HYDRODYNAMIC EFFECT DEVICE FOR AN INFLATABLE HYDROFOIL WATER SPORTS DEVICE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a hydrodynamic effect device for an inflatable hydrofoil water sports device.

BACKGROUND

Hydrofoil water sports devices are becoming increasingly popular. In particular, hydrofoil water sports devices with an inflatable board are becoming increasingly important due to their small packing dimensions.

In hydrofoil water sports devices, such as eFoils or eFoil scooters or also Wingfoils and SUP Foils, inflatable boards of dropstitch material are used. However, these boards have limitations in the design, in particular in the radii of the edges (rails), which run along the sides of the board, and in the shape of the tail, which can lead to suboptimal flow characteristics.

In addition, manufacturing inaccuracies can lead to differences in the ride characteristic. A rocker shape in the tail region, i.e. a curvature of the board in the tail region upwards (or downwards), can also influence the glide and lift-off behavior. A distinct rocker shape can lead to the tip of the eFoil being lifted up and the start-up being made more difficult.

SUMMARY

There is a need for a hydrodynamical optimization of inflatable hydrofoil water sports devices, which overcome or at least reduce the above disadvantages.

It is the object of the invention to provide an improved hydrodynamic effect device for an inflatable water sports device, for example an inflatable hydrofoil water sports device. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide an inflatable water sports device, for example an inflatable hydrofoil water sports device, having an improved hydrodynamic effect device.

The object is achieved by the subject matter described in independent claim 1. Advantageous further formations are subject of the dependent claims.

According to one embodiment, a hydrodynamic effect device for a flotation body of a water sports device, for example an inflatable water sports device, is provided. The effect device can have an attachment portion for attaching the hydrodynamic effect device on the rear end of the flotation body, for example on a bottom of the flotation body. The hydrodynamic effect device further comprises at least one separating edge portion which is movable relative to the attachment portion and which, when the flotation body is moved on the water surface, is in contact with water in order to effect an improved flow separation at least on the rear end of the flotation body.

The separating edge portion can be configured such that it is movable and/or orientable by the flow prevailing on the flotation body and/or on the attachment portion. The hydrodynamic effect device can be formed flag-like. The hydrodynamic effect device can be formed in the manner of a tab.

The hydrodynamic effect device can comprise a flexible connecting portion which connects the separating edge portion and the attachment portion. The movable separating edge portion can be moved relative to the attachment portion by deformation, for example elastic deformation, of the connecting portion.

The connecting portion can comprise a thin-walled portion. The connecting portion can be formed as a thin-walled portion. The thin-walled portion can be attached to the flotation body such that the thin-walled portion extends a bottom surface of the flotation body. Additionally or alternatively, the thin-walled portion can be attached to the flotation body such that it protrudes from the tail of the flotation body in rearward direction of the flotation body in cantilevered manner. Additionally or alternatively, the separating edge portion and the connecting portion can extend away from the attachment portion in a cantilevered manner. Additionally or alternatively, at least the separating edge portion and the connecting portion can be formed in a bending-slack or form-unstable manner.

The separating edge portion and the connecting portion can be formed from one piece. The separating edge portion, the connecting portion and the attachment portion can be formed from one piece. For example, the separating edge portion, the connecting portion and optionally also the attachment portion can be formed from a continuous material web, for example a film or sheet. The material web can comprise a constant thickness. Additionally or alternatively, at least the separating edge portion and the connecting portion can comprise a flexible material or be made of such a material. The flexible material can be, for example, PVC, an elastomer plastic, silicone, a thermoplastic elastomer, a nano-composite or a textile material, for example ripstop.

The movability and/or the rest position or default orientation and/or the rest orientation or default orientation of at least one separating edge portion can be adjustable.

A stiffness, in particular a bending stiffness, of the connecting portion, for example of the thin-walled portion, can be at least locally adjustable or adjustable.

The connecting portion and/or the separating edge portion can comprise air chambers. The air chambers can be fillable with compressed air. The stiffness of the connecting portion can be adjustable via the air pressure in the air chambers. The air chambers can be manually fillable by means of an air pump. Alternatively or additionally, an electric pump can be provided in order to fill the air chambers with compressed air. The electric pump can be controlled via an automatic feedback control system in order to change the air pressure during operation of the water sports device.

The connecting portion can comprise pockets for receiving reinforcing elements. Such reinforcing elements can comprise, for example, reinforcing rods or reinforcing plates.

