Modular Water Propulsion With Interchangeable Mounts and Controls

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to small water propulsion devices, specifically to mount and control small or personal watercraft such as, but not limited to: a floating innertube, a stand up paddleboard, or kayak.

BACKGROUND

Water based activities, such as tubing and sand up paddleboarding, often require individuals to swim or paddle for extended periods, which can be tiring. Persons with disabilities may also not be able to participate in said activities due to the physical effort involved. Devices have been developed to assist individuals move through water with less effort, however, these devices can be bulky, expensive, have limited control options, and are not easily attachable to existing recreational watercraft.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a modular water turbine, controller, and mount system that are compatible with various consumer watercraft. This mount enables a user to attach a compact underwater motor to their existing innertube, paddleboard, or kayak transforming them into electric propulsion devices and opening up opportunities for persons with mobility challenges. Different control options are able to interface with the motors based on craft design or special need. For example, a foot pedal control module would be more useful to a stand up paddle board while hand controls make more sense for an inner tube. The invention is designed to be cost-effective since the turbine interfaces into a cost effective mount for each type of watercraft instead of buying multiple custom motors. The flexibility of being able to 3D print mounts allows the opportunity to easily customize mounting solutions along with opening up new opportunities for recreation and water mobility. For example, a two person innertube can have 1 motor mounted on each side providing a cooperative mobility experience. The units are lightweight, and easy to use, making it suitable for a wide range of water activities such as river/lake floating, fishing, and pool use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d is a three view plus perspective of the base mounting plate that holds the turbine module.

FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d is a three view plus perspective of a variation of the mounting plate that holds the turbine module specific to stand up paddleboards.

FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d is a three view plus perspective of a variation of the mounting plate that holds the turbine module for general mounting for nonspecific watercraft.

FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d is a three view plus perspective of the water turbine module.

FIGS. 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d is a three view plus perspective of the controller specific to stand up paddleboards.

FIGS. 7a, 7b, and 7c is a three view of the controller specific to hand controls and innertubes.

FIGS. 8a and 8b show a front and side view with 2 base mounting plates, 2 nylon straps, 2 turbine modules, 2 controllers, and 2 batteries attached to an innertube.

FIGS. 9a and 9b show a side view of a stand up paddleboard mount plate with turbine module, battery, and foot pedal controller.

REFERENCE NUMERALS OF DRAWINGS

• • 200 Draft feature to secure turbine module into mount
  • 210 Endstop feature to prevent turbine module from over running the mount
  • 220 Keyway feature to allow locking key to secure turbine module into mount
  • 225 Keyway feature to allow locking key to secure mount to stand up paddleboard
  • 300 Feature to allow the capturing of SUP mount to paddleboard
  • 310 Hole feature to accommodate lanyard string for holding locking keys
  • 320 Motor and propeller assembly
  • 400 Slot feature to allow for strap mounting to various watercraft
  • 600 Top body of paddleboard switch
  • 610 Bottom body of paddleboard switch
  • 620 Microcontroller
  • 700 Controller body
  • 710 Controller thumb switch
  • 800 Whole hand control
  • 810 Whole turbine module with mount
  • 820 Battery
  • 840 Optional nylon strap
  • 900 Whole foot pedal assembly for paddleboard

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of the preferred embodiments are not exclusive uses of this invention.

In FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, the mounting base geometry is such that is conforms to the turbine mount module. The varying mounting bases designed to interface with the turbine motor module. Each mount base has special considerations depending on the watercraft in question.

In FIG. 4 the motor housing encloses and protects the underwater motor from the surrounding water, ensuring proper functioning and durability and is interchangeable within this mounting regime. The propulsion system includes a compact underwater motor, a propeller, and a water intake and outlet system, designed to provide efficient and powerful thrust underwater.

In FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 includes a user-friendly control system for adjusting the motor's speed and direction in the case where multiple motors are controlled independently

In FIG. 8 the example of the innertube setup is shown.

In FIG. 9 the example of the stand up paddleboard is shown.

The underwater motor mount can be made from materials suitable for use in underwater environments, such as corrosion-resistant metals, plastics, and rubber.

The present invention provides a versatile and cost-effective solution for those looking to enhance their underwater experiences with the convenience of a water propulsion device.