler, more elegant cam-based solution.
5Ease of operation
If a thumb screw system is used for adjustment, then the fin can be adjusted, but tools are required and adjustment while wearing the fin is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional thumb screw adjustment mechanism is replaced with a cam lock system that uses cam geometry to provide secure locking and easy release. The cam lock mechanism allows adjustment through simple thumb pressure without requiring screwdrivers or tools, and the cam's geometric design enables easy operation while wearing the fin through a straightforward pressing motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam lock mechanism is designed to be self-operating through direct thumb pressure. The user can extend or retract the blade by applying thumb pressure to the cam lock, which automatically engages or disengages the locking mechanism without requiring external tools or complex operations, making the adjustment system self-sufficient and user-friendly.
Data Source
AI summary
Collapsible, adjustable scuba fin with a cam lock feature. The blades of the fin are set on an enclosed track in the foot plate which allows the blades to be extended to create a fin of variable surface area for different swimming conditions or retracted under the foot plate for walking. The blades can be locked in place by the cam lock which is attached to the foot plate by means of a screw and foot pocket by means of an adjustable pull lanyard. The foot pocket and heel hilt can be adjusted to accommodate feet and footwear of varying size, and style allowing a single fin to fit multiple individuals and requirements. A T-bolt slider set in the foot plate can be rotated or removed to access the space between the blades allowing for the clearing of debris.