The hydrodynamic effect device can further comprise at least one actuator for actively adjusting the position or orientation of the separating edge portion relative to the attachment portion or for actively adjusting the stiffness of the connecting portion. Optionally, the effect device can comprise a control unit which can control the actuator based on flow information. The effect device can comprise sensors, for example flow sensors and/or pressure sensors and/or speed sensors, wherein the sensors can be provided, for example, in the connecting portion. The sensors can be configured to obtain data in real time about the water properties, for example the water flow, and the performance of the water sports device. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured to automatically control the actuator based on the information obtained with the sensors in order to adjust the separating edge portion. The control unit can be manually adjusted or instructed by a user via wireless communication. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured to change the settings of the separating edge portion based on predefined profiles which can be selected by a user. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured to output recommendations for the adjustment of the separating edge portion to a user based on the detected sensor data.

The attachment portion can comprise a connecting partner of a quick-change system. The quick-change system can be configured for a tool-free attachment of the effect device on the flotation body and a tool-free removal of the effect device from the flotation body. The connecting partner can be a partner of a latching connection, a partner of a magnetic connection, a partner of a hook and loop fastener, or a partner of a clamping connection.

Further disclosed is a water sports device having a flotation body and a hydrodynamic effect device, wherein the hydrodynamic effect device is attached to the flotation body. The water sports device may be an inflatable water sports device wherein the flotation body is inflatable. The hydrodynamic effect device can be glued to the flotation body. The hydrodynamic effect device can comprise one or more features as already described above in connection with hydrodynamic effect devices.

The water sports device can comprise two or more hydrodynamic effect devices. The hydrodynamic effect devices can be provided next to each other along the tail of the flotation body. The individual separating edge portions can be designed to be individually adjustable. The individual separating edge portions can be part of a modular system in which different separating edge modules can be exchanged as required, wherein the individual modules can have different shapes, sizes and materials and, alone or in combination with other modules, effect different driving characteristics.

The flotation body can comprise a bottom with a bottom surface, and a circumferential rounded edge. The hydrodynamic effect device can be provided on the rear end portion of the flotation body and/or on the rear end of the bottom surface such that the effect device extends the bottom surface into the region of the rounded edge, for example such that the distance between the rounded edge and the hydrodynamic effect device increases in the rearward direction of the flotation body, and/or such that a space is formed between the rounded edge and the effect device.

The separating edge portion can extend continuously from one side of the flotation body to the other side of the flotation body. Additionally or alternatively, it can also be designed to be raised on the side itself. Alternatively or additionally, the effect device or at least the separating edge portion can be crescent-shaped.

The water sports device can further comprise an attachment portion for attaching a hydrofoil unit. More specifically, the flotation body can comprise an attachment portion for attaching the hydrofoil unit. The hydrofoil unit can comprise a mast, a fuselage assembly, a front wing, a rear wing and a propulsion device. The attachment portion can be configured for attaching the mast of the hydrofoil unit.

Although the above constructions are described in connection with inflatable hydrofoil water sports devices, it is noted that flotation bodies that are not inflated may be used in connection with the hydrodynamic effect device.

Further disclosed is a hydrofoil water sports device comprising a flotation body, an attachment portion for attaching a hydrofoil unit, and a hydrodynamic effect device attached to the flotation body. The flotation body may be inflatable. The hydrodynamic effect device may be configured as described above or below.

In general, the hydrodynamic effect device may be bending slack or shape-instable or form-unstable, thereby automatically aligning itself according to the prevailing water flow. The hydrodynamic effect device may be a flag-like hydrodynamic effect device attached to the flotation body. The hydrodynamic effect device can be fixed to the flotation body by means of an effect device attachment portion, for example to the rear end of the flotation body and on the bottom of the flotation body. The hydrodynamic effect device comprises at least one separating edge portion movable relative to the effect device attachment portion, connected by means of a flexible connecting portion to the effect device attachment portion and in contact with water when the flotation body moves on the water surface. The movable separating edge portion may be movable relative to the effect device attachment portion by deformation of the connecting portion, such that it adapts to the water flow at the rear end of the flotation body. At least the separating edge portion and the connecting portion are made of a bending slack or form-unstable material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described with reference to the attached figures.

FIG. 1 shows a view of a hydrofoil water sports device according to one embodiment obliquely from below.

