Collapsible Surfboard Case Nested Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surfboards face damage during transport due to inadequate protection and difficulty in inserting/removing them from conventional cases, especially with surfboard wax sticking to the case and insufficient protection for fins.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible hard case with nested sections made of rigid impact-resistant materials, featuring a ramped design to accommodate fins and removable blocks for cushioning, allowing easy insertion/removal and protection during transport, transitioning between extended and collapsed modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional soft-sided surfboard case is used, then the case is lightweight and easy to handle, but the surfboard is vulnerable to damage such as nicks and dents during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where multiple rigid protective sections are housed within a collapsible outer shell. The rigid sections nest inside each other when not in use, minimizing volume and weight, but expand to provide full rigid protection when the surfboard is inserted. This resolves the contradiction by delivering strong protection only when needed, rather than requiring constant heavy rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The case transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible design. The rigid protective sections can be extended or collapsed based on whether the surfboard is being transported. This dynamic capability allows the case to be lightweight and compact during storage, yet provide full rigid protection during transport, eliminating the need to constantly carry heavy rigid structure.
2Strength
If a conventional rigid surfboard case is used, then the surfboard is protected during transport, but the case cannot be transitioned to a reduced size when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple rigid protective sections are designed to nest within each other in a telescoping arrangement. When collapsed, the sections fit inside one another, reducing the overall volume to a fraction of the extended size. When extended, they provide full rigid protection for the surfboard. This nesting mechanism directly resolves the contradiction between protection capability and storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid protective structure is divided into multiple separable sections rather than being a single monolithic piece. These segmented sections can be independently collapsed and nested within each other, enabling compact storage while maintaining full protection capability when assembled. The segmentation allows the case to transition between extended protective mode and collapsed storage mode.
3Ease of operation
If surfboard wax is applied to improve footing, then the surfer's grip is enhanced, but the wax sticks to the interior surface of the case making insertion and removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A release paper or protective liner is placed between the surfboard surface (with wax) and the case interior. This intermediary layer prevents the wax from adhering to the case while allowing the surfboard to be properly supported and protected. The release paper can be easily removed or replaced, solving the adhesion problem without compromising the protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The problematic adhesive interface is eliminated by removing the direct contact between the waxy surfboard surface and the case interior. Instead, the surfboard contacts a non-adhesive surface or the wax is prevented from reaching the case interior through design features such as raised barriers or separate compartments. This extraction of the harmful contact interface resolves the insertion/removal difficulty.
4Strength
If conventional cases are used, then basic surfboard coverage is provided, but the fins are not adequately protected leading to bending or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The case design incorporates specialized local features at the rear section where the fins are located. These may include reinforced rigid walls, contoured shapes that cradle the fins, or additional protective inserts specifically positioned to protect the vulnerable fin areas. This localized enhancement provides targeted fin protection without requiring the entire case structure to be overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The case is pre-configured with fin protection features built into the structure before the surfboard is inserted. The rear section is designed with predetermined geometric features or removable protective elements that automatically position themselves to protect the fins when the surfboard is placed in the case. This preliminary preparation ensures fin protection is immediately available without requiring additional complex mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible protective case for surfboards having a rigid, impact-resistant outer surface, the case including a housing and a plurality of adjoining nested sections that are selectively configurable between a collapsed, fully nested position and an extended position, the housing and including a space configured to accommodate, in the extended position, fins disposed on a rear portion of the surfboard.