Profiled Watersport Boot and Hiking Strap Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hiking support systems for watersport boots in sailing vessels do not provide sufficient grip or boot support, leading to muscle fatigue and reduced competitive endurance for sailors during hiking maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A watersports boot with a profiled surface, such as a textured rubber surface, is designed to mate with a corresponding profiled surface on a hiking strap, enhancing frictional fit and providing additional support and grip, while maintaining mobility and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If basic neoprene diving boots and basic padded seat belt hiking strap are used, then the system is simple and easy to manufacture, but the grip and boot support are insufficient leading to muscle fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding profiled surfaces specifically at the interface between the boot top and hiking strap, rather than redesigning the entire boot or strap system. The grooved or textured surface is localized to the contact area where grip is needed, maintaining simplicity elsewhere in the design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface parameters of the boot top by introducing profiled surfaces with specific geometries (grooves, textures, patterns). This modifies the friction characteristics and mechanical interlocking capability at the strap-boot interface, enhancing grip without changing the fundamental boot structure.
2Reliability
If profiled surfaces are added to the boot and strap to increase friction, then grip and support are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible shell principles by incorporating the profiled surface as a thin upper layer or coating on the boot top. This allows the grip-enhancing feature to be added as a separate manufacturable component that can be bonded or integrated into the existing boot structure, rather than requiring complete boot redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material approaches by combining different materials with complementary properties - the base neoprene boot material with an added profiled surface layer (rubber, plastic, or textured material). This allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular construction.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the hiking strap and boot provide basic support, then the system maintains simplicity and mobility, but muscle fatigue increases and competitive endurance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the profiled surface interface to provide adaptive grip - the mechanical interlocking features engage when force is applied (during hiking) but allow natural foot movement and relaxation when not in use. The flexible nature of the materials allows the system to transition between supported and relaxed states.
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
The enhanced grip and support system reduces muscle fatigue and improves hiking performance by providing a secure yet flexible interface between the boot and strap, even in wet conditions, thereby increasing sailor endurance.
Implementation Method 1
The first profiled surface increases the coefficient of friction between the boot and strap
Data Source
AI summary
A device that provides support for sailors while hiking from a sailing vessel is disclosed. The device is a hiking strap/watersport boot combination, designed to provide extra grip together. The watersport boot is ergonomically designed to support muscles in the foot that are under strain while hiking.