Inflatable Wing Rig With Recessed Grip Center Strut
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wing rigs for wind-powered sports, such as foil surfing, face issues with high weight due to complex structures, time-consuming assembly/disassembly, and risk of injury from hard tube structures, as well as difficulty in adjusting the holding position due to conventional retaining loops.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held wing rig with an inflatable front tube and center strut featuring recessed grips and a torsion-resistant holding web, allowing for ergonomic adjustment and improved handling, and incorporating a stiffening element for enhanced aerodynamics and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a complex tubular structure is used for the leading edge and boom, then structural strength and rigidity are improved, but the total weight of the wing rig increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid tubular structure with an inflatable membrane structure that can be inflated to provide the necessary structural strength and rigidity during use, while remaining lightweight and compact when deflated for transport and storage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the structural elements from rigid (tubes) to inflatable (membranes filled with gas), allowing the structure to transition between a compact low-weight state and a rigid high-strength state during operation
2Stability of the object's composition
If a complex tubular structure is used for the leading edge and boom, then structural rigidity is improved, but the assembly and disassembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable membrane structure can be rapidly inflated and deflated, allowing for quick setup and teardown without the time-consuming assembly and disassembly of rigid tubular structures
Solution Approach 2:
The wing rig is divided into separable inflatable components that can be independently inflated and assembled, reducing the overall assembly time compared to constructing a complete rigid tubular framework
3Strength
If a hard tube structure is used for the leading edge and boom, then structural strength is improved, but the risk of injury to the user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable membrane structure provides the necessary structural strength when inflated but is inherently softer and more forgiving than hard tubes, reducing the risk of injury during contact with the user
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of rigid structures into a benefit by using inflatable elements that provide structural strength when needed but remain safe during contact, turning what would be a harmful rigid structure into a safe flexible one
4Device complexity
If conventional retaining loops are used for holding, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the ease of adjusting holding position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable or adjustable holding mechanism on the inflatable structure, allowing the user to dynamically change the holding position according to different operational requirements while maintaining the overall simplicity of the inflatable design
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 offers improved handling characteristics, reduced weight, and enhanced safety by integrating the grip into the center strut, enabling easier adjustment and torque transmission, while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency and stability.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable front tube (6), which is forming a leading edge (7) and from which extends an inflatable center strut (16)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a hand held wing rig a center strut of which has recessed grips.