Surfboard Fin Adjustment Mechanism Without Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable fin systems for surfboards require tools for adjustment, limiting their adoption among surfers due to inconvenience and the need for additional equipment, and often necessitate new fin boxes or modifications to the board.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable fin system that allows manual adjustment without tools, featuring a mount, insert member, and lock mechanism, enabling slidable movement and locking of the fin section relative to the base, compatible with existing fin plug systems, and optionally incorporating a dual fin configuration with a second fin section to enhance thrust and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable fin systems are implemented, then fin adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring tools and additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The fin system enables self-adjustment by the surfer without requiring external tools. The adjustable mechanism includes a slot in the fin base and a corresponding protrusion that can be manually moved along the slot to change fin position, allowing the surfer to adapt the fin configuration independently during or between surfing sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The fin system is divided into separable components: the fin base with slot, the protrusion element for positioning, and the fin blade. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of fin position while maintaining overall system functionality, reducing the complexity burden by making each component simple and modular.
2Reliability
If tool-based adjustment mechanisms are used, then locking reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be operated manually by the surfer's hand without tools. The protrusion fits into the slot and can be easily inserted, moved, and locked into position through simple manual manipulation, making the system both reliable and convenient to operate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing fin plug systems are modified, then adaptability to existing boards is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fin base design with the slot accommodates existing fin plug systems on surfboards without requiring modifications to the board itself. The universal design allows the same fin base to be used with different fin blades and positions, maintaining compatibility with standard fin boxes while enabling adjustment capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable fin for use on a surfboard, the adjustable fin comprising: a base which comprises a mounting means for mounting the adjustable fin to a surfboard, and a member extending in a direction contrary to the mounting means. The adjustable fin further comprises a fin section comprising two outer fin surfaces which meet at a leading edge and a trailing edge; an underside surface comprising an opening to an internal cavity, the internal cavity configured to house the member and enable slidable movement of the member in a direction towards the leading edge or the trailing edge; and a locking means that is manipulate and which projects into the internal cavity, wherein the locking means can releasably couple to the member at one of two or more locking positions thereby preventing slidable movement of the member. The fin section can be adjusted relative to the base by manipulating the locking means to uncouple the locking means from the member at a first locking position, slidably move the member through the internal cavity, and releasably couple the locking means to the member at a second locking position.