Kite Control Bar with Rotatable Guide for Line Jamming Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing kite control systems suffer from line tangling and blocking issues, leading to loss of control and maneuverability during kite-powered sports due to inadequate handling of the lines, especially under varying wind conditions.

Innovation Solution

A bar for controlling a kite with a rotatably mounted guide device that allows for both translational and rotational displacement of the center line relative to the bar, incorporating a guide channel with inclined surfaces and radial plain bearings to enhance the range of motion and prevent jamming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the bar is fixed relative to the center line, then the control structure is simple, but the lines become tangled or blocked and movements of the bar can no longer be smoothly transmitted to the kite

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmooth transmission of bar movementsVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide device is made rotatable relative to the bar pole, transforming a static connection into a dynamic one. This allows the guide device to rotate and adjust its orientation, preventing line tangling and blocking while maintaining smooth transmission of bar movements to the kite control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the guide device allows only translational movement, then the structure is simple, but complex relative movements including tilting cannot be performed without jamming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of relative movementsVSAvoidline jamming and blocking
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The guide device is configured to perform both translational movement along the bar pole and rotational movement around it. This dynamic capability enables complex relative movements including tilting, steering, and power adjustments without causing line jamming or blocking, as the guide device can adapt its orientation during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution provides improved control and maneuverability by reducing the risk of line jamming, allowing for precise and efficient trim adjustments and recovery from tangled lines, enhancing user interaction with the kite.

Implementation Method 1

The guide device (2) is rotatably mounted relative to the bar beam (1) via at least one radial plain bearing, which comprises a bearing bush (12) with a recess and a rotating element (21) that is fitted into the recess of the bearing bush (12) so as to be rotatable relative to the bearing bush (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial plain bearing: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4603376A1Kite control bar, kite control system and kite system
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 BOARDS & MORE GMBH
  • EP4603376A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4603376A1 patent drawingFigure 4A~6
  • EP4603376A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a bar 100 for controlling a kite, comprising a bar 1, to whose end sections 11 control lines 300 of the kite to be controlled can be attached, and a guide device 2, in which at least one center line 200 of the kite to be controlled can be guided relative to the bar 1 such that the bar 1 is displaceable along the center line 200. The guide device 2 is rotatably mounted relative to the bar 1 such that an angle between a guide direction V of the guide device 2 and a longitudinal direction L of the bar 1 is variable.