Inflatable SUP Drive Recess at Center of Gravity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable stand-up paddle (SUP) watercraft with embedded drive assemblies often alter the floating properties and require additional tools for installation, making them unsuitable for cruising in still waters without changing their characteristics.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable SUP with a drive assembly housed in a specially shaped recess at the center of gravity, featuring a wireless operating system integrated into an oar, including a storage battery, electric motor, inflation system, and control electronics, which allows for easy installation and operation without tools, providing assistance to oarsmen without substituting oaring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a drive assembly is embedded in the rear half of the watercraft, then rapid movement on waves is improved, but floating properties and stability in still waters are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The drive assembly is extracted from the conventional rear-half position and placed in a centrally located recess at the center of gravity. This repositioning removes the destabilizing effect of rear-mounted equipment while maintaining the drive's propulsive function, thereby preserving floating properties and stability in still waters.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess is specifically shaped and positioned at the center of gravity to accommodate the drive assembly housing. This localized structural modification ensures the drive is precisely positioned to minimize impact on overall watercraft stability while maintaining efficient propulsion.
2Power
If a drive assembly is added to an inflatable watercraft, then propulsion capability is improved, but installation complexity and tool requirements are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The recess for the drive assembly housing is pre-formed in the inflatable watercraft during manufacturing, and the housing is designed to fit this recess like a puzzle piece. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex installation tools or procedures, allowing users to simply insert the housing into the pre-configured recess.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing of the drive assembly is designed to be self-installing by simply inserting it into the recess. The air pressure from inflating the watercraft automatically secures the housing in place, eliminating the need for additional fastening tools or complex assembly procedures.
3Productivity
If a drive assembly is embedded in the watercraft, then movement assistance is improved, but the watercraft's original characteristics and floating properties are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The drive assembly is extracted from the watercraft's main body and housed in a separate, removable housing that fits into a dedicated recess. This separation allows the drive to be easily removed when not needed, preserving the watercraft's original floating characteristics and versatility for different uses.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive assembly housing can be dynamically adjusted or removed based on operational needs. When removed, the watercraft returns to its original state with unaltered floating properties, providing adaptability for different cruising conditions and uses.
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 solution enables stable and efficient movement in still waters, offering additional support to oarsmen, improving balance and distance coverage, while maintaining the watercraft's characteristics and floating properties, and includes features like automatic pressure control and safety alerts.
Implementation Method 1
While the watercraft is filled with air, the air pressure firmly fixes the housing of the drive assembly to a proper position
Data Source
AI summary
The object of the invention is an inflatable watercraft (1) (SUP—stand up paddling) with an embedded drive and having a specially shaped recess in the center, preferably in the center of gravity of the watercraft (1), into which a housing (2, 2′) of a drive assembly is inserted before the watercraft is filled with air. While the watercraft (1) is filled with air, the air pressure firmly fixes the housing (2, 2′) of the drive assembly to a proper position. The housing (2, 2′) accommodates the drive assembly that comprises a storage battery (4), an electric motor (5), a compressor (3) and an electronic circuit (8), wherein the drive assembly is provided with a flow-through channel (6), in which a drive screw (7) is arranged, and both the input and the output sides of the flow-through channel (6) are protected by grates.