Swim Fin Coupling Mechanism for Stable Blade Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swim fins with snap-engaging blades and foot pockets are prone to detachment when subjected to external forces, such as striking a reef or lateral impacts, leading to instability and potential loss of coupling underwater.
Innovation Solution
A swim fin design featuring coupling arms with transverse engaging portions and intermediate engaging elements, secured by a fastening element, ensures stable coupling in all directions, allowing for secure detachment and reattachment, and easy storage and replacement of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the blade and foot pocket are coupled by snap-engaging only, then the swim fin is easy to retract and carry, but the coupling may detach when subjected to external force or impact
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into multiple independent engagement points: two transverse engaging portions (first and second) and one intermediate engaging portion. Each engagement point provides separate snap-engaging connections, distributing the mechanical load and preventing single-point failure that would occur with a single coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple snap-engaging connections are combined to form a unified coupling system. The blade simultaneously engages with the foot pocket at three different locations (two transverse portions and one intermediate portion), creating a composite coupling structure that maintains both ease of operation and high reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the blade and foot pocket are coupled by snap-engaging only, then the swim fin is easy to retract and carry, but the coupling may detach when subjected to lateral force
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into multiple engagement points distributed across different locations: two transverse engaging portions positioned laterally and one intermediate engaging portion positioned between them. This segmentation creates a distributed attachment system that resists lateral forces more effectively than a single coupling point.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system extends in multiple spatial dimensions with engaging portions arranged both laterally (transverse portions on opposite sides) and centrally (intermediate portion between them). This multi-dimensional arrangement creates a stable triangular-like configuration that resists lateral displacement from multiple directions.
3Reliability
If multiple engaging portions are used, then the coupling is stable and assured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The multiple engaging portions automatically find and engage with their corresponding mates when the blade and foot pocket are brought together, without requiring external alignment tools or complex adjustment mechanisms. The snap-engaging nature provides automatic locking upon engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
All engaging portions use the same snap-engaging mechanism type, maintaining uniformity in the coupling approach. Each engagement point follows the same design pattern (protrusion fitting into recess with elastic retention), simplifying manufacturing and assembly while achieving multiple engagement points.
Data Source
AI summary
A swim fin includes a blade and a foot pocket separate from the blade that can be coupled and released. The blade extends in a rearward direction Y2 at both side portions of a rear end of the blade, and has both coupling arms spaced apart in a lateral direction X and both first transverse engaging portions positioned on mutually faced inner surfaces of both coupling arms. A first intermediate engaging portion is positioned between both transverse engaging portions. The foot pocket has both second transverse engaging portions positioned on both side portions of a front end of the foot pocket and detachably engaged with both first transverse engaging portions. A second intermediate engaging portion is detachably engaged with the first intermediate engaging portion.