Kite Control Bar Tensioning Member for Trim Line Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Kite control bars face issues with excess back trim line gathering inside the bar end float when the kite is not in flight, leading to potential tangling and making it difficult for users to set the correct trim setting before launching, as the excess line is not pulled out due to lack of tension from the kite.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a tensioning member, such as an elastomeric material or compression spring, anchored to the bar end float and secured to the trim line, which expands or contracts to bias the excess trim line out of the bar end float, ensuring it is visible and gaugeable before kite launch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the back flying lines are lengthened to reduce kite power, then the kite power is reduced, but the excess trim line gathers inside the bar end float causing potential tangling and making trim setting invisible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the excess trim line from the interior of the bar end float by providing it passes through a opening in the bar end float, allowing the excess line to be externally visible and prevent tangling inside the float
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a guide member as an intermediary component that guides the excess trim line from the interior to the exterior of the bar end float, ensuring the line is properly directed and visible without tangling
2Power
If the back flying lines are lengthened to reduce kite power, then the kite power is reduced, but the user cannot visually gauge the trim setting before launching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the excess trim line from the interior of the bar end float by providing it passes through a opening in the bar end float, allowing the excess line to be externally visible so users can gauge trim settings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual indicators including calibration markings on the trim line and colored sections to enhance the visibility of trim settings, allowing users to easily distinguish different trim positions
3Loss of information
If a tensioning member is added to force excess trim line out of the bar end float, then the trim line visibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service mechanism where the excess trim line automatically exits the bar end float through the opening and is guided externally, eliminating the need for complex active tensioning systems while maintaining trim line visibility
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
Prevents excess trim line from gathering inside the control bar, allowing users to accurately set the trim setting and preventing tangling, ensuring safe and proper kite launch by forcing the excess line out even without kite tension.
Implementation Method 1
The tensioning member can be an elastomeric material such as, but not limited to, shock cord, surgical tubing, elastic band or neoprene
Implementation Method 2
The tensioning member can be a compression spring made from a variety of materials such as, but not limited to, stainless steel, spring steel, plastics or nylons
Data Source
AI summary
A kite control bar having a tensioning member anchored to the bar end float and secured to the trim line. The tensioning member is capable of expanding and contracting. The tensioning member has a default state which is either an expanded state or a contracted state. When an adjusting force is exerted upon the trim line, the tensioning member is drawn into another of the expanded state or the contracted state. When the adjusting force is released, the tensioning member tends to return to the default state. This biases the trim line to force excess trim line out of the bar end float.