Swimming Fin With Pivoting Post and Elastic Strap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical swim fins cause ankle strain and calf muscle fatigue due to inefficient hydrofoil orientation and heavy, bulky construction, making them difficult for disabled individuals to use effectively, especially when entering or exiting the water.
Innovation Solution
A leg-mounted swimming fin with a pivotally attached elastic strap and adjustable-length post, allowing for a 45° medial bend to reduce ankle strain and improve propulsion efficiency, featuring a handle for easy control and a detachable boot for varying foot sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If typical swim fins attach only to the foot and heel, then the fin structure is simple, but it causes severe ankle strain and calf muscle fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The fin system is divided into multiple components: a foot-mounted fin, a leg strap, and a flexible connector. This segmentation distributes the mechanical load from the water resistance across the foot, ankle, and calf, preventing concentration of stress at the ankle joint while maintaining propulsion function.
2Force
If typical swim fins are constructed of heavy and bulky materials, then the fin provides sufficient thrust, but it is difficult to walk when entering or exiting water
Solution Approach 1:
The fin materials are selected to optimize the balance between thrust generation and weight. By changing material parameters (density, strength-to-weight ratio), the fin achieves sufficient hydrodynamic force while reducing overall mass to acceptable levels for ambulation.
3Ease of operation
If the ankle joint rotates through a complex non-planar arc, then the foot movement is natural, but it does not orient the foot optimally for forward thrust
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible connector or strap system acts as an intermediary between the ankle joint and the fin. This intermediary component guides the fin's orientation to maintain optimal hydrofoil angle relative to the water flow, while accommodating the natural complex arc motion of the ankle joint.
4Area of moving object
If typical swim fins increase the footprint of the swimmer, then the fin provides greater surface area for thrust, but it makes movement on land more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fin system incorporates flexible and adjustable components that allow the fin to adapt its configuration. When not in water, the fin can be collapsed or repositioned to minimize footprint and facilitate land movement, while maintaining large surface area for thrust generation during swimming.
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 enables disabled individuals to swim more efficiently by reducing ankle strain and improving propulsion, allowing for easier movement in and out of the water with a lightweight and adjustable design.
Implementation Method 1
The post is attachable to a user's leg by means of a pivotally attached elastic leg tie or strap
Data Source
AI summary
The swimming fin for the disabled includes a flipper pivotally attached to a lower end of a post, the post having a handle on the end opposite the flipper. A strap is pivotally attached to a middle section of the post for securing the post to a user's leg. A user attaches the device to themselves by inserting their foot in the flipper, connecting the strap to their leg, and gripping the handle. When in the water, pushing the handle out from a user's chest and then pulling the handle back to the chest will cause a motion in the user's leg similar to a leg kick, thus allowing a user with limited or no function in their legs to propel him/herself in the water.