Inflatable Wing Rig With Detachable Handles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand-held wing rigs for wind-powered sports face issues with deformation during use, impaired aerodynamics, difficult handling due to flexible straps, and high weight and complex structures that complicate assembly and increase injury risk.

Innovation Solution

A hand-held wing rig with an inflatable front tube and center strut, featuring detachable handles that can be rigid or flexible, and an adapter system that allows for easy attachment and removal of handles, reducing storage space and enabling customizable handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If flexible holding straps are used, then ease of operation is improved, but precision of control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of handlingVSAvoidprecision of guidance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The holding strap is divided into a first portion and a second portion connected by a pivot joint, allowing each segment to function independently - the first portion provides flexible support while the second portion enables precise control through rotational movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot joint introduces dynamic movement capability to the holding strap system, allowing it to transition from a static flexible strap to an actively controllable interface that adapts to user hand movements while maintaining aerodynamic alignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If rigid handles are used, then precision of control is improved, but storage space increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of guidanceVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The holding strap is segmented into multiple functional portions with a pivot joint, creating a compact structure that provides rigid control capability when deployed but collapses to minimal volume when stored

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic pivot joint allows the structure to transition between a compact stored state and an extended operational state, providing rigid handle functionality only when needed while minimizing storage requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If complex tubular structure is used, then strength is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The front tube is made inflatable, allowing it to achieve high structural strength and rigidity when inflated with air or gas, while remaining lightweight in the deflated state for storage and transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The structural parameters of the front tube are dynamically changed through inflation and deflation, transitioning from a lightweight collapsed state to a high-strength rigid structure during operation, eliminating the need for permanently heavy tubular construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Strength

If complex tubular structure is used, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inflatable front tube provides complex structural strength capabilities through a simple single-tube design, avoiding the need for multiple struts and complex tubular frameworks while maintaining aerodynamic integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The inflatable tube utilizes a flexible thin-walled structure that can be easily manufactured and assembled, replacing complex rigid tubular constructions with a simpler flexible membrane solution that achieves equivalent or superior structural performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

5Reliability

If holding straps are firmly attached, then reliability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidease of replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The holding strap is segmented into replaceable portions and a pivot joint mechanism, allowing individual components to be independently replaced without replacing the entire assembly, maintaining reliable attachment while enabling easy repair

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows worn or damaged portions of the holding strap to be discarded and replaced with new components, while the main rigid portions and pivot joint mechanism are recovered and reused, extending the overall system life while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 wing rig provides easy handling, reduced storage space requirements, and customizable handling options, while maintaining aerodynamic performance and minimizing weight and injury risk.

Implementation Method 1

an inflatable front tube (6) from which an inflatable center strut (18) extends

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInflation: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12304610B2Wing rig

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 BOARDS & MORE GMBH

AI summary

Disclosed is a wing rig having detachable handles fastened to a front tube or a center strut.