Foilboard Automatic Self-Stabilization via Thrust Vector Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional water sports devices, such as foilboards, are unstable during acceleration and turning, requiring users to shift their body weight to prevent capsizing, making them difficult to use and learn.

Innovation Solution

The water sports device features automatic self-stabilization through a control unit that adjusts thrust vector control, using actuators like motors, flaps, nozzles, and fins, and sensors to maintain stability based on device position, speed, and user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional water sports equipment is used without active stabilization, then the device structure remains simple, but the equipment becomes unstable during acceleration and turning, requiring users to shift body weight to prevent capsizing

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The water sports equipment performs self-stabilization automatically through the control unit and actuators without requiring user intervention. The system monitors its own state via sensors and makes corrective adjustments independently, allowing the equipment to serve its own stabilization needs rather than relying on user balance control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical balance control system (user body weight shifting) with an automated control system comprising electronic sensors, a control unit, and actuators. This substitution transforms the stabilization mechanism from manual mechanical adjustment to automated sensor-based control with motorized actuation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If active stabilization with control unit and actuators is implemented, then ease of operation improves by reducing user burden, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization system operates autonomously without requiring user attention or manual adjustment. The control unit continuously monitors sensor data and automatically actuates the actuators to maintain stability, freeing the user to focus on navigation and enjoyment rather than balance maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor the equipment's orientation and position, the control unit processes this data to determine stability deviations, and actuators apply corrective forces. This feedback loop enables automatic adaptation to changing conditions while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 provides stable operation without the risk of capsizing, allowing users to focus on control rather than balance, with adjustable features for different skill levels and environments.

Implementation Method 1

a propulsion device (50) provided for propelling the water sports device (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThrust: Jet

Implementation Method 2

the propulsion device (50) is designed for automatic thrust vector control

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThrust vector control: Jet

Implementation Method 3

it has at least one hydrofoil with at least one hydrofoil, and in particular with at least two hydrofoils

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrofoil lift: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentEP4051570B1Water sports device
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 ROSENXT HOLDING AG
  • EP4051570B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4051570B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4051570B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The invention relates to a water sport device, in particular a foilboard, comprising a floating body (4), preferably in the form of a floating board, and a foil device (6) which is secured to the floating body (4) by means of a retaining device (8), as well as comprising a propulsion device (50) provided for propelling the water sport device (2), wherein the foil device (6) arranged on a link (10) of the retaining device (8) has at least one, preferably at least two foils (16), wherein, in the operating position and during a forward movement, due to an uplift force caused by the foil device (6), the floating body (4) can be transferred into a position in which it is spaced apart from the surface of the water, and wherein the water sport device (2) and, in particular, the propulsion device (50) are designed for automatically self-stabilising the water sport device (2) and the water sport device (2) has a control unit (70) provided for this purpose.