Convertible Swim Fin Track Rail Coupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swim fins are inadequate for swimming styles that require both feet to act in unison, such as the dolphin kick, as they tend to separate during kicking, leading to reduced control, speed, and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A convertible bi/mono swim fin device with a coupling mechanism, such as a track and rail system, allowing the fins to be easily attached and detached to function as either independent fins or a single mono-fin, minimizing the need for moving parts and accommodating various foot sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional independent swim fins are used, then the fins are easy to operate independently, but they separate during kicking which reduces control and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static connected state to a dynamic separable state. The fins can be coupled together for unison kicking (dolphin kick) or separated for independent kicking, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on the swimming style required. This dynamic reconfigurability resolves the contradiction by providing both connected stability and operational independence when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The swim fin system is segmented into two independently operable fins that can also be coupled together. The coupling mechanism itself is segmented into separate components (track on one fin, rail on the other) that can engage or disengage. This segmentation allows the fins to function independently when needed while providing the option to connect for enhanced control during unison kicking styles.
2Reliability
If a coupling mechanism is added to connect the fins, then control and efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a simpler track-and-rail interface. Instead of using bolts, screws, or multiple moving parts, the design uses a groove (track) that receives a protrusion (rail), creating a stable connection through geometric interlocking. This substitution maintains connection reliability while significantly reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The track-and-rail system acts as an intermediary element between the two fins. Rather than directly connecting the fins through complex mechanisms, the rail (protrusion) and track (groove) serve as mediating components that facilitate the connection. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall structure while ensuring stable coupling when the fins are connected.
3Ease of operation
If the fins are made to be easily detachable by the user, then ease of operation is improved, but the coupling mechanism requires more moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-servicing, allowing the user to attach and detach the fins using only their feet without requiring hands or additional tools. The user simply needs to press their feet against the fins to engage or disengage the track-and-rail coupling. This self-service capability provides ease of operation while avoiding the need for complex moving parts, locks, or release mechanisms that would require manual operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A swimming aid device comprising of a convertible bi/mono swim fin containing a first fin, a second fin and coupling means. The present invention can be used as traditional independent swim fins or combined together to form a bi-swim fin in which both swim fins are held together to aid the swimmer in performing feet unison-style swim kicks such as a dolphin kick.In one embodiment, the coupling means consists of a track and rail in which a track is attached to a first fin and a rail is attached to a second fin. Said track of the first fin has an inner groove that can slidably receive the rail of the second fin.The swimming aid device further comprising a locking means for selective locking of the rail to the groove so that once the rail is slidably and fully received within said groove, said locking means prevents further relative sliding movement between said rail and said groove.