FIG. 2 shows a view from the rear on a rear lower region of the hydrofoil water sports device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a view from below on a tail region of the hydrofoil water sports device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 shows a view from below on a tail region of a hydrofoil water sports device according to a further embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a side view from the right on a tail region of a hydrofoil water sports device according to one embodiment.

The figures are schematic and not to scale. Identical reference signs are used for identical elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments are described with reference to the figures.

A hydrofoil water sports device 1 is exemplary shown in FIG. 1. Although a hydrofoil water sports device 1 is described in the embodiments, the invention can also be used in connection with other water sports devices which are not configured as a hydrofoil water sports device.

The water sports device 1 comprises a flotation body 10. The flotation body 10 can be configured as a surfboard. The flotation body 10 is configured to be inflatable. In other words, at least a part of the flotation body is configured to be inflatable. The flotation body 10 comprises at least one air chamber which can be filled with compressed air in order to provide the floatability of the flotation body 10. The flotation body 10 can be configured plate-like or board-like. The flotation body 10 has a bottom 12 with a bottom surface 14 on its underside. The bottom 12 gets in contact with water during operation of the water sports device 1.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the water sports device 1 comprises a standing surface on its upper side on which a user of the water sports device can stand upright, sit, lie or knee during operation.

A holding structure on which the user can hold himself can be provided on the upper side of the flotation body 10. This holding structure can be rigid and comprise, for example, a column which is coupled to the flotation body 10 at one end. The holding structure can further comprise a grip handle which is provided, for example, at an end of the column which is opposite to the end which is coupled to the flotation body 10. The water sports device 1 can thus be constructed in the manner of a scooter, although this is not shown in more detail.

The water sports device 1 can comprise a hydrofoil unit. Such a water sports device 1 can be referred to as a hydrofoil water sports device. The hydrofoil unit comprises a mast 30, a fuselage assembly 40, a front wing 50 and a rear wing 60. Optionally, the hydrofoil unit can comprise a propulsion portion 70. Although a propulsion unit 70 is shown in the embodiments, a hydrofoil water sports device without a propulsion unit 70 can also be provided according to one modification.

The mast 30 is detachably attached to the flotation body 10 at its upper end. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the flotation body 10 has an attachment portion 80 at which the mast 30 can be attached to the flotation body 10.

The fuselage assembly 40 can be attached to the lower end of the mast 30. The fuselage assembly 40 can support the front wing 50, the rear wing 60 and the propulsion device 70. The front wing 50 and the rear wing 60 can be detachably attached to the fuselage assembly 40. The fuselage assembly 40 can support components of the propulsion device 70, for example a propulsion device, such as a propeller or impeller, and an electric motor for driving the propulsion device. The electric motor can be connected to a control device via cables, not shown in more detail. The control device can be arranged in the flotation body. The control device can be arranged in or on the mast.

Further, the flotation body 10 comprises a battery as a power supply.

Although not shown in more detail, the water sports device 1 can be configured to be operable with a remote control which the user can hold in his hand. The remote control can be wirelessly coupled to the control device in order to transmit signals generated on the remote control to the control device.

The flotation body 10 comprises a front end 20 and a rear end 18. An edge surrounding the flotation body 10 is formed by a rounded edge 16. The rounding of the edge 16 is due to the inflatable structure.

At its rear end 20, the flotation body 10 comprises a hydrodynamic effect device 100. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, this effect device 100 can be provided at the rear bottom of the flotation body 10.

The effect device 100 can be configured such that, on the rear edge of the flotation body 10, a water flow separation takes place or is effected at least in regions in a more defined manner.

The effect device 100 can comprise a thin-walled, elastically or plastically deformable or flexible portion 108 which is attached in part to the bottom surface 14 of the flotation body 10 and extends beyond the end of the bottom surface, so to say extends the outer surface of the flotation body 10 or the bottom surface 14, deviating from the rounded surface of the rounded edge adjoining the bottom surface.

More specifically, the effect device 100 can comprise an attachment portion 102 which is glued to the bottom surface 14 of the flotation body 10 in a planar manner or is attached to the bottom surface 14 in another manner, for example by means of a quick-release connection. Possible connecting partners 103 of a quick-release connection on the effect device 100 are indicated in FIG. 3.

