Hydrofoil Simulator With Elastic Trampoline For Safe Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hydrofoil sports equipment poses risks due to large wing blades that can cause injuries during falls, and there is a lack of suitable training tools to mitigate these risks.

Innovation Solution

A hydrofoil simulator structure featuring a tank with a water current and an elastic trampoline frame, supported by elastic ropes and a trapeze harness, allowing users to practice hydrofoil disciplines safely by cushioning falls and keeping the wings submerged, enabling use in various environments and conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If large wing blades are used to create lifting effect, then hydrofoil performance is improved, but risk of injury during falls increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydrofoil performanceVSAvoidinjury risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by positioning an elastic trampoline beneath the hydrofoil board. The trampoline is pre-positioned to catch and cushion falls, preventing direct impact with the water surface. This safety mechanism is built into the training system before any fall occurs, allowing users to practice with full-size hydrofoils while being protected from injury.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic trampoline serves as an intermediary element between the hydrofoil board and the water. Instead of directly falling into water, users land on the trampoline which absorbs the impact. This intermediary structure enables safe practice with large wing blades by mediating the fall energy and preventing direct contact between the user and harmful water impact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If elastic trampoline is positioned above water surface with hole for mast, then fall safety is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefall safetyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is segmented into distinct functional components: a frame supporting the elastic trampoline, a tank containing water, and elastic ropes for additional support. The trampoline itself is segmented with a central hole for mast passage. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and adjusted, simplifying the overall assembly while maintaining safety functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates dynamic elements through the elastic trampoline and elastic ropes that can deform and absorb energy during falls. The trampoline dynamically adjusts to impact forces, stretching and recoiling to cushion falls. This dynamic behavior provides safety without requiring complex rigid mechanical structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high safety performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 simulator provides a safe and realistic training experience, adaptable to different disciplines, environmentally friendly, and suitable for all ages, including children, with minimal environmental impact and easy installation/removal.

Implementation Method 1

a frame which supports an elastic trampoline

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a series of elastic ropes associated with a trapeze harness

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The wings, which create the lifting effect typical of a hydrofoil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrofoil lifting effect: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentEP4294539B1Hydrofoil simulator structure
Publication Date: 2024.06.19 HYDROFOIL SIMULATOR SRL
  • EP4294539B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4294539B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4294539B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A hydrofoil simulator structure comprising a tank, in which a water current is generated, and a frame, which supports an elastic trampoline positioned above the water surface of the tank; the structure also comprising a series of elastic ropes associated with a trapeze harness worn by a user who stands on a board of a hydrofoil having wings immersed in water.