Thermoplastic Elastomer Diving Fin with Propulsion Flap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater diving fins fail to maximize propulsive yield, limiting the distance covered by free divers despite their kicking efforts.
Innovation Solution
A diving fin with a paddle made of thermoplastic elastomeric material featuring an angled underlayer, a flexible propulsion flap, and a removable boot attachment, where the propulsion flap deforms during kicking to efficiently accumulate and release elastic energy, assisted by ribs and an overlayer that covers the flap selectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the paddle is made with traditional materials and structure, then the construction is simple, but the propulsive yield is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The paddle is constructed using composite materials consisting of a thermoplastic elastomeric material base combined with a rubber overlayer. This composite structure enables the paddle to accumulate and release elastic energy more effectively, significantly improving propulsive yield while maintaining a relatively simple overall construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The rubber overlayer is applied selectively to specific zones of the paddle, particularly to the propulsion flap, rather than uniformly across the entire structure. This local application enhances the propulsive properties where needed most while keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
2Ease of manufacture
If the paddle structure is simplified, then the manufacturing is easier, but the elastic energy accumulation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The combination of thermoplastic elastomeric material and rubber overlayer creates a composite structure that excels at elastic energy accumulation. The thermoplastic base provides structural integrity and ease of manufacturing, while the rubber overlayer enhances elastic properties, achieving both manufacturing ease and superior energy storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the materials used, including Young modulus between 800-1200 MPa for the thermoplastic elastomeric material and thickness between 1.5-2.5 mm for the rubber overlayer. These controlled parameters ensure optimal elastic energy accumulation while maintaining manufacturability.
3Productivity
If the overlayer thickness is increased, then the propulsive efficiency is improved, but the paddle flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rubber overlayer is applied with controlled thickness (1.5-2.5 mm) specifically to zones requiring enhanced propulsive efficiency, while leaving other areas with different flexibility requirements unaffected. This selective application maintains overall paddle flexibility while improving propulsive efficiency in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent defines specific parameter ranges for the overlayer thickness (1.5-2.5 mm) and material properties (Young modulus 800-1200 MPa) to achieve the optimal balance between propulsive efficiency and flexibility. These controlled parameters prevent the paddle from becoming too rigid while still improving propulsion.
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
The fin design enhances propulsive efficiency, allowing divers to cover longer distances with fewer kicks or the same distance with less effort, improving motor action and propulsive yield.
Implementation Method 1
the propulsion flap deforms during kicking, changing concavity in an intermediate cross section thereof. The propulsion flap, in fact, has opposite deflections in the longitudinal zone thereof covered by the overlayer and in the adjacent longitudinal zone with no overlayer. The paddle provides a new way of accumulating potential elastic energy and releasing the accumulated potential elastic energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3\
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The underwater diving fin (1) comprises a paddle (2) made of thermoplastic elastomeric material comprising a longitudinal underlayer (4, 5) of uniform thickness which comprises a propulsion flap (4), positioned on which there is an overlayer (15) configured to promote the simultaneous formation of opposite deflections on the propulsion flap (4) during kicking.