Split Ring Latching System for Watercraft Fin Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fin attachment systems for watercraft are prone to mechanical and use-related failures due to horizontal forces, and are often complex and time-consuming, especially when using screw or snap mechanisms, which can lead to rust and stress fatigue issues.
Innovation Solution
A latching system comprising a female receptacle and a post with specific angular geometries that control the force required for insertion and removal, utilizing a canted spring or split ring design to provide a secure and easy-to-use attachment mechanism that resists horizontal forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw mechanisms are used to attach fins to watercraft boards, then the attachment is secure, but the process is time-consuming and the components are subject to rust and stress fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: a fin with a post and a board with a receptacle. The post inserts into the receptacle and is retained by a spring-loaded detent mechanism, allowing quick attachment without threading screws. This segmentation enables tool-free, rapid installation while maintaining secure attachment through the spring detent system.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring detent mechanism is pre-loaded within the receptacle before the fin is attached. When the post is inserted, the pre-compressed spring automatically engages the detent with the post's engagement feature, securing the fin instantly without requiring additional actions from the user. This preliminary preparation of the spring mechanism enables rapid attachment.
2Productivity
If snap mechanisms are used to attach fins to watercraft boards, then the attachment is quick, but the components are subject to rust and stress fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The spring detent mechanism allows the receptacle to flex and change shape during engagement. The spring compresses and expands to accommodate the insertion and removal of the post, providing a controlled parameter change that enables quick attachment while distributing stress evenly to prevent fatigue and rust.
3Reliability
If toe and heel locking mechanisms with springs are used, then the fin is locked into position, but horizontal forces from the environment can trigger unwanted release
Solution Approach 1:
The detent engagement feature on the post has an asymmetric geometry with a engagement surface angled relative to the post axis. This asymmetric design creates a mechanical advantage where the spring force and engagement geometry work together to resist horizontal forces, making unintended release difficult while allowing controlled removal by the user.
4Reliability
If T-slot or pin mechanisms are used to lock the fin, then the attachment is secure, but the user must provide counter force along the horizontal plane to disengage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the user to apply horizontal force to disengage the fin, the system inverts the mechanism: the spring automatically provides the retention force, and the user simply needs to pull the fin vertically outward. The spring detent releases when the vertical pull force overcomes the spring tension, eliminating the need for horizontal counter forces and simplifying the disengagement operation.
5Adaptability or versatility
If multiple moving parts are used in screw and snap mechanisms, then the attachment can be adjusted, but the components are subject to rust, failure, and stress fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the spring detent mechanism from the fin component and places it entirely within the receptacle on the board. This leaves the fin with only simple, rust-resistant components (post and engagement feature), while the complex spring mechanism remains protected inside the board's receptacle, reducing overall susceptibility to rust and failure.
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 system provides a secure and reliable attachment that resists horizontal forces, reducing the risk of failure and simplifying the attachment process, while also eliminating the need for metal components that can rust or cause stress fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
a linear spring may be used to latch the rear of fin into the fin box. The tension in the spring holds the spring coil in the fin box rear detent
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods based upon the concept of a split ring (604) having certain multiple interior angles (604a, 604b) to engage a stem or post (608) having annular ring(s) with angular geometries that are complimentary to those of the split ring. The disclosure provides designs for a wide range of insertion and desertion forces between latch engagement stems and latch engagement bodies. Changes to insertion contact angles and contact area on engagement stems and corresponding changes to insertion contact angles and engagement areas on engagement bodies can significantly modify insertion forces required to engage various devices. Similarly, changes in degrees of angle between desertion angles and contact areas on engagement stems with corresponding changes in desertion angles and contact areas on engagement bodies will significantly modify the total desertion forces required to disengage various devices. Accordingly, the instant latching mechanism provides insertion and desertion forces that can be controlled independently of each other.