Device for transmitting the traction of a wind power system to a user

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing harnesses for wind-powered sports struggle to balance mechanical performance and user comfort, particularly in managing lateral compression forces and adapting to the user's body shape and movements, leading to fatigue and discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A U-shaped support band with a rigid hoop attached at its sides, where the support band is shorter than the hoop and lacks direct contact, combined with flexible materials to allow adaptability and freedom of movement, distributing forces effectively while preventing lateral compression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a rigid spreader bar is used to counteract lateral compression, then lateral compression is reduced, but the harness becomes less adaptable to body shape and movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelateral compressionVSAvoidadaptability to body shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The harness is divided into multiple functional segments: a rigid spreader bar for structural support and compression resistance, and separate flexible lateral sections for adaptability. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the harness have different mechanical properties tailored to their specific functions. The spreader bar is rigid to resist compression, while the lateral sections are flexible to adapt to body contours. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible materials are used for comfort and adaptability, then adaptability to body shape is improved, but lateral compression resistance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to body shapeVSAvoidlateral compression
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harness structure separates the compression-resisting function (spreader bar) from the adaptability function (lateral sections), allowing flexible materials to be used in the lateral sections without compromising overall compression resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The harness combines rigid and flexible materials in a composite structure. The rigid spreader bar provides structural integrity and compression resistance, while flexible materials in the lateral sections provide comfort and adaptability, creating a composite system that delivers both properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the support band is made shorter to prevent contact with the hoop, then lateral compression is minimized, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelateral compressionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A compressible intermediate layer is introduced between the support band and the rigid hoop. This intermediary element allows the support band to remain shorter than the hoop while still providing comfortable contact and force distribution, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If a rigid composite frame is used to reduce lateral compression, then lateral compression resistance is improved, but comfort and adaptability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelateral compressionVSAvoidcomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The harness is segmented into a rigid frame component for compression resistance and flexible contact components for comfort. The rigid spreader bar handles structural loads while flexible lateral sections and compressible layers provide comfort, allowing both requirements to be met simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Rigid and flexible properties are distributed locally according to functional requirements. The rigid frame is positioned where structural support is needed, while flexible materials are positioned where user contact occurs, optimizing both comfort and mechanical performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4256232B1Device for transmitting the traction of a wind power system to a user
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 F ONE
  • EP4256232B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4256232B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4256232B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for transmitting traction from a traction kite/sail to a user, comprising a U-shaped support strip (10) having a back portion (1) covering a portion of the back and side portions (2, 3) at least partially covering the sides of a user as an extension of the back portion (1). A rigid hoop (20) is attached to the outside of the support strip (10), the support strip (10) and the hoop (20) being connected to one another at least at one attachment point (15, 16) on each side portion (2, 3). The support strip (10) is shorter than the hoop (20) between the attachment points (15, 16), and the back portion (1) thereof is not in direct contact with said hoop (20).