Towable Watercraft Movable Stabilizing Members Wake Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Towable recreational watercraft tend to become unstable and tip when traversing wakes or waves, especially when navigating curved paths, due to inadequate stability control.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of movable stabilizing members coupled to the body member of the watercraft, which allow the rider's legs to move independently or in unison, providing enhanced stability and directional control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional towable watercraft design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the watercraft becomes unstable and tips when traversing wakes or waves, especially when navigating curved paths
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing member is divided into multiple functional segments: a body portion that attaches to the watercraft, an elongated portion that extends outward, and a foot-accommodating portion that interfaces with the rider. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while collectively providing stability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing member extends laterally outward from the body of the watercraft, utilizing the lateral dimension to create a wider base of support. This dimensional extension increases stability by distributing the rider's weight across a broader area, preventing tipping during wake traversal and curved path navigation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the watercraft has fixed stabilizing structure, then the structure is simple, but the rider cannot move legs independently reducing adaptability to different riding positions and stability needs
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing member incorporates a movable connection between the foot-accommodating portion and the elongated portion, allowing the rider's legs to move independently. This dynamic capability enables adaptation to different riding positions and stability requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of straightforward mechanical joints.
Data Source
AI summary
A towable watercraft including a body member having a tow-rope hitch coupled to a front portion thereof and one or more elongated stabilizing members extending beyond an aft portion of the body member is disclosed. The stabilizing members may be coupled to the hitch or an intermediate portion retained about a circumferential portion of the body member, wherein an end portion of the one or more elongated stabilizing members having corresponding stirrups are laterally movable away from, and back toward, each other.