Foldable Fin Assembly With Locking Base for Compact Board Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Watersport boards with fixed fins face challenges in transportation and storage due to their protruding design, which increases space requirements and poses hazards, while removable fins are prone to loss and reattachment difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A foldable fin assembly with a support base and locking mechanism that allows the fin to transition between a use position and a folded position, remaining securely attached to the board, ensuring easy transportation and storage without disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fin is fixedly attached to the board, then the fin provides stable steering and stability during use, but the fin protrudes and increases space requirements for transportation and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The fin is designed with a folding mechanism that allows it to transition between a deployed position (providing steering stability) and a retracted position (reducing storage space). The fin can be rotated or folded against the board surface, transforming from a static protruding structure to a dynamic, space-adapting component.
Solution Approach 2:
The fin assembly is divided into separable components including the fin itself, a mounting bracket, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the fin to be independently folded and secured to the board, enabling compact storage while maintaining structural integrity during use.
2Volume of moving object
If the fin is made removable, then the fin can be taken off for compact storage, but the fin is prone to loss and reattachment is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fin assembly incorporates a self-latching locking mechanism that automatically secures the fin to the board when engaged. The locking mechanism features a latch that snaps into place and maintains secure attachment without requiring continuous user intervention, making the fin easy to attach and forget-proof during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
A mounting bracket serves as an intermediary component between the fin and the board. The bracket includes a locking mechanism that mediates the connection, allowing the fin to be easily attached and detached while preventing loss. The bracket acts as a stable intermediary that simplifies the attachment process and ensures reliable connection.
3Volume of moving object
If the fin is completely removed from the board, then the board can be rolled compactly, but the fin may be lost or forgotten during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The fin is designed to nest against the board surface when retracted, with the mounting bracket and locking mechanism allowing the fin to be positioned flush against the board. This nesting arrangement enables compact rolling of the board while ensuring the fin remains attached and visible, preventing loss during transport.
4Ease of operation
If the fin is left protruding during transport, then the fin remains ready for immediate use, but the fin presents a hazard during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The fin assembly allows dynamic reconfiguration between a protruding ready-for-use position and a retracted safe-storage position. The locking mechanism enables the fin to be securely positioned in either state, eliminating hazards during transport while maintaining readiness for quick deployment when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology is generally directed to a fin assembly for watersport equipment, a watersport system including thereof, and a method of using thereof. In various embodiments, the fin assembly includes a support base and a foldable fin. The support base may be configured to attach the fin assembly to a surface of the watersport equipment. The foldable fin may include a fin portion configured to move between a folded position and a use position. The support base may have a locking member configured to lock the fin portion in and release the fin portion from the use position.