Rotatable Sleeve Boom-Mast Connection for Surfboards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surfboard boom-mast connection devices are complex, costly, and require multiple parts, making them difficult to produce and assemble, while also lacking optimal tensioning mechanisms for secure attachment.
Innovation Solution
A simplified boom-mast connection system featuring a rotatable sleeve on the mast with a threaded design, allowing for easy attachment and adjustment of the boom head using a tensioning element like a webbing, which creates a strong and firm connection by jamming with the rotatable sleeve, enabling free pivoting and optimal wind utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a clamping sleeve with flap arrangement and hook is used to connect boom to mast, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple individual parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clamping function, tensioning mechanism, and connection structure into a single integrated tensioning element (webbing) that wraps around the mast and boom. This eliminates the need for separate clamping sleeves, flaps, hooks, and tensioning devices, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining connection strength through the wrapping and friction-based securing mechanism
2Reliability
If a force-locking connection with wedge-shaped hook is used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring 90-degree pivoting and high compression forces
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a wedge-shaped hook that requires forceful pivoting to engage, the patent inverts the approach by using a flexible webbing that wraps around the mast and boom in a loop. The webbing is tensioned by pulling the free end through a guide, which automatically creates the securing force through friction and geometry, eliminating the need for complex pivoting actions and high compression forces
3Manufacturing precision
If a solid metal sleeve with rubber lining is used, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to complex assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and material properties by using a flexible webbing material instead of rigid metal and rubber components. The webbing can be made from high-strength synthetic materials that provide both the necessary strength and flexibility, eliminating the need for precision-machined metal sleeves and rubber linings, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining connection reliability
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 solution provides a robust, easy-to-produce, and adjustable boom-mast connection that minimizes physical effort while ensuring high fastening forces, allowing for optimal sail alignment and wind capture without turbulence.
Implementation Method 1
The tensioning element (49) is designed to create high friction forces against the rotatable sleeve (25), thereby generating high fastening forces
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c
AI summary
The invention relates to a rig for a surfboard (8), having the following features among others: - the mast (5) comprises a mast lower part (5a), a mast upper part (5b), and a mast connection section (5c) which connects the mast lower part (5a) to the mast upper part (5b), - a sleeve (25a) through which the mast connection section (5c) passes is provided in the region of the mast connection section (5c), said sleeve (25a) being arranged on the mast connection section (5c) in a rotatable manner relative to the mast connection section (5c), - in the assembled state of the fork tree (11), the fork tree head (33) is secured to the sleeve (25a), and - in the assembled state of the fork tree (11), the fork tree (11) can be pivoted about the mast connection section (5c) of the mast (5) together with the fork tree/mast securing device (35) and the sleeve (25a) arranged in the mast receiving channel (37) of the holding body (35b).