Segmented Kiteboarding Release System Reducing Height and Cost
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitesurf release systems are complex, expensive to manufacture, and have a large height, making it difficult for users to quickly reduce kite power, especially for short practitioners, and can hinder safety line passage, leading to incomplete sail unveiling in emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A hooking system with a central body composed of two parts assembled by a fixing means, allowing natural release and reducing manufacturing costs, featuring a fastener with an envelope and elastic return mechanism for quick attachment and detachment, and a line breaker integrated within the central body to minimize height and facilitate rope management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece central body is used in existing release systems, then the structure is simpler in assembly, but the manufacturing cost increases due to expensive molds with drawers and the height increases making it difficult for users to quickly reduce kite power
Solution Approach 1:
The central body is divided into two separate parts: a first part and a second part. The first part contains the release mechanism while the second part contains the line untwister. These two parts are assembled together using fixing means (screws or bayonet mounting) to form the complete central body. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured separately using simpler, less expensive molds without requiring complex drawers, while also reducing the overall height of the assembled release system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single-piece central body with superimposed line untwister is used, then the structure is integrated, but the total height increases and manufacturing requires expensive molds with drawers
Solution Approach 1:
The central body is segmented into two functional parts: the first part housing the release mechanism and the second part housing the line untwister. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using simpler molds without requiring complex drawer mechanisms, while the two parts are then assembled together to achieve the integrated functionality of a single-piece design.
Solution Approach 2:
The first part and second part are merged through assembly using fixing means (screws or bayonet mounting) to create the complete central body. This merging achieves the functional integration of the release mechanism and line untwister in a single assembled unit, while avoiding the manufacturing complexity of producing them as a single molded piece.
3Volume of moving object
If the central body has a narrow central hole, then the structure is more compact, but the safety line passage becomes difficult and sail de-winding is incomplete in emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The central body is divided into two parts with strategically positioned openings. The first part has a first opening that accommodates the safety line, while the second part has a second opening that allows the safety line to pass through the line untwister. This segmented opening arrangement provides adequate passage space for the safety line without requiring an excessively large central hole, maintaining compact dimensions while ensuring complete sail de-winding capability.
4Length of moving object
If the release system height is reduced, then user mobility and power reduction speed improve, but the assembly becomes more difficult and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The release system is segmented into two modular parts that can be manufactured with standard tolerances and then assembled together. The fixing means (screws or bayonet mounting) provide robust connection that compensates for minor dimensional variations, allowing the parts to be manufactured with conventional precision rather than requiring extremely tight tolerances that would be necessary for a single-piece design of the same reduced height.
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 system enables quick and easy power reduction, improved safety line passage, and reduced manufacturing costs, allowing for faster assembly and disassembly, while maintaining a compact design that enhances user mobility and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the casing being movable in translation on the lateral surface of the central body and being connected to the central body by means of at least one elastic return means
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 3b~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling system (1) for coupling a piece of equipment rigidly connected to a user with at least one rigging strand, comprising a central body (2) made of two parts (3, 4) configured to be assembled with one another via an attachment means, a fastener (5) comprising two ends (5a, 5b), a shell (6) configured to at least partially cover the side surface of the central body (2), and at least one locking means (2) configured to engage with the shell (6) in order to releasably lock the second end (5b) of the fastener (5), the shell (6) being translatably movable over the side surface of the central body (2) and being connected to the central body (2) via at least one resilient return means.