Jet-Powered Oar System for Paddle Board Fatigue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Paddle boarders often face challenges such as overexertion, fatigue, and unpredictable natural conditions like thunderstorms, which can hinder their ability to physically propel their paddle boards back to shore or navigate safely.
Innovation Solution
A retrofittable jet-powered oar system with an electrically powered impeller pump assembly and a restraining mechanism that secures the propulsive oar to the paddle board, allowing for self-powered propulsion and emergency navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If paddlers use conventional oars to physically propel the paddle board, then they can exercise their body and build strength, but they may experience overexertion, fatigue, and inability to return to shore when encountering emergencies or adverse conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical propulsion system (paddler using oars) with an automated jet propulsion system consisting of an impeller pump, motor, and water intake/outlet mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous physical exertion while maintaining the ability to propel the paddle board, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability of return and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The jet propulsion system is designed to be self-operating once activated, with the impeller pump automatically drawing water from the intake and expelling it through the outlet to generate thrust. The system serves itself without requiring continuous manual intervention, allowing the paddler to simply activate the system and then relax, thus reducing physical exertion while ensuring reliable return capability.
2Reliability
If paddlers travel vast distances to experience natural beauty, then they can enjoy recreational experiences, but they may encounter unexpected emergencies or adverse weather conditions that hinder their ability to control or return the paddle board
Solution Approach 1:
The jet propulsion system is divided into distinct functional modules: an impeller pump assembly, a motor unit, water intake mechanisms, and outlet nozzles. This segmentation allows for easier installation onto existing paddle boards and simplifies maintenance, reducing the perceived complexity while enhancing safety through a reliable, modular propulsion system capable of handling adverse conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The jet propulsion system serves multiple functions: it propels the paddle board forward during normal recreation, provides emergency return capability to shore, and offers control assistance in adverse weather conditions. This multi-functionality justifies the added device complexity by delivering comprehensive safety benefits across various operating scenarios.
3Speed
If a jet-powered propulsion system is added to the paddle board, then faster and safer navigation is enabled, but the device complexity and weight of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes hydraulic principles by drawing water through an impeller pump and expelling it at high velocity through outlet nozzles to generate thrust. This hydraulic propulsion method provides efficient speed generation without requiring excessively heavy mechanical components, as the water itself serves as the reaction mass for propulsion, reducing the need for heavy fuel tanks or complex mechanical engines.
Solution Approach 2:
The impeller pump system can vary its operational parameters (rotation speed, water flow rate, outlet pressure) to optimize propulsion efficiency. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high speeds when needed while consuming minimal energy, thereby reducing the required battery capacity and overall system weight while maintaining the ability to provide fast propulsion when required.
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
Enables faster and safer navigation, reducing physical exertion and risk in adverse conditions by providing a reliable means to reach the desired destination or escape dangerous situations.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller pump assembly (13) integrated into the oar paddle (12)
Implementation Method 2
The propulsive oar (1) uses an electrically powered propulsion system that propels the paddle board without physical input from the paddler
Data Source
AI summary
A jet-powered oar system for a paddleboard designed to help paddle boarders travel long distances without feeling fatigue includes a propulsive oar and a restraining mechanism. The propulsive oar propels the paddle board without physical input from the paddle boarder. The restraining mechanism retrofits onto an existing paddleboard and retains the propulsive oar. The propulsive oar utilizes an oar shaft, an oar paddle, an impeller pump assembly, a primary battery pack, a kill switch, and an attachment collar. The oar shaft and the oar paddle can be used to physically propel the paddle board. The impeller pump assembly permits motorized propulsion of the paddle board when the paddle boarder succumbs to fatigue. The primary battery back stores electrical energy for powering the impeller pump assembly. The kill switch stops the paddle board from moving. Finally, the attachment collar couples the propulsive oar onto the restraining mechanism.