Inflatable Surfboard Drive Unit Retention via Inelastic Belt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable surfboards with drive units face issues where the drive unit can slide out of the rear recess due to insufficient lateral force, particularly with elastic fastening means like rubber bands.
Innovation Solution
The surfboard features an inflatable hull component with U-shaped stern recess and a drive unit with a concave outer contour for positive locking, utilizing inelastic fastening means such as non-elastic belts or hook-shaped arms to prevent sliding, which are tensioned by high-pressure inflation or lever mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If elastic fastening means (rubber bands) are used to secure the drive unit, then the fastening mechanism is simple and easy to implement, but the lateral force is insufficient and the drive unit can slide out of the recess
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the elasticity parameter of the fastening means from elastic (rubber bands) to inelastic (belts). This parameter change transforms the fastening mechanism's ability to maintain constant lateral force on the drive unit, preventing sliding while remaining relatively simple in structure.
2Reliability
If inelastic fastening means (belts) are used to secure the drive unit, then the lateral force is sufficient to prevent sliding, but the fastening mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The inelastic belt fastening mechanism utilizes the inflation pressure of the hull component itself to tension the belt and secure the drive unit. The system is self-tensing, where the inflation process automatically applies the necessary lateral force without requiring separate tensioning mechanisms or complex adjustment systems.
3Strength
If the hull component is inflated at high pressure, then the structural stability and rigidity are improved, but the drive unit may be forced out of the recess if not properly secured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by securing the drive unit with the inelastic belt before inflating the hull component to high pressure. This preventive measure ensures that the drive unit is firmly retained before the inflation force could potentially force it out, combining the benefits of high-pressure rigidity with reliable drive unit retention.
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 solution effectively prevents the drive unit from sliding out, providing a secure and reliable connection during operation, enhancing the stability and safety of the surfboard.
Implementation Method 1
The inflatable hull component is preferably manufactured from a drop stitch material and is inflated at high pressure by means of a compressor, an air pump or the like.
Implementation Method 2
The inner wall of the receptacle of the inflatable hull component is advantageously curved outwards, that is to say it is convex. The lateral wall running round the drive unit in a U shape is correspondingly concave. This configuration prevents the drive unit from sliding out upwards towards the deck or downwards towards the underwater surface.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an inflatable surfboard with an inflatable hull component with two lateral arms (7a, 7b) which form a receptacle, and drive unit (6) which forms an outer contour which fits into the receptacle in a positively locking manner, and at least one fastening means (23, 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 27, 27a, 27b, 28, 61a, 61b) at the stern end of the surfboard (1), wherein the at least one fastening means (23, 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 27, 27a, 27b, 28, 61a, 61b) is inelastic.