Swimming Flipper Side Rails and Ridges Water Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional flippers suffer from reduced propulsion efficiency due to water displacement losses and limited directional control, primarily because of unobstructed water flow over flat surfaces and insufficient control surfaces, leading to increased drag and reduced traction.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates inwardly extending side rails and upright ridges on the blade portion, which channel water displacement and increase the number of control surfaces, enhancing propulsion and directional control by capturing and directing water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If traditional flat rubber flippers are used to increase water displacement area, then propulsion area is improved, but water flow escapes unobstructed over edges causing propulsion loss
Solution Approach 1:
The flipper blade is segmented into multiple functional surfaces including top surface, bottom surface, and vertical side edges. The addition of vertical edges at the sides divides the water flow control into discrete segments, preventing unobstructed escape and directing water flow more effectively for propulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat rubber flipper to a three-dimensional structure by adding vertical side edges that extend upward from the blade. This dimensional addition creates multiple control surfaces (top, bottom, and vertical edges) that work together to control water flow in multiple directions simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If traditional flippers with limited control edges are used, then simplicity is maintained, but directional movement control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is segmented across multiple surfaces: the top surface provides primary propulsion, the bottom surface provides stability and secondary control, and the vertical side edges provide directional control. This segmentation allows each surface to specialize in specific control functions, improving overall directional control capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If flippers without rails are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but water flow disruption creates eddies and drag
Solution Approach 1:
By adding vertical side edges that extend upward from the blade, the invention creates a three-dimensional structure that guides water flow along defined paths. This dimensional addition prevents water from disrupting the surface and forming eddies, reducing drag while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the addition of vertical edges.
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
This design significantly reduces water drag, increases thrust, and improves traction and directional movement, allowing for better wave control and speed during swimming and water-based activities.
Implementation Method 1
amplify the kicking effect of the wearer by increasing the area of water displaced by each kick of their feet
Implementation Method 2
flippers without rails when moving through water have varying amounts of water flow around them that becomes disrupted as it flows over the flipper's surfaces
Data Source
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AI summary
A swimming flipper (1) comprising a foot portion (2) and substantially flat blade portion (3) extending there from, said blade portion (3) having provided on each longitudinal side thereof at least two opposed rails (4/5) extending inwardly and at an angle equal to or less than 90 degrees to the plane of said blade portion (3), and said blade portion (3) having provided at least two ridges (7/8) preferably underneath the blade portion (3) extending longitudinally from the foot portion (2), said foot portion (2) having provided a one-piece strap (6), and said foot portion (2) having provided at least two fixed couplings (11/12) to engage and disengage with the corresponding and opposing couplings of another said flipper portion (1) to interlock and hold two flippers attached to each other.