Collapsible Telescoping Surfboard Case Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surfboard shipping methods, such as cardboard and bubble wrap, are damage-prone and lack convenient storage solutions, as existing surfboard cases are either too bulky or offer inadequate protection, especially for transporting large, asymmetrically shaped objects.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible protective case with a rigid, impact-resistant outer surface formed from multiple adjoining sections that can transition between an expanded transport position and a collapsed storage position, providing protection and compact storage for surfboards and similar objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid protective case is used for surfboards, 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. Each section contains structural elements that maintain rigidity when extended but allow compression when retracted, enabling the case to provide protection during transport while minimizing storage volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The case employs a dynamic telescoping structure that transitions between extended and collapsed states. The sections are designed to maintain structural integrity and protective function in the extended state while enabling compact storage when collapsed, allowing the same structure to serve dual purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of stationary object

If a flexible plastic case is used for surfboards, then storage space is reduced, but protection during transport deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidprotection during transport
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The case structure is segmented into multiple rigid sections that can telescope into one another. This segmentation allows the case to maintain rigid protective walls when extended for transport, while enabling compact collapse for storage, overcoming the limitations of both fully rigid and fully flexible designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The case utilizes composite construction combining rigid structural elements with collapsible mechanisms. The rigid sections provide impact resistance and protection, while the telescoping connection system enables volume reduction for storage, creating a hybrid structure that achieves both protection and compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If a large rigid case is used for surfboards, then protection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to handling difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprotectionVSAvoidhandling convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The telescoping design allows the case to transition between a large extended state for protection and a compact collapsed state for handling and storage. This dynamic transformation makes the case more manageable and easier to transport while maintaining full protective capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By dividing the case into multiple sections that can telescope, the overall size and weight distribution becomes more manageable. The segmented structure allows for easier handling during collapse and expansion operations while maintaining structural integrity for protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8066138B2Collapsible hard case for surfboards and other large objects
Publication Date: 2011.11.29 BOYLES DAVID A DREW
  • US8066138B2 patent drawing
  • US8066138B2 patent drawing
  • US8066138B2 patent drawing

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 sections that are selectively configurable between an expanded transport position and a collapsed storage position.