The effect device can comprise a separating edge portion 104 or a separating edge. The separating edge is an edge at which the water flow separates from the flotation body 10. A connecting portion 106 extends rearwardly from this attachment portion 102, namely such that it protrudes rearwardly from the flotation body 10, as can be clearly seen in FIG. 5. The separating edge portion 104 is provided at the free end of the connecting portion 106. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the effect device 100 can be formed in cantilevered manner. An intermediate space is formed between the effect device 100 and the rounded edge 16. The effect device 100 thus prevents water from flowing along the rounded edge 16 and making it difficult to detach or lift the flotation body 10 from the water surface. Rather, the effect device 100 ensures that the water flow separates in a defined manner at the rear end of the flotation body.

Since the effect device 100 is configured to be flexible or deformable and the separating edge portion 104 is in a sense drawn behind the flotation body and is movable relative to the attachment portion 102, the effect device 100 can be oriented in the flow direction of the water flowing past the flotation body. The effect device can be configured in such a way that no significant barrier for the water flow along the flotation body is provided by the effect device, but no counteracting reaction force is generated on the effect device 100 even with different angles of attack of the flotation body 10 on the water.

The effect device 100 can be provided over the entire width of the rear end 18 of the flotation body 10, as can be clearly seen, for example, in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

The effect device 100 can be configured such that its stiffness and/or bendability is adjustable.

The effect device 100 can comprise one or more air chambers 112, for example in the connecting portion 106. The stiffness or bendability of the effect device 100 can accordingly be changed by changing the air pressure in an air chamber 112. The air chamber can be connected to an electric pump, not shown in more detail, which can adjust the air pressure during operation of the water sports device 1. The air chamber can be pressurized by a user before operating the water sports device 1, for example with a manually operable air pump.

The effect device 100 can comprise a pocket 114 for receiving a reinforcing element 116. Reinforcing elements 116 with different stiffnesses can be provided and selectively inserted into the pocket 114.

The effect device 100 can be formed from a single material web 110.

A plurality of effect devices 100 can be provided on the water sports device 100. An arrangement in which two effect devices 100 are provided at the rear end 18 of the flotation body 10 is exemplary shown in FIG. 4. These effect devices 100 are independent of one another and can be configured with different stiffnesses.

