Inflatable Wing Rig with V-Shaped Leading Edge for Foil Surfing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wing rigs for foilsurfing, wind skates, and skiing suffer from complex structures that increase weight, complicate assembly and disassembly, and pose a risk of injury due to high speeds and aerodynamic deformation.

Innovation Solution

A hand-assisted wing rig with a flatable Leading Edge and a tree that extends from it, featuring a canopy-clamping design with a V or U-shaped profile that opens upwards, providing an aerodynamically optimized shape even at high speeds and allowing for easy handling and adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a complex tubular structure is used for the leading edge and boom, then structural strength and rigidity are improved, but weight increases significantly and assembly becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidoverall weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The wing rig is divided into separate modular components: the canopy, leading edge, boom, and struts can be assembled and disassembled independently. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for strength while reducing overall weight compared to a single complex tubular structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a canopy made of flexible fabric material instead of rigid tubular structures. The leading edge and boom are supported by inflatable elements and tensioned fabric, providing structural strength with significantly reduced weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Stability of the object's composition

If a complex tubular structure is used for the leading edge and boom, then structural stability is improved, but assembly and disassembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wing rig is divided into separate modular components that can be quickly assembled and disassembled. The canopy, leading edge, boom, and struts are designed as independent units with simple connection mechanisms, dramatically reducing setup time while maintaining structural stability during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The structure incorporates inflatable elements that can be rapidly inflated to provide structural stability during use, and can be deflated for quick disassembly. This dynamic characteristic allows the structure to transition between stable and portable states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If a hard tubular structure is used for the leading edge and boom, then structural rigidity is improved, but injury risk to the user increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidinjury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The canopy and leading edge are constructed from flexible fabric materials instead of hard tubular structures. These flexible materials maintain aerodynamic shape and structural rigidity during operation but are much safer for the user during falls or collisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The use of flexible fabric and inflatable elements provides inherent cushioning protection before impact occurs. These materials can deform to absorb impact energy, reducing the risk of injury to the user during catastrophic falls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Ease of operation

If an inflatable wing rig adapted to kite aerodynamics is used, then ease of assembly is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates at high speeds due to deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidaerodynamic profile

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The wing rig uses inflatable elements that can be dynamically adjusted to maintain optimal aerodynamic shape at different speeds and conditions. The inflation pressure can be modified to compensate for deformation at high speeds, preserving the aerodynamic profile while keeping assembly simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The aerodynamic performance is optimized by changing physical parameters such as inflation pressure, canopy tension, and leading edge curvature. These parameters can be adjusted during operation to maintain the correct aerodynamic profile across different speed ranges, preventing deformation-related performance loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 maintains an aerodynamically optimized profile at high speeds, reduces the risk of injury, and simplifies handling and assembly, while allowing for adjustable performance based on wind conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The invention relates to a hand-supported wing rig for foil surfing, wind skating or skiing... an inflatable leading edge... maintains an aerodynamically optimized profile even at high speeds

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3914510B2Wing rig

Publication Date: 2025.04.16 BOARDS & MORE GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a manually supported wing rig, which is preferably designed with an inflatable leading edge flaring upwards (away from the surfer) in an approximately V or U shape in the direction of flow.