Collapsible Surfboard Case with Telescoping Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surfboard transportation methods, such as cardboard and bubble wrap, are prone to damage and lack convenient storage solutions, as existing surfboard cases are either too bulky or offer insufficient protection due to flexible materials and limited size options.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible protective case with a rigid, impact-resistant outer surface formed from multiple adjoining sections, allowing for both secure transport and compact storage, applicable to surfboards and other large asymmetric objects like musical instruments and bicycles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid protective case is used for surfboard transport, then protection during transport is improved, but storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection during transportVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The case is divided into multiple telescoping sections that can be extended for transport and collapsed for storage. The housing includes a first section, second section, third section, and fourth section that can telescope relative to each other, allowing the case to expand when needed and collapse to a compact form for storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The telescoping sections are nested within each other when collapsed, with each section containing the next smaller section. This nesting arrangement allows the case to reduce to a compact storage size while maintaining full protection capability when extended.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If a flexible plastic case is used for surfboard transport, then storage convenience is improved, but protection during transport deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage convenienceVSAvoidprotection during transport

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The case uses a composite construction with a rigid outer shell made from impact-resistant material for protection, combined with telescoping sections that enable collapse. The housing is formed from thick hard plastic or composite material providing both protection and structural integrity while allowing collapsible design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If a standardized case size is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different board sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidsize options

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The case features adjustable and telescoping sections that can be configured to different lengths and sizes. The housing sections can be extended or retracted to accommodate various surfboard dimensions, providing versatility while maintaining a standardized base design for manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8668104B2Collapsible hard case for surfboards and other large objects

Publication Date: 2014.03.11 BOYLES DAVID A

AI summary

A collapsible protective case for surfboards, musical instruments, or other large asymmetrically shaped objects, including a housing having a rigid, impact-resistant outer surface, the housing being formed from a multiplicity of adjoining subsections that are selectively configurable between an expanded transport position and a collapsed storage position.