Hydrofoil Surfboard Edge Lighting and Adjustable Mast Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrofoil surfboards face challenges in nighttime navigation due to the need for lights that comply with regulations without protruding upward and the difficulty of adjusting mast length for beginners and experts, requiring multiple boards or frequent mast changes.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled hydrofoil surfboard with LED navigation lights integrated into the circumferential edges for visibility and a telescoping mast that can be adjusted in length for different riding styles and user experience levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If navigation lights are mounted on the surfboard for nighttime visibility, then nighttime navigation compliance is improved, but the lights may protrude upward causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation lights are relocated from the traditional upward-facing position to the lateral edges of the surfboard, changing the spatial dimension of light emission from vertical to horizontal. This allows the lights to provide nighttime visibility while eliminating the protrusion hazard, as the lights are integrated into the board's edge profile rather than extending upward.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the surfboard are assigned different functional qualities: the lateral edges contain the navigation lights for visibility, while the upper surface remains free of protruding elements for safety. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of nighttime compliance and safety by optimizing each location for its specific function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mast length is fixed for a hydrofoil surfboard, then structural simplicity is maintained, but beginners and experts cannot adjust for different riding styles
Solution Approach 1:
The mast is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can slide relative to each other, allowing independent adjustment of mast length. This segmentation enables the mast to be customized for different user heights and riding styles while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as each section is a standard component.
Solution Approach 2:
The mast transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable structure that can change length during use. This allows the surfboard to adapt to different users and conditions, with the mast being extended or retracted as needed while maintaining structural integrity through engineered connection points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hydrofoil surfboards are purchased for different mast lengths, then user needs are met, but cost and equipment quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single hydrofoil surfboard is designed with a universal adjustable mast system that can accommodate multiple user types and riding styles. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for users to purchase multiple specialized boards, as one board can be configured for beginners, experts, or intermediate riders through mast length adjustment alone.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding a surfboard when mast length becomes inadequate, users can recover the investment by adjusting the existing mast or replacing only the mast component. This extends the useful life of the original board and avoids the need to discard and purchase entirely new equipment.
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 surfboard meets nighttime navigation requirements with visible LED lights and allows for easy mast length adjustment, enhancing user experience and reducing the need for multiple boards or frequent mast changes.
Implementation Method 1
the bottom of the heat sink and the water surface are in contact for heat dissipation
Implementation Method 2
the heat dissipation fins at the bottom of the heat dissipation base contact the flowing air and water spray to dissipate heat
Implementation Method 3
the lifting action of the hydrofoil lifting the surfboard off the water surface
Implementation Method 4
an underwater propeller is installed on a mast which extends from the bottom of a surfboard
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled hydrofoil surfboard includes a surfboard having a mast mounted to the lower surface of the surfboard, a selectively controllable thruster mounted at a lower end of the mast, a controller and a battery to supply power to the controller and thruster, the controller cooperating with a remote controller adapted to give control inputs to the controller and to be carried when in use by a rider, navigation lights mounted around at least a portion of the circumferential edge of the surfboard, and wherein the mast may have an adjustable length.