Swimming Propulsion Device Fuselage Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional swimming propulsion devices, such as fins and monofins, offer limited stability and efficiency, leading to minimal propulsion enhancement for swimmers despite increased energy expenditure.

Innovation Solution

A swimming propulsion device with a fuselage, pivotally connected propulsors, stabilizers, and a swimmer connection mechanism, featuring adjustable components and ergonomic design for improved comfort and stability, allowing for efficient propulsion through a hybrid kicking/squatting motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If conventional swimming fins or monofins are used to enlarge the effective area of hands or feet, then propulsion through water is increased, but stability and swimming form are compromised, resulting in limited effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropulsion forceVSAvoidswimming form stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the propulsion function into separate components: the fuselage provides stability and houses the propulsors, while the stabilizer maintains balance. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromising overall stability, resolving the contradiction between propulsion force and swimming form stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fuselage acts as an intermediary between the swimmer and the propulsors, providing a stable platform that translates the swimmer's leg movements into effective propulsion while maintaining proper body position. This intermediary structure prevents the instability caused by direct attachment of large propulsive surfaces to the limbs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If monofins are used to provide unified propulsion, then some propulsion enhancement is achieved, but leg stability is compromised causing flailing motion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropulsion forceVSAvoidleg stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device separates the propulsion function from the stability function by placing propulsors on the fuselage rather than directly on the legs. The stabilizer provides counterbalance to maintain leg stability, eliminating the flailing motion while preserving propulsion effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of moving object

If swimming fins are worn on each hand or foot, then the effective area is increased, but the device complexity and wearability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffective areaVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges multiple functions into a single integrated unit: the fuselage combines propulsion surfaces, the stabilizer provides balance, and the connection mechanism attaches to the swimmer's lower body. This consolidation reduces device complexity compared to multiple separate fins while maintaining large effective area for propulsion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device enhances swimming efficiency and stability, reducing energy expenditure and heart rate while maintaining propulsion, allowing swimmers to cover greater distances with less oxygen consumption.

Implementation Method 1

at least one propulsor pivotally connected to the forward section of the fuselage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrodynamic lift: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 2

enhance the speed, efficiency and mobility of bodily moment during surface and underwater swimming

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrodynamic drag: Drag

Implementation Method 3

at least one stabilizer affixed to the aft section of the fuselage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrodynamic stability: Drag

Data Source

PatentUS7988508B2Swimming propulsion device
Publication Date: 2011.08.02 DEKA PRODUCTS LP
  • US7988508B2 patent drawing
  • US7988508B2 patent drawing
  • US7988508B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A swimming propulsion device. The swimming propulsion device includes a fuselage having a forward section and an aft section, at least one propulsor pivotally connected to the forward section of the fuselage, and in some embodiments, at least one stabilizer affixed to the aft section of the fuselage. The device also includes a swimmer connection mechanism removably attached to the fuselage by a locking mechanism whereby the swimmer connection mechanism connects a swimmer to the device, and a control mechanism attached to the fuselage and the propulsor. A method for efficient swimming is also disclosed.