Aspects of the Disclosure

• • 1. A hydrodynamic effect device (100) for a flotation body (10) of a water sports device, for example of an inflatable water sports device (1), comprising
    • an attachment portion (102) for attaching the hydrodynamic effect device (100) on the rear end (18) of the flotation body (10), for example on a bottom (12) of the flotation body (10), and
    • at least one separating edge portion (104) which is movable relative to the attachment portion (102) and which, when the flotation body (10) is moved on the water surface, is in contact with water in order to effect an improved flow separation at least on the rear end (18) of the flotation body (10).
  • 2. The hydrodynamic effect device (100) according to aspect 1, wherein the separating edge portion (104) is configured such that it is movable and/or orientable by the flow prevailing on the flotation body (10) and/or on the attachment portion (102), wherein the hydrodynamic effect device (100) can be formed flag-like and/or in the manner of a tab.
  • 3. The hydrodynamic effect device (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising a flexible connecting portion (106) which connects the separating edge portion (104) and the attachment portion (102), wherein the movable separating edge portion (104) is movable relative to the attachment portion (102) by deformation, in particular elastic deformation, of the connecting portion (106), wherein the connecting portion (106) can comprise a thin-walled portion (108) or can be formed as a thin-walled portion, wherein the thin-walled portion (108) can be attachable to the flotation body (10) such that the thin-walled portion (108) extends a bottom surface (14) of the flotation body (10), and/or wherein the thin-walled portion (108) is attachable to the flotation body (10) such that it protrudes from the tail of the flotation body in rearward direction of the flotation body in cantilevered manner, and/or wherein the separating edge portion (104) and the connecting portion (106) can extend away from the attachment portion (102) in cantilevered manner, and/or wherein at least the separating edge portion (104) and the connecting portion (106) can be formed in a bending-slack or form-unstable manner.
  • 4. The hydrodynamic effect device (100) according to aspect 3, wherein at least the separating edge portion (104) and the connecting portion (106), optionally also additionally the attachment portion (102), are formed from one piece, for example from a single continuous material web (110), for example a film or sheet, wherein the material web can comprise a constant thickness, and/or wherein at least the separating edge portion (104) and the connecting portion (106) comprise a flexible material or are made of such a material, for example PVC, an elastomeric plastic, silicone, a thermoplastic elastomer, a nano-composite or a textile material, for example ripstop.
  • 5. The hydrodynamic effect device (100) according to aspect 3, wherein the movability and/or the rest position or default position and/or the rest orientation or default orientation of at least one separating edge portion (104) is adjustable.
  • 6. The hydrodynamic effect device (100) according to aspect 5, wherein a stiffness, in particular a bending stiffness, of the connecting portion (106), for example of the thin-walled portion (108), is at least locally adjustable.
  • 7. The hydrodynamic effect device (100) according to aspect 6, wherein the connecting portion (106) comprises air chambers (112) which can be filled with compressed air, wherein the stiffness of the connecting portion (106) is adjustable via the air pressure in the air chambers (112), wherein the air chambers can be manually filled by means of an air pump or wherein further an electric pump can be provided, wherein the electric pump can be controlled via an automatic feedback control system.
  • 8. The hydrodynamic effect device (100) according to aspect 6, wherein the connecting portion (106) comprises pockets for receiving reinforcing elements (116), for example reinforcing rods or reinforcing plates.
  • 9. The hydrodynamic effect device (100) according to any one of aspects 3 to 8, further comprising at least one actuator for actively adjusting the position or orientation of the separating edge portion (104) relative to the attachment portion (102) or for actively adjusting the stiffness of the connecting portion, and optionally a control unit which controls the actuator based on flow information, wherein the effect device (100) can comprise sensors, for example flow sensors and/or pressure sensors and/or speed sensors, for example in the connecting portion (106), wherein the sensors can be configured to obtain data in real time about the water flow and the performance of the water sports device (1), and/or wherein the control unit can be configured to automatically control the actuator based on the information obtained with the sensors in order to adjust the separating edge portion (104), wherein the control unit can be manually adjusted by a user via wireless communication, and/or wherein the control unit can be configured to change the settings of the separating edge portion (104) based on predefined profiles which can be selected by a user, and/or wherein the control unit can be configured to output recommendations for the adjustment of the separating edge portion (104) to a user based on the detected sensor data.
  • 10. The hydrodynamic effect device (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the attachment portion (102) comprises a connecting partner (103) of a quick-change system, wherein the quick-change system can be configured for a tool-free attachment of the effect device (100) on the flotation body (10) and a tool-free removal of the effect device (100) from the flotation body (10), wherein the connecting partner (103) can be a partner of a latching connection, a partner of a magnetic connection, a partner of a hook and loop fastener, or a partner of a clamping connection.
  • 11. A water sports device (1) comprising:
    • a flotation body (10), for example an inflatable flotation body (10), and
    • a hydrodynamic effect device (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects,
    • wherein the hydrodynamic effect device (100) is attached to the flotation body, for example is glued to the flotation body.
  • 12. The water sports device (1) according to aspect 11, further comprising two or more hydrodynamic effect devices (100) which are provided next to one another along the tail of the flotation body (10), wherein optionally the individual separating edge portions (104) are designed to be individually adjustable, for example in the manner described in aspects 5 to 9, and/or the individual separating edge portions (104) can be part of a modular system in which different separating edge modules can be exchanged as required, wherein the individual modules can have different shapes, sizes and materials and, alone or in combination with other modules, effect different driving characteristics.
  • 13. The water sports device (1) according to aspect 12, wherein the flotation body (10) comprises a bottom (12) with a bottom surface (14) and a circumferential rounded edge (16), wherein the hydrodynamic effect device (100) is provided on the rear end portion of the flotation body (10) and/or on the rear end (18) of the bottom surface (14) such that the effect device (100) extends the bottom surface (14) into the region of the rounded edge (16), for example such that the distance between the rounded edge (16) and the hydrodynamic effect device (100) increases in the rearward direction of the flotation body (10), and/or such that a space (120) is formed between the rounded edge (16) and the effect device (100).
  • 14. The water sports device (1) according to aspect 13, wherein the separating edge portion (104) extends continuously from one side of the flotation body (10) to the other side of the flotation body (10), and/or wherein the effect device (100) or at least the separating edge portion (104) is crescent-shaped and/or the effect device (100) or at least the separating edge portion (104) extends from bottom to top on the sides.
  • 15. The water sports device (1) according to any one of aspects 11 to 14, further comprising an attachment portion (80) for attaching a hydrofoil unit, wherein the hydrofoil unit can comprise a mast (30), a fuselage assembly (40), a front wing (50), a rear wing (60) and optionally a propulsion device (80), wherein the attachment portion (80) is configured for attaching a mast (30) of the hydrofoil unit.