Walkable Swim Flipper With Hinged Fin Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swimming flippers are inefficient for both swimming and walking due to rigid blades that impede natural movement on land, often requiring users to remove or awkwardly adapt them for terrestrial locomotion, compromising safety and performance.
Innovation Solution
A hinged blade design with a rotatable fin portion and secure locking mechanisms allows seamless transition between swimming and walking modes, maintaining performance and stability in both environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a rigid, fixed fin blade is used, then swimming propulsion is maximized, but walking capability is severely compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fin blade is transformed from a rigid fixed structure to a dynamic hinged structure that can rotate between a first position for swimming and a second position for walking. The hinge joint enables the fin to adapt its orientation based on the operational mode, resolving the contradiction between optimized swimming propulsion and walking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fin assembly is segmented into separable components: the foot portion, the hinged fin blade, and the locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the fin blade to be independently positioned and locked, enabling it to function optimally in both swimming and walking modes without compromising the other.
2Ease of operation
If a hinged fin structure is introduced to enable walking, then walking capability improves, but structural complexity and potential instability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be user-operable, allowing the user to secure the fin blade in the desired position through simple interaction with the lock and key components. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex automated positioning systems while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking mechanism serves as an intermediary element between the hinged fin blade and the foot portion. This intermediary component provides a simple yet effective means of securing the fin in the walking position, preventing instability without adding significant structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the fin blade is shortened to facilitate walking, then walking ease improves, but swimming propulsion efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of permanently shortening the fin blade, the invention uses a hinged design that allows the full-length fin to be rotated into a walking position during terrestrial movement. This dynamic repositioning enables the fin to maintain its full swimming propulsion surface area when needed while accommodating walking requirements when the fin is rotated upward.
4Ease of operation
If detachable fins are used to enable walking, then walking capability improves, but time loss and operational complexity increase due to assembly/disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The fin is segmented into a foot portion and a hinged blade that can be rotated and locked independently. This segmentation allows for quick transition between swimming and walking modes through simple rotation and locking actions, eliminating the need for time-consuming assembly and disassembly procedures required by detachable designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A walkable swimming flipper includes a foot portion with a foot pocket and opposed sides, each side having a pivot joint. A fin portion with a fin tip and fin base includes first and second supports with corresponding hinges rotatably coupled to the pivot joints, enabling rotation between swimming and walking positions. At least one lock secures the fin portion in either position. Locking mechanisms include a twistable knob that inserts a tab into a locking hole near the fin base or a flange integrally formed with the foot portion. First and second buckles on the sides accommodate an adjustable heel strap.