Surfboard Blank with Localized Foam Density for Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surfboard blanks either lack control under large waves due to their buoyant nature or become structurally weaker when modifications are made to improve stability and strength, compromising maneuverability and durability.

Innovation Solution

A surfboard blank comprising a central portion with a stringer and central panels made of expanded polystyrene, flanked by rail panels made of polyurethane, providing greater buoyancy and control while maintaining structural integrity and maneuverability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If expanded polystyrene core is used, then buoyancy is improved, but control under large waves deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebuoyancyVSAvoidcontrol
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different foam densities to different regions of the surfboard. The core uses lower density foam (15-30 kg/m³) for maximum buoyancy, while the rails use higher density foam (30-50 kg/m³) to provide weight and control. This local differentiation allows the board to have both high buoyancy for wave catching and sufficient rail weight for control during maneuvers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Weight of moving object

If stringer is removed to reduce weight, then maneuverability is improved, but structural strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveweightVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite structure where the rail foam itself serves as both structural element and weight-providing component. The higher density rail foam (30-50 kg/m³) acts as a natural stringer, providing structural strength without requiring a separate wooden or composite stringer attachment, thus avoiding the structural weakness that comes with removing the stringer entirely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If rail stringers are added to expanded polystyrene board, then stability is improved, but maneuverability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidmaneuverability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding separate rail stringers, the patent incorporates structural strength directly into the rail foam through higher density material selection (30-50 kg/m³). This integrated approach provides stability through the foam's inherent properties rather than added attachments, maintaining maneuverability by avoiding extra weight and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If hybrid construction is used, then advantages of both foam types are combined, but structural weakness occurs at transition area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance characteristicsVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a homogeneous foam core construction throughout the board, with a gradual transition from lower density (15-30 kg/m³) in the core to higher density (30-50 kg/m³) in the rails. This eliminates the structural weakness that occurs at sharp transitions in hybrid constructions, as the density change is integrated and continuous rather than abrupt, preventing stress concentration and potential failure points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

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 surfboard blank offers improved control and stability under various surf conditions, balancing buoyancy, strength, and maneuverability, reducing the need for multiple surfboards for different conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the first resilient foam core material has greater buoyancy in water relative to the second resilient foam core material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS20250026454A1Surfboard and blank for a surfboard
Publication Date: 2025.01.23 WATKINS MICHAEL
  • US20250026454A1 patent drawing
  • US20250026454A1 patent drawing
  • US20250026454A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A surfboard blank comprising:a central portion extending from a nose to a tail end of the surfboard blank wherein the central portion comprises a stringer with one or more central panels;rail panels attached on either lateral side of the central portion such that the central portion is flanked by said rail panels, wherein the rail panels generally extend along a longitudinal axis of the surfboard blank;wherein said central panels are formed from a first resilient foam core material and the rail panels are formed from a second resilient foam core material whereby the first resilient foam core material has greater buoyancy in water relative to the second resilient foam core material.