Surfboard Fin Lateral Ridges Vortex Disruption

Solution Overview

Problem

Surfboard fins and similar hydrodynamic surfaces face challenges in achieving optimal performance due to trade-offs between lift, drag, stability, and control, particularly at varying speeds, where increased curvature enhances lift at lower speeds but induces turbulence and drag at higher speeds.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates lateral ridges on the fin surfaces that protrude from the base to the tip, with specific dimensions and configurations that disrupt trailing vortices and create a region of lower pressure, enhancing forward thrust while minimizing drag, by creating smaller vortices and reducing drag forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the foil curvature is increased to enhance lift at lower speeds, then lift is improved, but drag increases and turbulence develops at higher speeds

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveliftVSAvoiddrag

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The fin surface is segmented into multiple ridges that divide the water flow into separate streams. This segmentation prevents large-scale turbulence and vortex formation while maintaining lift generation, effectively reducing drag without sacrificing lift performance across varying speeds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a third dimension to the traditional flat fin by incorporating lateral ridges that protrude from the surface. These ridges create a three-dimensional flow structure that manages water movement more efficiently, reducing turbulent wake and drag while preserving lift forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the fin surface area is increased to provide greater stability and control, then stability is improved, but drag increases and board speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoiddrag

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The fin surface is segmented into multiple ridges that divide the water flow into separate streams. This segmentation prevents large-scale turbulence and vortex formation while maintaining lift generation, effectively reducing drag without sacrificing lift performance across varying speeds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a third dimension to the traditional flat fin by incorporating lateral ridges that protrude from the surface. These ridges create a three-dimensional flow structure that manages water movement more efficiently, reducing turbulent wake and drag while preserving lift forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This configuration results in improved speed and stability for surfboards by reducing drag and enhancing forward thrust, as demonstrated by computational fluid dynamics modeling, which shows increased velocity and reduced lateral forces compared to standard flat fins.

Implementation Method 1

disrupt and/or reduce the size of trailing vortices resulting in additional forward thrust

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVortex disruption: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

create an area of lower pressure around, and in front of it... The resulting pressure differential assists to pull the board fins and rail of the surfboard down into the water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Bernoulli Effect

Implementation Method 3

an area of low pressure is created adjacent to the curved surface of the foil. This difference in pressure creates lift towards the curved side of the foil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBernoulli effect: Bernoulli Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12084154B213 tyrone loop

Publication Date: 2024.09.10 FLYING FIN SYST

AI summary

A fin for use on a surfboard, the fin comprising: a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a base, the base comprising at least one mount for mounting the fin onto a surfboard; a first and a second outer fin surface which meet along the leading edge and the trailing edge and abut the base; and a first ridge protruding laterally from the first outer fin surface, and/or a second ridge protruding laterally from the second outer fin surface; wherein the shape and configuration of the fin creates an area of lower water pressure around and in front of the fin, as well as disrupting and/or reducing the size of trailing vortices, resulting in additional forward thrust for the board on which the fin is mounted.