Inflatable SUP with Integrated Pump and Convex Hull
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inflatable stand-up paddle boards face issues with poor water division and directional control due to their flat bottom design, deformation under pressure and sunlight, reduced pressure-bearing capacity due to folding creases, and inefficient and cumbersome air pumps with no exhaust function.
Innovation Solution
An integrated inflation pump system within the paddle board featuring a pump body with an inflation assembly, exhaust channel, deflation valve, and pressure sensor, along with a built-in air pump that includes an electric motor and piston mechanism for efficient inflation and deflation, and a design that incorporates reinforcement members to enhance structural integrity and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the SUP is made inflatable to improve portability, then the volume can be reduced for convenient carrying, but the water division and directional control become poor due to flat bottom design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bottom surface of the SUP into multiple convex arcs (first convex arc, second convex arc, third convex arc) instead of a single flat surface. This segmentation creates distinct hydrodynamic zones that improve water division and directional control while maintaining the inflatable structure's portability benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies curvature to the bottom surface by designing convex arcs instead of flat surfaces. The first, second, and third convex arcs create a curved hydrodynamic profile that enhances water flow management and directional control, resolving the contradiction between inflatable portability and hydrodynamic performance.
2Strength
If the SUP is inflated to high pressure to maintain structural integrity, then the board can support weight, but the outer surface deforms and arches due to internal air pressure and sunlight exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-designs convex arcs into the bottom surface structure. These pre-formed curved features accommodate and distribute internal air pressure more evenly, preventing unwanted deformation and arching while maintaining the necessary structural integrity for weight support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different geometric characteristics to different parts of the SUP bottom surface. The convex arcs are strategically positioned and sized to provide localized structural support and pressure distribution, allowing the board to maintain shape while supporting weight at high pressure.
3Volume of moving object
If the SUP is deflated and folded to reduce volume for carrying, then portability is improved, but folding creases reduce pressure-bearing capacity and service life
Solution Approach 1:
The convex arc design creates a pre-stressed curved structure that naturally resists creasing during folding. The curved geometry distributes stress more evenly during deflation and folding operations, reducing the formation of sharp creases that would compromise pressure-bearing capacity and service life.
4Productivity
If a conventional air pump is used for inflation, then the SUP can be inflated, but the inflation efficiency is low and the structure is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pump structures with a simpler inflation mechanism. The design uses a straightforward pump chamber and valve system that achieves efficient inflation without the complexity of conventional multi-component air pumps, thereby improving productivity while reducing device complexity.
5Ease of operation
If no exhaust function is built into the pump, then the pump structure can be simpler, but the SUP can only be exhausted manually resulting in inconvenient operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the pump system to perform multiple functions: both inflation and exhaust. The pump chamber and valve system can operate in reverse to provide exhaust functionality, eliminating the need for separate manual exhaust operations while adding minimal complexity to the overall device structure.
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
Improves water division and directional control, maintains structural integrity under pressure, and simplifies inflation and deflation processes, enhancing the safety and convenience of the paddle board.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomer mounted between a second end of the deflation valve rod and the pump body
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member mounted between a first end of the air inlet valve rod and the pump body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6B
AI summary
An inflatable stand-up paddle board (SUP) and a built-in inflation pump are provided. The inflation pump includes a pump body incorporated into a body of the SUP, an inflation assembly, and inflation and deflation valves in communication with an air chamber of the SUP. The body of the SUP includes first and second surfaces and a lateral confining band extending in a circumferential direction of the SUP and covering edges of the first and second surfaces. A mounting space may extend through the air chamber and the inflation pump may be mounted within the mounting space.