Dual-Board Water Recreation Device With Hydrodynamic Fins

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water recreation devices, such as wakeboards and water skis, often require physical strength, coordination, and a specific riding position, limiting participation for individuals with physical limitations, such as larger individuals or those lacking upper body strength, as they are difficult to use and uncomfortable for many potential users.

Innovation Solution

A water recreation device featuring a floatable riding board with a mounted tow hook, optional kneepads, foot grips, foot bindings, handles, and bottom fins that channel water flow to provide lift and stability, allowing riders to transition easily to a standing position while being towed behind a water vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional wakeboards or water skis are used, then riding stability is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to physical strength requirements and awkward positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveriding stabilityVSAvoidease of use
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the riding platform into two separate boards connected by a flexible connector, allowing each board to be independently positioned and stabilized while reducing the physical effort required to maintain balance. This segmentation enables riders with limited upper body strength to achieve stability without the strenuous effort required by traditional single-board wakeboards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a traditional vertical standing position to a horizontal seated or reclined position on the board. This dimensional change in riding posture eliminates the need for upper body strength to maintain balance, while the flexible connector maintains stability by allowing independent movement of each board in response to water conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If separate elements like water skis are used for each foot, then forward-facing riding is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforward-facing riding capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges two separate ski-like elements into a unified dual-board system where each board is attached to a common flexible connector. This integration maintains the forward-facing riding capability of separate skis while reducing overall complexity by creating a single cohesive device that functions as one unit rather than two independent elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional standing position is required, then riding stability is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates for individuals with physical limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveriding stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different users
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible connector dynamically adapts its configuration based on rider weight, skill level, and water conditions. It can accommodate various riding positions from seated to standing, and adjusts its flexibility to provide appropriate support for riders with different physical capabilities, thereby enhancing adaptability while maintaining stability through its ability to respond to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 device enhances stability and maneuverability, making it easier for a wider range of users to ride in a forward-facing direction, improving comfort and accessibility for those who could not otherwise participate in towed water sports.

Implementation Method 1

bottom fins that channel water flow to provide lift and stability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrodynamic lift: Aquaplaning

Implementation Method 2

a floatable riding board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS8292681B2Water recreation device
Publication Date: 2012.10.23 ZUP LLC
  • US8292681B2 patent drawing
  • US8292681B2 patent drawing
  • US8292681B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A water recreation device and method of use is contemplated having advantages such as improved stability, maneuverability and ease of use. Embodiments of the contemplated water recreation device include a riding board, handles and a tow hook assembly that are configured to allow a rider to more easily transition to a standing forward-facing position while riding the device. The contemplated device may also include foot bindings or foot grips for added ride stability. The device may alternately include rails disposed on the bottom surface of the riding board. Such rails are adapted to channel water toward the rear bottom section of the riding board to cause the device to achieve an approximately planar orientation relative to the surface of a body of water. This planar orientation provides positioning and stability that further improves the ease of transitioning to a standing position.