Towable Craft Stabilizing Members for Wake Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Towable recreational watercraft tend to become unstable and tip when towed behind a power boat, especially when navigating wakes or turns, due to lack of directional stability and control.
Innovation Solution
The incorporation of articulating stabilizing members with foot-accommodating portions and directional guiding members, which allow riders to adjust their leg position and control the craft's direction, providing enhanced stability and maneuverability across water or snow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional towable watercraft are used without stabilizing members, then the structure remains simple, but the craft becomes unstable and tips when crossing wakes or negotiating turns
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing system is segmented into multiple independent stabilizing members (typically two) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each stabilizing member includes separate components: a stabilizing element that extends from the body member, and a foot-accommodating portion that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the system to provide stability while maintaining structural simplicity and ease of adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If stabilizing members are added to improve directional stability, then control during turns improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing members incorporate articulating joints that allow dynamic adjustment of the foot-accommodating portions relative to the stabilizing members. This articulation enables riders to dynamically position their feet to control the craft's direction and maintain stability during turns and wake crossings. The dynamic adjustment capability provides improved control without requiring a complex fixed structure.
3Reliability
If the craft design is kept simple without additional stabilizing components, then manufacturing is easier, but the craft tips easily in rough conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing members are constructed using flexible, lightweight materials such as straps or thin rigid elements that can be easily manufactured and attached to the body member. These flexible stabilizing members can articulate and adapt to various positions without requiring complex mechanical joints or heavy structures. The foot-accommodating portions use simple straps or loops that are easy to manufacture and adjust, maintaining ease of manufacturing while providing reliable stability in rough conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A towable recreational craft having a body member for accommodating one or more riders in a prone position is disclosed. One or more stabilizing members are movably coupled to and extend away from an aft portion of the body member. Each stabilizing member includes a foot-accommodating portion spaced apart from the body member, wherein the stabilizing member is movable between a position extending away from the aft portion of the body member and a position adjacent a lateral portion thereof to provide greater stability as the craft is towed.