Removable Blade Paddle Assembly for Stand-Up Paddleboard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stand-up paddleboard practitioners face challenges with the 'rowing effect' when learning, require a double paddle for stability in waves, and struggle to pass breaking waves due to the limitations of existing single and double paddles, which are either cumbersome, unsafe, or ineffective in strong wind and wave conditions.
Innovation Solution
A paddle assembly with a removable blade that can be secured to a single paddle, allowing conversion into a double paddle configuration for increased power and stability, and back to a single paddle configuration for ease of use and safety, featuring quick and secure attachment means to prevent injury and loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single paddle is used for stand-up paddleboarding, then the paddle is simple and easy to use, but it becomes tiring and cumbersome when paddling in a seated position or in strong waves
Solution Approach 1:
The paddle shaft incorporates a telescopic mechanism that allows the blade to be repositioned along the shaft, enabling dynamic adjustment between single paddle configuration (blade at one end) and double paddle configuration (blade at the opposite end). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same paddle to adapt to different paddling positions and wave conditions without requiring multiple separate paddles
Solution Approach 2:
The paddle is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple purposes: it can function as a single paddle for calm water and standing position, transform into a double paddle for seated paddling and wave conditions, and provide adjustable blade positions for different stroke techniques. The removable blade and telescopic shaft enable one paddle to replace multiple specialized paddles
2Power
If a double paddle is used for seated paddling and wave conditions, then power and stability are improved, but the paddle becomes too long and cumbersome when standing up
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic shaft with movable blade allows practitioners to adjust the paddle configuration dynamically. When seated paddling or facing waves, the blade can be positioned at the opposite end of the shaft to create a double paddle configuration for maximum power. When standing up in calm conditions, the blade is repositioned to create a single paddle configuration for ease of operation, eliminating the need to carry or store a separate short paddle
3Volume of moving object
If existing detachable double paddles are used, then storage is improved, but the handle element is missing when dismantled, making them unusable as single paddles
Solution Approach 1:
The paddle design ensures that the shaft itself functions as a complete handle with grip and orientation features, making the paddle usable in single paddle configuration even when the blade is detached for storage. The shaft includes ergonomic grip elements and directional indicators that work independently of the blade, allowing the paddle to serve as a functional single paddle when the removable blade is stored separately
Solution Approach 2:
The blade is designed as a separate removable component that can be detached from the shaft for storage or transport. The shaft contains all necessary handle elements (grip, orientation features, connection points) independently, so the blade can be extracted and stored without compromising the functionality of the remaining shaft as a single paddle
4Ease of operation
If the handle element is placed in one of the blades, then the paddle can be used as a single paddle, but the grip is below blade tip level creating injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The handle elements (grip and orientation features) are extracted from the blade and integrated into the shaft itself. This separation ensures that when used as a single paddle, the practitioner grips the shaft at the proper ergonomic position well above the blade tip level, eliminating the injury risk associated with gripping below blade tip level while maintaining full functionality as a single paddle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a paddle assembly (1) comprising a paddle (2) with a handle (4), at one end of which a fixed blade (5) is attached and at the opposite end of which a grip member (6) is attached, the paddle assembly (1) further comprising a removable blade (3) and attachment means configured to removably attach the removable blade (3) to the paddle (2), such that the paddle assembly (1) is able to take on a first, double-paddle configuration when the removable blade (3) is attached to the end of the handle (4) on the grip member (6) side, or a second, single-paddle configuration when the removable blade (3) is attached to the end of the handle (4), on the fixed blade (5) side and against said fixed blade (5).