Surf Fin Dual In-line Protrusions Continuous Edge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surf fins for water sports boards lack an efficient design that enhances directional stability and control, particularly in varying water conditions.
Innovation Solution
A surf fin design featuring dual in-line protrusions with a continuous leading and trailing edge, forming a loop at the apex, which provides improved aerodynamic lift and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional fin design with separate leading and trailing edges is used, then the fin can be manufactured simply, but the directional stability and control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fin is divided into multiple protrusions (first protrusion, second protrusion, third protrusion) that are longitudinally arrayed in-line along the base. Each protrusion has its own leading and trailing edges, creating multiple interaction zones with water flow. This segmentation allows the fin to provide directional stability through multiple controlled interaction points while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fin protrusions extend in a longitudinal direction along the base, creating a three-dimensional structure with multiple edges that interact with water flow from different angles. The in-line arrangement of protrusions with varying orientations creates a multi-dimensional interaction pattern that enhances directional stability without significantly increasing structural complexity.
2Reliability
If a fin design with multiple protrusions and continuous edges is used, then directional stability and control are enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leading edges of adjacent protrusions are joined to form continuous leading edges, and the trailing edges are joined to form continuous trailing edges. This merging creates a streamlined structure that enhances control by providing continuous edge interaction with water flow, while the modular protrusion design keeps manufacturing relatively straightforward compared to a monolithic complex shape.
3Loss of energy
If the fin protrusions have curved outer surfaces, then water flow is improved and drag is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outer surfaces of the fin protrusions are curved to create a streamlined profile that reduces drag by improving water flow. The curvature is applied to the protrusion outer surfaces while keeping the inner surfaces relatively flat, which balances the drag reduction benefit with manufacturing feasibility. The continuous edges formed by joining protrusion edges also contribute to reduced drag through smoother flow transition.
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 fin design enhances directional stability and control by creating a continuous edge that improves water flow and reduces drag, resulting in better performance across different water conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second leading edges form a continuous fin leading edge and the first and second trailing edges form a continuous fin trailing edge... which provides improved aerodynamic lift and stability
Implementation Method 2
The fin design enhances directional stability and control by creating a continuous edge that improves water flow and reduces drag
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a fin for use with a water sports board. The fin includes a base attachable to the water sports board. The fin further includes a fin portion extending from the base. The fin portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion both longitudinally arrayed in-line along the base and extending from the base. The first and second protrusions connect at an apex for form a loop. The first protrusion has a first protrusion leading edge and a first protrusion trailing edge. The second protrusion has a second protrusion leading edge and a second protrusion trailing edge. The first and second leading edges form a continuous fin leading edge and the first and second trailing edges form a continuous fin trailing edge. The first protrusion trailing edge are disposed between the first protrusion leading edge and the second protrusion leading edge.