Movable Fin Assembly with Rotation and Pivoting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surfboard fins lack adjustable toe and camber angles, leading to instability and loss of control during abrupt direction changes in surfing, as they are fixed and do not adapt to varying water resistance phases.
Innovation Solution
A movable fin assembly with a rotation and pivoting mechanism that allows the fin to move about two axes, enabling adjustable toe and camber angles, reducing drag and improving control by synchronizing fin alignment with watercraft movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed fins are used on surfboards, then the structure is simple and stable, but the fin cannot adapt to varying water resistance phases during abrupt direction changes, causing loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The fin is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic one capable of movement. The fin assembly includes a fin box and a fin that can pivot and rotate relative to the box, allowing the fin angle to change dynamically in response to water resistance forces during surfing maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The fin assembly is divided into separate components: a fin box attached to the surfboard and a fin that can move relative to the box. This segmentation allows the fin to independently adjust its position while the box remains fixed to the board.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed fins are used, then manufacturing is simple, but the fin cannot change toe angle and camber angle for different surfing phases
Solution Approach 1:
The fin assembly incorporates rotational and pivoting capabilities that allow the fin to achieve different toe angles and camber angles dynamically during use, eliminating the need for multiple fixed fin configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
A single fin assembly design can provide multiple fin angle configurations through its movement capabilities, making it universally applicable to different surfing phases and conditions without requiring separate fixed fin designs for each scenario.
3Loss of energy
If fixed fins are used, then the structure is reliable, but drag increases during direction changes due to inability to synchronize with watercraft movement
Solution Approach 1:
The fin can dynamically adjust its angle during direction changes to maintain optimal alignment with water flow, reducing hydrodynamic drag and energy loss while the surfboard transitions between different directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The fin assembly responds to hydrodynamic forces acting on it during surfing maneuvers, automatically adjusting its position to minimize resistance. The water pressure and flow conditions provide feedback that drives the fin's movement to an optimal angle.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a movable fin assembly, which includes a housing attachable to an underside of a watercraft and a rotation and pivoting mechanism. The mechanism positioned inside the housing and movable about two axes of rotation. The mechanism further has a fin locating position, thereby a fin provided at the fin locating position is capable of moving about the two axes of rotation via the mechanism, such that the fin's toe angle and camber angle changes when moving through the water. The invention further extends to an interchangeable self-aligning fin and static fin kit which includes a rotation and pivoting mechanism and a static member shaped and dimensioned to correspond with an interior of the housing. The static member and the rotation and pivoting mechanism interchangeably receivable by the housing in order to selectively provide a dynamic or static fin on the underside of the watercraft.