Inflatable Water-Sports Board Stiffening via Tensioned Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable water-sports boards lack rigidity due to the flexibility required for inflation, limiting their performance compared to boards made from rigid materials like fibreglass.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flexible cable element between connection points on the board, which becomes taut when inflated, providing additional stiffness to the board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the board is made from flexible inflatable material, then ease of transport is improved, but stiffness is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The board combines flexible inflatable material (PVC or similar coated fabric) with rigid materials (fibreglass, wood, or other stiffening materials) in a composite structure. The rigid materials are embedded within or attached to the inflatable body to provide structural stiffness while maintaining the flexibility and portability of the inflatable construction.
Solution Approach 2:
Rigid materials are strategically placed in specific locations where stiffness is most needed, such as the nose, tail, or central body sections of the board. This allows the board to have localized rigidity for performance while maintaining overall flexibility for inflation and deflation.
2Strength
If the board is made from rigid materials like fibreglass, then stiffness is improved, but ease of transport is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The board transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic inflatable structure that can change its state between deflated (for transport) and inflated (for use). When deflated, the board becomes flexible and portable; when inflated, the rigid materials embedded within provide the necessary stiffness for water sports performance.
3Strength
If cable tensioning means is added to adjust stiffness, then stiffness control is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tensioning means is pre-configured during manufacturing with preset tension levels. Users can select from pre-marked positions or use simple adjustment mechanisms that maintain consistent tension without requiring complex calculations or specialized knowledge, thereby controlling stiffness while minimizing operational complexity.
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 tensioned cable significantly enhances the stiffness of the inflatable board, improving its performance without compromising ease of transport or rider comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible cable element passing between the first connection point and the second connection point, whereby the cable is arranged to be in tension when the board is inflated, thereby providing stiffness to the board
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable board for water sports such as surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing uses at least one cord for stiffening. The cord is arranged to be placed in tension upon inflation of the board, and acts to brace the board in use.