Extendable Second-Blade Paddle for Standing and Seated Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paddles for water recreation, such as paddleboards, are inefficient when transitioning from standing to seated or kneeling positions due to the need for a separate double paddle or cumbersome single paddle use, and carrying a double paddle attachment is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained paddle that can transform from a single paddle configuration to a double paddle configuration by extending the handle to form a second blade, allowing for adjustable length and securement mechanisms to maintain the extended blade position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single paddle configuration is used, then the paddle is simple and easy to use in standing position, but it becomes inefficient when transitioning to seated or kneeling positions
Solution Approach 1:
The paddle incorporates an extendable shaft mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment between a shorter single-blade configuration for standing and a longer double-blade configuration for seated or kneeling positions. The shaft can be extended by removing the handle and deploying an inner shaft with a second blade, transforming the paddle's length and functionality to match the user's position.
Solution Approach 2:
The paddle is divided into separable components including a main shaft, an inner shaft, a handle, and two blades. This segmentation allows the paddle to be reconfigured by detaching the handle from the main shaft and extending the inner shaft to deploy the second blade, enabling transition between single and double paddle modes.
2Ease of operation
If a double paddle attachment is carried, then seated or kneeling position paddling is efficient, but it is inconvenient to carry and may interfere with single paddle use
Solution Approach 1:
The second blade and inner shaft are integrated within the structure of the single paddle, allowing the paddle to function as a standard single-blade paddle during standing activities. When needed, the user can extend the inner shaft to deploy the second blade, merging the functionality of a double paddle into a single paddle structure without carrying separate attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner shaft containing the second blade is nested within the main shaft when not in use. The second blade is stored in a compact configuration within the inner shaft, which itself is contained within the outer shaft, creating a nested structure that allows the paddle to maintain its simple single-blade appearance while hiding the capability for double-blade operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the handle is disconnected and inner shaft is extended, then the paddle transforms to double blade configuration, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The paddle incorporates self-contained mechanisms for extension and securing. The inner shaft includes an opening that receives a support rod, and the second blade has support members that can be secured to the inner shaft. These self-service features allow the user to extend and secure the double-blade configuration without requiring external tools or complex assembly procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contained paddle can be adjusted from a single paddle form with a handle on one end to a double paddle configuration having paddle blades on both ends. The paddle of the present invention allows for the handle end of a water recreation paddle to transform to a second paddle, forming a double paddle without bring a separate attachment during an outing and without interfering with the use of the paddle in the single paddle configuration when the paddle is in the single paddle configuration.