Kite Control Bar One-Handed Sail Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing command and control devices for traction sails require users to release one hand to adjust the sail's inclination, leading to reduced control and responsiveness, especially in changing wind conditions, and are not fully sealed, making them susceptible to sand interference.
Innovation Solution
A command and control bar with integrated mechanisms allowing one-handed adjustment of the sail's inclination through a cylindrical design, featuring a deflection system with variable cable length and return means, accessible via a pushbutton, enabling precise control without releasing the bar and maintaining a sealed environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user releases one hand to adjust the sail's inclination using a conventional central adjustment system, then the sail's inclination can be adjusted, but the control and responsiveness are reduced, especially in changing wind conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through the user's body mechanics. The cable routing through the user's hand creates an automatic tensioning system where the user's natural hand positioning and body movement provide the adjustment force, eliminating the need to release the bar while maintaining continuous control
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment system is segmented into independent cable pathways that can be controlled individually. Each cable is routed separately through the user's hand, allowing independent adjustment of sail inclination parameters while maintaining grip on the bar with both hands
2Productivity
If a conventional central adjustment system is used, then the sail's inclination can be adjusted, but the adjustment speed and responsiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system transitions from static cable routing to dynamic cable routing that moves with the user's hand. The cable pathways are designed to change configuration based on hand position and body movement, enabling rapid adjustment without mechanical complex mechanisms that would slow response time
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism utilizes periodic body movements and hand positioning that the user naturally performs while kitesurfing. These rhythmic movements create periodic cable tension variations that progressively adjust the sail inclination, allowing quick response to wind changes through natural motion patterns
3Ease of manufacture
If known mechanisms are used for cable adjustment, then the adjustment function is achieved, but the mechanisms are not fully sealed and are susceptible to sand interference
Solution Approach 1:
The cable adjustment mechanism utilizes flexible cable sheaths and thin film seals that can conform to the moving parts while maintaining a sealed environment. These flexible barriers prevent sand ingress into the cable routing channels and adjustment mechanisms, protecting the system from desert sand interference while allowing the necessary cable movement for adjustment
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 swift, precise, and low-effort adjustment of the sail's inclination with both hands, enhancing control and responsiveness while keeping the bar securely held, and preventing sand ingress.
Implementation Method 1
a deflection system (51, 52, 61, 62) associated with each rear cable (5, 6) and creating, for each cable, a cable strand of variable length
Implementation Method 2
said deflection system (51, 52, 61, 62) being connected to return means
Implementation Method 3
the bar comprising means adapted to lock/release the position of the deflection system (51, 52, 61, 62) along the bar
Data Source
AI summary
A command and control bar for a kite sail associated with two front cables connected to a user and two rear cables connected to the bar. The cables are connected at one end to the sail. An adjustment element to shorten/extend the rear cables is incorporated into the bar and can be controlled by the user without releasing the bar. A deflection system can be displaced parallel to the axis of the bar and is connected to a return element. The bar includes a locking element to lock/release the position of the deflection system along the bar, depending on the traction forces applied on the cables. The locking element is accessible to the user from outside the bar.