Kite Control Bar with Magnetic Line Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current kite control systems face challenges in safely and efficiently trimming control lines, leading to potential over-powering of kites, ergonomic issues, and wear-related problems, particularly with central load bearing line trimming and control line length adjustment methods.
Innovation Solution
A kite control bar design with sliding access for control lines, allowing simultaneous trimming and locking in discrete positions, using an array of receiving pockets or a compact reel with ratchet gear for secure and easy adjustment of control line length, eliminating dangling lines and reducing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the central load bearing line is trimmed using cleat or friction based systems, then the system is simple to build, but the trim assembly becomes heavy and subject to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical friction-based cleat systems with a magnetic field-based retention system. The magnetic field holds the excess line without requiring heavy mechanical friction components, thereby reducing the weight of the trim assembly while maintaining simplicity of construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of line retention from friction-based mechanical holding to magnetic field-based holding. This parameter change allows the system to remain simple to build while eliminating the need for heavy friction components, thus reducing assembly weight.
2Ease of operation
If the central load bearing line is trimmed by pulling motions away from the kite, then the trim can be adjusted, but the kite can suddenly over fly and fall from the zenith causing dangerous situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic field retention as an intermediary mechanism between the rider's trimming action and the kite's power output. The magnetic field continuously retains the excess line during trimming operations, preventing sudden releases that could cause the kite to over-fly and fall, thereby improving safety while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic retention system provides beforehand cushioning by continuously holding the excess line in position before any trimming action is completed. This prevents sudden changes in line length that could cause dangerous kite behavior, allowing safe and easy trim adjustment throughout the operating range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rider error or failure of cleat or strap system results in the central load bearing line assuming its maximum length, then the bar stroke increases, but the kite becomes heavily over-powered and causes extremely dangerous situations
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary safety mechanism that prevents the central load bearing line from assuming its maximum length due to rider error or system failure. By continuously retaining the excess line within the magnetic field's influence zone, the system limits the maximum bar stroke and prevents the kite from becoming over-powered, while still allowing full adaptability for normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic retention system applies preliminary anti-action by opposing any unintended extension of the central load bearing line. The magnetic field continuously exerts a retaining force that prevents the line from reaching maximum length, thereby counteracting potential rider errors or system failures before they can cause dangerous over-powering conditions.
4Measurement precision
If control lines are trimmed simultaneously at the bar, then the adjustment is precise and secure, but the system becomes complex and parts are subject to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the trimming function from the bar area and relocates it to the harness area, where a single central line trim point is used. This extraction simplifies the system by eliminating the need for complex simultaneous trimming mechanisms at the bar, while still achieving precise control line adjustment through the magnetic retention system.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic retention system provides multi-functionality by serving both as a line retention mechanism and as a trimming control point. By combining these functions at a single location on the harness, the system achieves precise control line adjustment without the complexity of separate trimming mechanisms, reducing both device complexity and wear points.
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 a safer, more ergonomic, and durable kite control system that prevents over-powering, allows precise trimming, and maintains a compact, lightweight design resistant to sand and debris, ensuring reliable operation in demanding conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The reel is provided with a ratchet gear, and is at one side mounted to the bar structure in such a way it can both rotate about its axis and pivot along a plane parallel to the lines wound on the reel
Implementation Method 2
an elastic cord is attached to the stopper, which is looped around a sliding means, and attached to one of the control lines, thus forming a trim loop
Implementation Method 3
The bar may further contain more sliding means to redirect lines to the required section of the bar
Data Source
AI summary
A hollow kite control bar is provided with means for sliding access to the bar for one or multiple lines or groups of lines. Each line has one end towards the kite and the other towards the bar. The length of each line between the kite and the bar can be adjusted by pulling into and releasing from the bar, which length or lengths can be locked at multiple positions in one or more locking means fixed to the bar. The excess line length pulled in is automatically held inside the bar.