Jet Board to PWC Conversion Using Rear Bracket Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost, maintenance requirements, and environmental impact of traditional personal watercraft (PWCs) pose challenges for users, including expensive ownership and storage, as well as environmental pollution from oil and fuel leaks.

Innovation Solution

A method to convert a jet board into a PWC by attaching a detachable add-on module that secures the jet board, utilizing a coupler such as a tether or strap to prevent detachment, and leveraging the electric propulsion system of the jet board for movement, without additional propulsion on the add-on module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional personal watercraft is purchased and used, then the user can enjoy water-based activities, but the cost of buying, maintaining, and transporting it becomes high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidownership complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the personal watercraft into two separable components: a jet board and an add-on module. The jet board contains the propulsion system, while the add-on module provides the hull and seating. This segmentation allows users to own only the essential jet board and attach the module only when needed, reducing overall ownership complexity and cost while maintaining full functionality during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, permanently assembled PWC to a dynamic configuration where the add-on module can be attached and detached. This dynamic approach allows the jet board to adapt between two modes: standalone for simple transport and recreation, and combined with the module for full PWC functionality, thereby reducing the complexity of permanent ownership while preserving operational capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a personal watercraft is purchased and used, then the user can enjoy water-based activities, but maintenance and upkeep become time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the PWC into a jet board and an add-on module, maintenance tasks can be focused on just the jet board component. The add-on module, which contains no engine or propulsion systems, requires minimal to no maintenance. This segmentation significantly reduces the time and cost of maintenance compared to maintaining a complete traditional PWC.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the complex engine and propulsion system from the overall PWC structure and places it solely in the jet board. The add-on module is designed without mechanical systems that require maintenance. This extraction allows users to maintain only the essential propulsion components rather than the entire watercraft system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If a personal watercraft is purchased and used, then the user can enjoy water-based activities, but it contributes to water pollution through oil and fuel leaks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidenvironmental pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The add-on module is designed as a non-motorized, environmentally benign component that can be easily disposed of or replaced without environmental harm. More importantly, by separating the module from the propulsion system, any potential pollution from fuel or oil leaks is isolated to the jet board only, and the module itself generates zero pollution, reducing overall environmental impact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Ease of operation

If a personal watercraft is purchased and used, then the user can enjoy water-based activities, but it requires storage on bulky trailers that are difficult to store

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The separation of the jet board and add-on module eliminates the need for bulky trailers. The jet board can be stored in a compact, upright position similar to a surfboard, while the add-on module can be stored separately in a small compartment or even detached and stored at home. This segmentation reduces the storage footprint from a large trailer to minimal space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic attachment and detachment capability allows the system to transition from a compact stored state to a functional watercraft state. When not in use, both components can be stored in compact forms; when needed, they are quickly assembled on-water or at the launch site, eliminating the need for permanent trailer storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

5Ease of operation

If a personal watercraft is purchased and used, then the user can enjoy water-based activities, but it requires a vehicle with a hitch and sufficient towing capacity to transport it

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidtransport requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The jet board is designed to be transportable without requiring a trailer or hitch system. It can be carried like a large surfboard or placed in a small vehicle compartment. The add-on module is even lighter and can be carried separately. This segmentation eliminates the complex towing infrastructure requirements of traditional PWCs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the towing and trailer system from the transport equation entirely. By designing the jet board and module to be manually transportable or fit in small vehicles, the patent removes the dependency on hitch systems and towing capacity, simplifying the transport requirements significantly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20240199176A1Method of Converting a Jet Board into a Standing Personal Watercraft (PWC) Using a Rear Bracket
Publication Date: 2024.06.20 SHANGHAI YUJET CO LTD
  • US20240199176A1 patent drawing
  • US20240199176A1 patent drawing
  • US20240199176A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method to convert a jet board, which may include an electric surfboard, an electric standup paddle board, an electric hydrofoil board, into a personal watercraft (PWC). The method includes attaching an add-on module onto the jet board where the add-on module provides handles and a seat but does not provide a source of propulsion. The resulting personal watercraft is, instead. driven by the propulsion system of the jet board.