Segmented Surfboard Interface System for Portability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Surfboards are difficult to transport due to their size and weight, making it impractical to carry multiple boards for varying surf conditions and performance characteristics, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for portability without sacrificing performance.
Innovation Solution
A segmented surfboard design that allows for interchangeable head and tail segments using a flexible connector interface and pivoting locking mechanism, enabling customization of performance characteristics and improved portability by distributing load and allowing for various configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple surfboards are carried for different surf conditions, then performance characteristics are improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The surfboard is divided into multiple detachable segments (head segment, tail segment, and intermediate segments) that can be separated for transport and reassembled for use. This allows the board to be disassembled into smaller, more portable pieces while maintaining full functionality when assembled, directly resolving the contradiction between having multiple boards for different conditions and the portability required to transport them.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface system with standardized connector components enables a single set of segments to be reconfigured into multiple surfboard configurations suitable for different surf conditions. The universal interface design allows segments to be attached in various arrangements, providing the versatility of multiple boards while only needing to transport one set of segments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If surfboard length is increased for better performance, then performance characteristics are improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The surfboard is divided into multiple detachable segments that can be separated for transport. When assembled, the segments form a long board for optimal performance, but when disassembled, they become short, portable sections that are easy to carry, directly resolving the contradiction between board length and portability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If surfboard weight is increased for better performance, then performance characteristics are improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The surfboard is divided into multiple detachable segments that can be separated for transport. When assembled, the segments form a complete board with optimal performance characteristics, but when disassembled, the weight is distributed across smaller sections that are easier to carry, directly resolving the contradiction between board weight and portability.
4Reliability
If interface system complexity is increased for secure connection, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interface system is divided into separate, modular components (connector components with receiving portions and protruding portions) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability, and the modular nature actually reduces complexity compared to a monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface system uses intermediary connector components that mediate between the head segment and tail segment. These connectors include receiving portions and protruding portions that facilitate secure attachment while distributing mechanical stresses, thereby improving connection reliability without requiring an overly complex direct connection between segments.
Data Source
AI summary
A waterboard includes a head segment having a concave rear edge, a tail segment having a convex front edge, an interface system adapted to removably connect the head and tail segments together. The interface system includes a head interface connecter having a convex first surface attached to the concave rear edge of the head segment and having a first blade element extending from a second surface thereof, and includes a tail interface connecter having a concave first surface mating attached to the convex front edge of the tail segment and having a second surface mating with and removably attached to the second surface of the first interface connecter, wherein the tail interface connecter includes a slot to receive the blade element.