Detachable Kickboard Flotation Device for Child Swimming Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Young children face challenges transitioning from a fully supportive sitting position in water to an active swimming position, as existing flotation devices do not effectively facilitate this transition, and older children require separate training tools like kickboards to learn swimming.
Innovation Solution
A recreational flotation device that combines elements of an inflatable boat and a kickboard, allowing the kickboard to be detachably coupled and positioned in various ways to support children as they grow more comfortable in the water, eventually allowing independent use of the kickboard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a child uses a traditional flotation device (inflatable boat or tube), then the child is kept afloat and safe, but the child cannot transition to an active swimming position
Solution Approach 1:
The flotation device is divided into separate functional components: a U-shaped flotation body for safety and a detachable kickboard for swimming practice. This segmentation allows each component to serve its specific function optimally while enabling the child to transition between supported floating and active swimming positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The kickboard is designed to be dynamically adjustable - it can be attached at different positions along the U-shaped body or removed entirely. This dynamic configuration allows the device to adapt to the child's developing swimming skills, transitioning from full support to progressive independence.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a child uses a kickboard for swimming practice, then the child can learn to swim, but the child lacks the supportive flotation needed for safety
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the safety function of the U-shaped flotation body with the training function of the kickboard into a single integrated system. The kickboard attaches to the flotation body, combining buoyant support with swimming practice capabilities, allowing the child to learn swimming while maintaining safety.
3Device complexity
If the kickboard is permanently attached to the flotation device, then the structure is simplified, but the device cannot be stored or transported efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The kickboard is designed with attachment mechanisms that allow it to be easily connected and disconnected from the U-shaped body. This preliminary design of detachable connections enables efficient storage and transportation while maintaining structural simplicity during use.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables children to gradually transition from a sitting to a swimming position, providing support and comfort as they develop their swimming skills, and allows for easy storage and transportation of the device.
Implementation Method 1
flotation tube is contoured around the seat and the upper support
Data Source
AI summary
A recreational floatation device is disclosed. In one example, the recreational floatation device comprises a main body having a front portion and members extending substantially parallel from the front portion, a seat portion attached to the main body between the two parallel members and adjacent to the front portion, for receiving and supporting a user of the recreational flotation device in a seated portion, and a floating board removably attachable to said main body, when positioned between the parallel members.