Low-Profile Motorized Surfboard Propulsion System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surfboards require significant upper body strength and endurance to paddle and catch waves, limiting participation for individuals with injuries or impairments and novice riders, while existing powered surfboards are bulky and interfere with maneuverability due to drag.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile motorized surfboard with an electro-mechanical motor and propeller assembly, including a power controller, microcontroller, and water-sealed control circuitry, which is lightweight and integrates a low-profile propeller or water jet propulsion system to assist riders in overcoming the surf zone without compromising the natural feel of a traditional surfboard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional surfboards are used, then maneuverability and natural feel are maintained, but significant upper body strength and endurance are required to paddle and catch waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical paddling system (human arm movement) with an electro-mechanical propulsion system consisting of electric motors and propellers. This substitution eliminates the need for upper body strength while providing controlled thrust to move the surfboard through water, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and strength requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the propulsion function from the human rider and places it in a dedicated motorized system mounted on the surfboard. By separating the propulsion task from the rider's physical effort, the system maintains maneuverability while removing the strength requirement, allowing riders to focus on steering and balance rather than paddling
2Ease of operation
If powered surfboards are added with motors and propellers, then propulsion is provided, but the systems are large and bulky and interfere with maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the motor and propeller assemblies within the surfboard's existing structural elements, specifically mounting motors in the tail section and integrating propellers into the fin assembly. This nesting approach allows the propulsion system to be contained within the surfboard's footprint, preventing bulkiness while maintaining propulsion capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the propulsion system components with the surfboard's structural elements, combining the motor housing with the tail section and integrating the propeller mounting with the fin assembly. This merging reduces the overall device complexity by eliminating separate bulky components while maintaining all necessary propulsion functions
3Ease of operation
If traditional propulsion systems are mounted on surfboards, then propulsion is achieved, but significant drag is created on the hull
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the propellers at the tail section where water flow is optimized, and by designing the propeller blades with specific pitch and curvature variations along their length. This localized optimization reduces turbulence and drag while maintaining propulsion efficiency, addressing the contradiction between propulsion effectiveness and drag generation
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
Enables riders to overcome the surf zone with reduced physical exertion, maintaining maneuverability and control, facilitating use by beginners and elder riders by providing a compact and efficient propulsion system that reduces drag and fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electro-mechanical motor and propeller assembly
Implementation Method 2
a low-profile propeller that is fixed to the driveshaft and may thrust the surfboard forward
Implementation Method 3
an internal a water jet propulsion system that includes an inlet, a thrust tube, an impeller system, and an outlet
Data Source
AI summary
Conventional surfboards enable a rider to catch a wave and ride towards the shoreline while utilizing the power of the ocean to enjoy the ocean waves uniquely. A low-profile motorized surfboard has been developed to assist riders who may have a disability or struggle to get into the position necessary to begin riding the waves. The surfboard may comprise at least one propeller and electromechanical motor, which may provide propulsion for the rider. The surfboard may have an internal power system and supporting circuitry for safe and reliable propulsion. The motorized surfboard may have a low-profile system that is collapsible and allows for the rider to enjoy the surf as if the surfboard were a conventional system. The system may also function to return the rider to the shoreline.