Adjustable Paddleboard Support for Rowing Leverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standup paddleboards face challenges in propulsion due to high center of gravity and lack of leverage, resulting in instability and fatigue for users, especially in non-ideal conditions, as they require significant effort to move through the water without compromising stability.
Innovation Solution
A standup paddleboard with an adjustable support system that defines pivot points for the paddle, allowing for engagement and disengagement configurations to enhance leverage and stability, featuring a flexible assembly for multi-axis degree of freedom in paddle stroke, which can be adjusted in length and orientation to accommodate different user heights and paddling positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a user stands on the SUP to maintain stability, then the user has better visibility and control, but the high center of gravity makes it difficult to propel the board without increasing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple components: a base portion integrated with the board, a selectively engageable support element, and a pivot mechanism. This segmentation allows the support to provide stability when engaged while being removable to prevent interference with paddling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions between static (engaged) and mobile (disengaged) states. The support can be selectively engaged with the base portion to provide stability during stationary periods or disabled during paddling to eliminate interference, making the system adaptive to different operational requirements.
2Power
If the user applies more force with each paddle stroke to overcome the high center of gravity, then propulsion effectiveness improves, but user fatigue increases due to forces passing through the body, legs and stationary feet
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure acts as a counterbalancing element that provides a stable reference point and leverage advantage. By positioning the support strategically on the board, it creates a counterweight effect that reduces the effort required to maintain balance and generate propulsion, thereby reducing fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the propulsion system by incorporating an upwardly extending support with pivot points. This vertical support creates a three-dimensional leverage system that allows forces to be applied more efficiently, reducing the strain on the user's body and legs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support structure is made adjustable in length and configuration, then adaptability to different user heights and paddling positions improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is designed to be nested within or selectively engageable with the base portion. When not in use, the support can be stored in a compact form within the base structure, reducing overall complexity while maintaining adjustability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to serve multiple functions: providing stability, enabling rowing motion, and accommodating different user configurations. The same basic structure can be adjusted for different user heights and paddling positions without requiring completely separate components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A stand up paddleboard is provided. The paddleboard includes a base portion having an upper facing surface configured for being stood upon by a user and a downward facing generally flat planar surface and a support selectively engageable with the base portion and defining one or more pivot points for pivoting an oar about the pivot point during rowing. The paddleboard has a first configuration in which the support is not engaged with the base portion and second configuration in which the support is engaged with the base portion and extends in a generally upwardly direction from the upper facing surface of the base portion.