Paddleboard Connector with Releasable Lock and Aperture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Paddleboards lack a practical and stable solution to connect with each other to accommodate non-paddlers, such as pets or cargo, without compromising stability, drag, or user experience.
Innovation Solution
A paddleboard connection apparatus featuring a plate with an integrated receiving element, a connector member with an aperture and releasable lock, and a rigid boom that can be inserted through the aperture and locked in place, allowing adjustable distance and angle between connected paddleboards for improved stability and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If paddleboards are connected to accommodate non-paddlers, then cargo capacity and stability are improved, but drag increases and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into modular components: separate plates for each paddleboard, individual connector members with apertures, and discrete locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows for optimized positioning that minimizes drag while maintaining cargo capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector member includes a releasable lock that allows dynamic adjustment of the connection. The locking mechanism can be engaged or disengaged to optimize the connection configuration, allowing users to adjust the setup to minimize drag while maintaining stability and cargo capacity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If paddleboards are connected with fixed positioning, then stability is improved, but adaptability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector member incorporates a releasable lock mechanism that enables dynamic positioning. Users can adjust the distance and angle between connected paddleboards by releasing and repositioning the connector, then re-engaging the lock to maintain stability in the desired configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector member serves multiple functions: it provides stable connection through the locking mechanism, allows adjustable positioning via the aperture system, and accommodates various configurations for different cargo needs. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
3Reliability
If complex connection mechanisms are used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: plates attach to paddleboards, connector members provide the linking mechanism with integrated locking, and the aperture system enables positioning. This segmentation maintains reliability through specialized functions while reducing overall complexity compared to integrated complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector member acts as an intermediary component between the plates on each paddleboard. It provides the locking mechanism and aperture system in a separate, modular unit that simplifies the overall connection while maintaining reliability through its specialized design.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments pertain to a paddleboard connector. A plate can be affixed to paddleboards with an integrated receiving element. A board connector member can be removably attached to each plate through the integrated receiving element. The board connector member can include an aperture and a locking mechanism for engaging with a boom. The board connector member can include a locking mechanism that can be released to allow the board connector to receive an end of the boom through the aperture. After the first end of the boom is positioned within the aperture, the locking mechanism can be engaged to hold the boom in place. A second end of the boom can be inserted into an aperture of a second board connected and held in place by engaging the locking mechanism.