Standing Watercraft Pedal Flapper Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watercraft designs, such as kayaks, do not allow operators to stand up or rest on an elevated seat, limiting the range of motion and comfort during operation.
Innovation Solution
A watercraft design featuring pedals and cranks connected to flappers, enabling the operator to apply a stair-stepper motion while standing, with adjustable sail tension for efficient propulsion, and an optional upright support for comfort and mechanical advantage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator is seated within a cockpit with pedals positioned fore, then propulsion is provided, but the operator cannot stand up or rest on an elevated seat
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into multiple segments including a fore upright member, an aft upright member, and a transverse member connecting them. This segmentation allows the structure to provide multiple support points and enables the operator to stand or sit at different positions along the watercraft without requiring a completely redesign of the propulsion system.
Solution Approach 2:
The upright support members serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for standing operators, create mounting points for seats at elevated positions, and maintain the structural integrity of the watercraft hull. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling both standing and seated operation without adding separate dedicated structures for each mode.
2Power
If pedals and cranks are connected to flappers for propulsion, then mechanical advantage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the pedals rotate in a traditional horizontal plane, the pedal cranks are configured to move in a vertical plane with the pedals themselves moving up and down in a stair-stepper motion. This inversion of the traditional pedal orientation creates more efficient mechanical advantage for propulsion while the vertical motion better utilizes the operator's leg strength when standing.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal cranks are designed with adjustable positioning along the fore upright member, allowing the operator to optimize the crank length and pedal position based on their body dimensions and preferred operating style. This dynamic adjustability maintains propulsion efficiency across different operators without requiring a completely complex fixed mechanism.
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
Enhances operator comfort and efficiency by allowing standing operation with improved mechanical advantage and propulsion efficiency, suitable for both paddle boards and kayaks.
Implementation Method 1
flappers (46, 48) that extend downwardly from the board and that are operatively connected to pedals (10, 12) and pedal cranks (14, 16) in a manner such that operation of the pedals by a user propels the flappers to provide propulsive force
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for insertion in watercraft including propulsion means comprising a pair of flappers which oscillate through an arcuate path in a transverse direction with respect to the central longitudinal dimension of the watercraft. As input force is applied, the flappers twist to form an angle of attack for providing forward thrust. The means for applying propulsive force includes a pair of pedals, and further includes pedal cranks operatively associated with the propulsion means, the fore ends of the pedals being pivotally attached to a fixed point.