Stand-Up Paddleboard With Detachable Drive and Inflatable Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) lack features such as electric motors, transparency, and solar power, limiting user experiences and adventure possibilities.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional stand-up paddleboard (MFSUP) with a transparent floor, detachable drive motor, and solar power capabilities, including a detachable electric sea scooter for underwater propulsion, and an inflatable design for portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current SUPs are designed with basic structure, then they are simple and easy to manufacture, but they lack features such as electric motors, transparency, and solar power that enhance user experiences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single SUP system including electric motor propulsion, solar power charging, transparent floor viewing, and inflatable/deflatable configuration. The board serves as both a traditional paddleboard and an electrically-propelled watercraft, with the motor system providing both surface propulsion and underwater scuba jet capability when detached.
Solution Approach 2:
The SUP is divided into separable functional modules: the motor assembly can be detached from the board, the battery pack is removable, and the inflatable sections can be deflated for transport. This segmentation allows users to configure the system differently for various activities while reducing overall complexity by allowing selective assembly.
2Ease of operation
If SUPs are made inflatable for portability, then they are easily transportable when deflated, but they may have reduced structural strength compared to rigid boards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite construction combining inflatable PVC sections with a rigid foam core for the midsection. This composite approach provides the structural strength needed for motor mounting and user safety while maintaining the inflatable exterior for portability. The rigid foam core acts as a structural backbone that reinforces the inflatable sections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If transparent floor is added to SUP, then users can see water environment directly beneath, but it increases device complexity and manufacturing difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent floor is implemented as a thin transparent panel or film that can be integrated into the inflatable section. This flexible transparent element allows water visibility while maintaining the inflatable structure's flexibility and portability, avoiding the need for complex rigid transparent structures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If detachable drive motor is added for electric propulsion, then users can propel SUP on water surface or use as underwater scuba jet, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable motor assembly serves dual purposes: it provides electric propulsion for the SUP when attached, and functions as a standalone underwater scuba jet when detached. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile propulsion options for different activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor system is designed as a separate detachable assembly that can be removed from the SUP. This segmentation allows the motor to be independently maintained, charged, or used with different configurations, reducing the permanent complexity embedded in the main board structure.
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
Enhances user experiences by providing adventure and portability, offering new ways to explore water with electric propulsion on the surface and underwater, while being easily transportable.
Implementation Method 1
The deck of a MFSUP is coated with thin-film flexible solar panel that supplies power to the onboard battery bank in the presence of light.
Implementation Method 2
A propeller, driven by an electric motor, can be used to propel the MFSUP on the water's surface.
Implementation Method 3
the propeller can alternatively be used to propel a sea scooter underwater when the drive unit is detached from the MFSUP
Implementation Method 4
The inflatable bow and inflatable stern are made of a high-quality, enclosed dual-layer PVC that is inflatable.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a multifunctional stand-up paddleboard (MFSUP) comprising a paddleboard, a paddle, and a drive unit. At the stem of the paddleboard is a docking port configured to receive the drive unit that propels the paddleboard. In some embodiments, the paddleboard comprises a rigid midsection, and an inflatable bow and stem. The inflatable portions are inflated during use and deflated then folded over the midsection during storage. A control paddle having control switches send command signals by Bluetooth to the drive unit to control the velocity of propellors. A battery bank is disposed on the midsection and provides power to the drive unit. A solar panel can be included on a superior surface of the paddleboard to supply power to the battery bank. The drive unit is removable from the docking port for propelling a human through a water body. Other features and methods are also disclosed.