Foldable Flipper Blade Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swimming fins with pivotable blades are cumbersome when walking on land or in shallow water due to the flipped-up blade being a nuisance.
Innovation Solution
The swimming fin blade can be folded 180 degrees downwards and fixed to the underside of the rear part, with a releasable locking device using pull cables and elastic elements for secure locking, and a Velcro fastener for attachment, allowing easy walking on land and in water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fin blade is made pivotable to be folded up against the user's shin, then the fin blade can be stored compactly, but the flipped-up blade is still perceived as a nuisance when walking on land or in shallow water
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of folding the fin blade upward against the shin (prior art), the invention inverts the folding direction by allowing the blade to fold downward onto the underside of the rear part. This inversion eliminates the nuisance of the flipped-up blade while maintaining compact storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fin blade folding mechanism transitions from a vertical folding motion (upward against the shin) to a horizontal folding motion (downward onto the underside). This dimensional change allows the blade to be stored compactly without protruding upward, eliminating the nuisance factor.
2Reliability
If a locking device is added to secure the folded fin blade, then the blade can be reliably fixed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device utilizes the user's own foot to activate the locking mechanism. When the user steps down, the foot naturally triggers the locking element to engage with the sleeve, securing the blade without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex electronic or hydraulic locking systems with a simple mechanical linkage where the user's foot motion directly actuates the locking element. This mechanical substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the locking device uses elastic elements and pull cables, then the locking mechanism becomes more robust and easy to use, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pull cable serves multiple functions: it transmits the user's foot motion to activate the locking element, and it also serves as the locking actuator itself. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic elements are designed to be simple, reusable components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The locking mechanism uses these elastic elements to provide consistent locking force without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
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 seamless walking on land and in water by securely folding the fin blade, reducing the nuisance of the flipped-up blade and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the locking device has a pull cable for unlocking and elastic elements for locking
Implementation Method 2
the locking device has a pull cable for unlocking
Implementation Method 3
the front part of the fin blade can be fixed to the underside of the rear part with a Velcro fastener
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The aim of the invention is for the user of a flipper having a foldable flipper blade (1) to be able to travel well on land and in the water, even when the flipper blade (1) is folded up. This aim is achieved in that the front part (3) of the flipper blade (1) can be folded downward and rearward by 180 degrees onto the bottom side (6) of the rear part (4) of the flipper blade (1) and can be fastened to the bottom side (6) of the rear part (4).