Collapsible Kayak Backpack with Nested Hull Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing collapsible kayaks are difficult to assemble and disassemble, require multiple bags for transport, and lack ease of carrying as a backpack, while inflatable kayaks are slow and hard to maneuver.

Innovation Solution

A kayak structure that disassembles into a backpack frame with removably connectable hull members, including a middle section with a tapered complex body to receive the front and rear sections, secured by bolts and a rubber gasket for a watertight seal, and a seat member with straps to form a backpack frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the kayak is made collapsible by using disconnected stringers and formers joined with latches and clamps, then the kayak can be disassembled for transport, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollapsibility for transportVSAvoidnumber of disconnected pieces and assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The kayak is divided into three main hull members (front, middle, rear sections) that can be separately manufactured and assembled. Each hull member is a complete structural unit rather than disconnected stringers and formers, reducing the number of components while maintaining collapsibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The front and rear hull members are designed to nest within the middle hull member when collapsed, with the middle section having a larger width to receive the narrower front and rear sections. This nesting arrangement minimizes storage space and simplifies transport packaging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If the kayak is disassembled into multiple components for transport, then it fits in confined spaces, but the risk of losing important pieces increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage space requirementVSAvoidrisk of lost pieces

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The front and rear hull members nest within the middle hull member, creating a self-contained collapsed package. The seat member with integrated straps forms a backpack frame that holds all components together, eliminating loose parts that could be lost during transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The seat member serves dual purposes: as a structural component of the kayak when assembled, and as a backpack frame with straps that secures all hull members together during transport, combining multiple functions into a single component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If the kayak uses a skin stretched over the framework with over-centering means, then the skin provides structural rigidity, but the disassembly requires considerable time and skill

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The kayak structure is segmented into three complete hull members rather than a framework requiring skin stretching. Each hull member is a self-contained structural unit that maintains rigidity through its own geometry and connections, eliminating the time-consuming skin stretching and over-centering processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hull members are pre-formed with tapered complex bodies and cavities that facilitate easy assembly through straightforward insertion and bolting, rather than requiring complex skin tensioning and over-centering mechanisms during assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Volume of moving object

If the kayak is made inflatable using pneumatic tubes, then it is compact and inexpensive, but it becomes slow and hard to maneuver

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompactness when collapsedVSAvoidmaneuverability and speed in water

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The hull members use different materials and structures in different regions: the tapered complex bodies provide streamlined shapes for efficient water flow, while the cavity structures provide strength without excessive weight. This localized optimization maintains maneuverability while enabling compact storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The hull members feature curved and tapered surfaces that streamline water flow around the kayak, improving hydrodynamic efficiency. The complex curved geometry of the tapered bodies reduces drag and enhances maneuverability compared to simple inflatable shapes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS9392861B2Kayak backpack

Publication Date: 2016.07.19 MAYBIN LANDON CHANDLER

AI summary

A kayak that collapses to form a backpack structure is provided. The kayak includes a plurality of removably connectable hull members. The hull members include at least a middle section, a front section, and a rear section. The middle section comprises a tapered complex body having a cavity. The tapered complex body has a width larger than width of the front section and rear section such that the tapered complex body can receive the front section and the rear section in the cavity of the middle section. A plurality of bolts are configured to removably connect the hull members. The bolts provide pressure to a rubber gasket for connecting the front section and the rear section to the middle section. A cockpit is formed by removably connecting the front section and rear section to the middle section via the bolts. A seat member is removably attached to the cockpit.