Sinusoidal Swim Fin Blade for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Swim fins made of high elastic modulus materials generate noise due to alternating compressive and tensile forces during use, disrupting silent operation for divers.
Innovation Solution
The fin blade is designed with a special shape featuring alternating inclines, such as a sinusoidal pattern, to minimize surface tension and noise by distributing forces evenly across the blade surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If high elastic modulus materials are used for the fin blade, then the efficiency and rigidity of the fin is improved, but noise is generated during use
Solution Approach 1:
The fin blade is designed with a sinusoidal curvature pattern instead of a straight or flat shape. This continuous undulating form redistributes the stress along the blade length, preventing the sudden stress concentration that occurs in straight blades, thereby reducing noise while preserving structural integrity and efficiency
2Power
If the elastic modulus of the fin material is increased, then the force efficiency is improved, but the noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sinusoidal shape creates a progressive distribution of stress along the blade, transforming the abrupt stress transitions into gradual curves. This reduces the impulsive noise generated by sudden stress releases while allowing the use of high elastic modulus materials to maintain force efficiency
3Ease of manufacture
If a flat blade structure is used, then the manufacturing is simplified, but noise is generated under dynamic load
Solution Approach 1:
The sinusoidal curvature can be efficiently manufactured using modern composite layup techniques and molding processes. The continuous wave pattern is integrated into the blade design from the beginning, allowing standard manufacturing methods to produce the noise-reducing shape without significant complexity increase
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
This design reduces or eliminates the noise typically associated with high elastic modulus materials, enhancing the fin's rigidity and control while maintaining user efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the blade is under a dynamic pulsating load, as the leg and the fin are moved up and down. Compressive and tensile force are alternately applied to the external surface of the blade longitudinally with the flow of the medium
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the new structure of the fin or the fin's blade (2). The blade (2) is made of segments (S) and transitions (T), wherein a segment with a positive incline and a segment with a negative incline alternate along the blade (2). For example, two neighbouring segments (S) with a transition (T) can form the shape of a wave, a triangle, a trapezium or a tooth. Individual segments (S) can be flat, mainly flat or curved. The lengths of two neighbouring segments (S) with a transition (T) define total length (L). Heights (H) of segments (S), total length (L) and transition (T) length can be equal, they can increase or decrease linearly, progressively or regressively. Random combinations of changing shapes, heights (H), segments (S), total lengths (L) and transitions (T) along the blade (2) are possible. Segments can follow each other across the entire width of the blade's (2) surface or optionally in one part of the fin. Preferably, segments (S) are produced in the shape of waves with connective transitions, thus in the shape of a sinusoid. Preferably, the height (H1) of the segment is the highest at the root (7) of the blade (2), where the foot pocket (1) is installed, and decreases towards the ending (8) of the blade (2) until the transition to the flat part (10). Preferably, total lengths (L) are equal or increasing from the root (7) towards the ending (8) of the blade (2).