Hydrodynamic Surfboard with Cut-Section Bottom and Stepped Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surfboards face challenges with high resistance against water, making it difficult to achieve higher speeds and stable maneuvering due to their flat or curved bottom structure, which increases drag and complicates balancing.
Innovation Solution
A surfboard or body board design featuring a step-like rail structure and a cut-section at the bottom to reduce water contact, combined with a central stringer for added strength and stiffness, and fins for directional control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the bottom is provided in a flat or curved structure, then the surfboard has structural strength, but it has higher resistance against the surface of the water when in motion
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom of the surfboard is segmented into multiple sections with different geometries. A cut-section is provided at the rear end, and a V-shape or concave section is provided at the forward end, while the intermediate section connects these features. This segmentation allows each section to serve different functions: the V-shape/cut-section reduces water resistance, while the intermediate section maintains structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the bottom are given different local qualities or geometries. The forward end has a V-shape or concave section for cutting through water, the rear end has a cut-section for reducing drag, and the intermediate section has a specific geometry to maintain structural integrity. This local differentiation optimizes both speed and strength.
2Strength
If the rails are made thicker to increase strength, then the surfboard has better structural integrity, but it has increased contact area with water causing higher drag
Solution Approach 1:
The rails are given a stepped cross-sectional geometry with different thicknesses at different locations. The upper portion of the rail maintains sufficient thickness for structural strength, while the lower portion that contacts water is made thinner to reduce drag. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between strength and drag reduction.
3Ease of manufacture
If the surfboard has a conventional design, then it is easy to manufacture, but it is difficult to achieve higher speeds due to water resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom is divided into distinct sections (V-shape section, cut-section, intermediate section) that can be manufactured using conventional molding techniques. Each section has a defined geometry that can be incorporated into the mold design, making the manufacturing process straightforward while achieving the speed benefits of reduced water resistance.
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 design reduces water resistance, allowing for increased speed, improved balance, and easier maneuvering by minimizing contact with the water surface and enhancing stability through reduced drag and improved directional control.
Implementation Method 1
a cut-section provided at bottom along longitudinal axis of the board to reduce resistance against surface of the water when in motion
Implementation Method 2
The rails are provided in a step-like structure to reduce thickness of the rails coming in contact with wave water wall
Implementation Method 3
The stringer 26 is a flexible tube or rod that is inserted in the surfboard 10 to give additional strength to the surfboard 10. The stringer 26 is used to reduce deformation and keep the surfboard 10 intact when forced to major pressures.
Implementation Method 4
a set of fins provided at bottom near the rear end
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a board such as a surfboard or body board is disclosed. The board comprises a top deck and a bottom. The board comprises a forward end and a rear end. The distance between the forward end and the rear end defines a length of the board. The board further comprises rails provided at side of the board, which defines a width of the board. The rails are provided in a step-like structure to reduce thickness of the rails coming in contact with wave water wall. The board further comprises a cut-section provided at bottom along longitudinal axis of the board to reduce resistance against surface of the water when in motion. The board further comprises a set of fins provided at bottom near the rear end. Further, the board comprises at least one stringer at its center to strengthen the board, reduce deformation, and add stiffness to the board.