Kite Line Reeling Device with Dual Reel and Braking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for launching and landing kites, particularly in kite surfing, require significant space and time due to the need to lay out and manage long kite lines, which can be challenging, especially when launching or landing from limited spaces such as watercraft.
Innovation Solution
A kite line reeling device with a mechanism comprising two reels, a braking system, and a control mechanism that allows for the automatic reeling and deployment of kite lines, enabling harmonious or independent rotation of the reels, and a line locking mechanism for secure connection to the kite and harness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the kite lines are laid out on the ground for setup and landing, then the lines can be managed and connected, but significant space is required and setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of line storage, line deployment, and line retraction into a single integrated reeling device mounted on the handlebar. The reels are housed within an enclosure that integrates with the handlebar structure, merging multiple functions (storage, deployment, retraction) into one compact unit, thereby eliminating the need for separate line management space on the ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The reeling device employs dynamic reels that can rotate to deploy and retract lines on demand. The braking mechanism allows controlled rotation, enabling the lines to be dynamically adjusted during operation. This dynamic system replaces the static line layout method, allowing lines to be stored compactly when not in use and deployed only when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the kite lines are laid out on the ground for setup and landing, then the lines can be managed and connected, but significant setup time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The kite lines are pre-wound onto the reels in the reeling device before the kite is launched. This preliminary action of storing lines in an organized, compact manner on the reels eliminates the time-consuming process of laying out and managing lines on the ground during setup and landing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The reeling device provides self-service functionality by automatically managing line deployment and retraction through the braking mechanism. When the brake is applied, the reels automatically control line pay-out without requiring manual handling, connection, or wrapping of lines, thereby significantly reducing setup and landing time.
3Productivity
If the reels are allowed to rotate freely for line deployment, then line deployment is quick, but line tangling and loss of control occur
Solution Approach 1:
The braking mechanism provides continuous feedback control over reel rotation. The brake can be applied at any point during line deployment to control the rate of pay-out, preventing excessive speed that would cause tangling. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to maintain precise control over line deployment speed and tension throughout the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking mechanism changes the rotational parameters of the reels by applying frictional resistance. This parameter change controls the angular velocity and acceleration of the reels during line deployment, ensuring smooth, controlled pay-out that prevents tangling while maintaining deployment speed. The brake allows dynamic adjustment of rotational parameters based on operational needs.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention concerns a line reeling device for reeling front and back lines of a kite. The device includes a reeling mechanism comprising a first reel and a second reel which are located in an enclosure and on which the front and back lines are, in use, wound respectively. The reels are arranged so that their rotation in one direction retracts the lines and their rotation in the other direction deploys the lines. The reeling mechanism further includes reel connecting means which is operable to cause the reels to rotate in harmony in one configuration and rotate independently in another configuration. The reeling mechanism also has a braking mechanism for controlling rotation of the reels and a control mechanism which is in connection with the braking mechanism. The control mechanism is operable between a first, locked position wherein rotation of the reels is obstructed and a second, released position wherein rotation of the reels is allowed.