Wind Paddle Sail Assembly with Downhaul Strap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind paddle sail assemblies are limited by requiring attachment to a watercraft, restricting their use and operation, and necessitating the operator to hold the sail, which limits freedom to steer and use with various paddles or poles.
Innovation Solution
A wind paddle sail assembly with stiffened upper and lower ends, a shaft with a fixed upper end and a free lower end, and a downhaul strap system that allows the sail to be adjusted and held by a shaft or pole, enabling the operator to steer without holding the sail, using any paddle or pole, and accommodating various configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sail is attached to a watercraft, then the sail can be used to propel the watercraft, but the location and operation of the sail is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sail attachment from the watercraft by introducing a separate shaft system that can be independently positioned. The sail is no longer fixed to the boat but can be mounted on a shaft that is freely positionable in air or water, allowing the sail to be used without being constrained by the watercraft's structure or location.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft system serves multiple functions: it supports the sail, allows free positioning in air or water, and can be used with various types of watercraft or even independently. This universal design enables the same sail assembly to be adapted to different applications and locations without requiring modification.
2Ease of operation
If the operator holds the sail to steer it, then the sail can be directed, but both hands are not free for steering
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft acts as an intermediary between the operator and the sail. Instead of directly holding the sail, the operator grips the shaft, which transmits the steering input to the sail. This intermediary mechanism allows for easier steering control while keeping the operator's hands free for other steering functions.
3Productivity
If the sail is stored in a paddle shaft, then the sail can be propelled, but the sail size is limited and must fit within the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic deployment mechanism where the sail is stored in a compact form within the shaft during transport, then deployed and unfurled during use. This allows the sail to be compact when not in use (fitting within the shaft) but expand to a larger size when deployed for propulsion, overcoming the limitation of fixed sail size.
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
Enables the sail to be used freely in the air or any position to catch wind, allowing both hands to steer the vehicle, and can be used with any paddle or pole, providing greater operational flexibility and ease of use compared to prior art devices.
Implementation Method 1
a sail for steering and driving a land or water vehicle under wind power
Data Source
AI summary
A wind paddle sail assembly includes a sail having stiffened upper and lower ends and a paddle or pole having an upper fixed end and a lower portion with a lower free end. A fastener fastens the upper fixed end of the paddle or pole to the upper end of the sail. A downhaul strap fastens the lower end of the sail to the lower portion of the paddle or pole for adjusting tension in the sail. A method for operating a wind paddle sail assembly is also provided.