Toolless Hydrofoil Attachment System With Quick-Release Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hydrofoil systems face difficulties in changing components after assembly, particularly due to complexity, time, and the need for specialized tools when switching between different hydrofoils or struts, which complicates the process and limits user convenience.

Innovation Solution

A hydrofoil attachment system that includes a foil attachment assembly with a trench frame and adaptable components, allowing for toolless adjustment and swapping of hydrofoil positions without the need for specialized tools, featuring a locking assembly and adjustable rail sections to accommodate various foil plate sizes and positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a nonremovable attachment system is used to ensure sufficient strength in the mechanical connection, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of changing hydrofoil components is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical connection strengthVSAvoidease of changing hydrofoil components

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into separate modular components: a mounting plate integrated into the surfboard, a removable foil plate, and a strut assembly. This segmentation allows the hydrofoil components to be easily detached and reattached while maintaining strong mechanical connections through multiple fastening points and a secure locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If conventional removable bolt attachment systems are used, then the ease of changing hydrofoil components is improved, but the device complexity and time required for changes are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of changing hydrofoil componentsVSAvoidcomplexity of attachment system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system incorporates a toolless quick-release mechanism where the foil plate can be detached and reattached by the user without requiring external tools. The locking and unlocking actions are performed directly through the attachment mechanism itself, simplifying the user experience while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If specialized tools are required for changing hydrofoil components, then the reliability of the attachment system is improved, but the ease of operation and time required for changes are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of mechanical connectionVSAvoidtime required for component changes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plate is pre-integrated into the surfboard structure during manufacturing, with alignment features and reception cavities prepared in advance. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the foil plate is attached, proper alignment is automatically achieved, and the locking mechanism can be engaged quickly without requiring complex alignment procedures or specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12187390B2Hydrofoil attachment system and method

Publication Date: 2025.01.07 PACIFIC TRADEWINDS LLC

AI summary

The disclosure includes systems, assemblies, sub-assemblies and methods for removably and securely attaching a hydrofoil to a board used in water sports. At least some of the systems include toolless removable attachment. In various embodiments, the attachment a hydrofoil adaptor mechanically attached to a trench frame by one or more toolless locking assemblies.