Modular Power System and A Modular Electric Surfboard

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of international Application No. PCT/CN2024/124608, filed Oct. 14, 2024, which claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 202422143949.9 and No. 202411222562.0, filed in China on Sep. 2, 2024.The disclosures of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to the field of water-sports products, and in particular, to a modular power system and a modular electric surfboard.

BACKGROUND

Water surfing has become one of the most popular sports. Electric surfboards can adapt to water environmental conditions, providing enthusiasts with a wide range of possibilities. Current electric surfboards often require the surfer to assemble them for portability. However, existing electric surfboards, especially their power systems, consist of multiple components. The installation and connection between these components are highly interdependent, and as functions increase, the growing number of components leads to more complex connection methods, making quick installation, removal, and maintenance inconvenient. Furthermore, surfing conditions frequently change due to variations in water areas, wind, and waves. As surfers'skills improve and water conditions change, they develop diverse needs. However, existing electric surfboards are expensive and often only capable of one mode, failing to meet users'diverse demands.

SUMMARY

This application provides a modular power system and a modular electric surfboard. The power system has a modular structure and uses detachable interface designs. All components are detachably connected, facilitating installation, removal, and maintenance. The modular electric surfboard provided in this application uses the modular power system, enabling the conversion between various surfing conditions and modes.

In one aspect, this application provides a modular power system, comprising a motor, a propulsion unit (e.g., a propeller or thruster), an ESC module (Electronic Speed Controller module), and a mast assembly. The motor includes a first connection end and a second connection end. The first connection end of the motor is detachably connected to the propulsion unit. The second connection end of the motor is detachably connected to the ESC module. The ESC module is detachably connected to the mast assembly.

Further, the mast assembly comprises a mast and a mast connector detachably connected. The mast connector includes a first connection end and a second connection end. The first connection end of the mast connector is detachably connected to the mast. The second connection end of the mast connector is detachably connected to the ESC module.

Further, it also comprises a hydrofoil assembly. The hydrofoil assembly includes a front hydrofoil and/or a rear hydrofoil. The mast connector includes a hydrofoil mounting base. The front hydrofoil is detachably mounted on the hydrofoil mounting base of the mast connector. The rear hydrofoil is detachably mounted on the propulsion unit.

Further, the hydrofoil assembly includes at least two sets. At least one of the shape, size, and installation angle of the at least two sets of hydrofoil assemblies is different. The mast is configured as a long mast, a short mast, a straight mast, or an inclined mast. The mast is provided with a detachable mast base.

Further, the mast assembly includes at least two masts. At least one of the length and tilt angle of the at least two masts is different. One of them can be installed for use as needed.

Further, the ESC module includes a wiring harness. The wiring harness passes through the mast.

Further, the first connection end of the motor and the propulsion unit are connected by a plug-in method. The propulsion unit includes a propeller shaft. The motor includes a coupling. The propeller shaft of the propulsion unit is connected to the coupling of the motor. The propeller shaft and the coupling of the motor are connected by a coupling connection method or a key connection method.

Further, the second connection end of the motor and the ESC module are connected by a plug-in method.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing of the ESC module 34 is a metal housing. The ESC module 34 is fully potted encapsulated. After assembly, it forms an integral unit with the motor 32 and is configured to be placed underwater together during use, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect of the ESC module 34.

In another aspect, this application provides a modular electric surfboard, comprising a surfboard module, the modular power system as described above, and a power supply module;

The surfboard module includes a board body;

The modular power system is detachably connected to the surfboard module via one end of the mast assembly. The other end of the mast assembly is detachably connected to the ESC module.

The power supply module includes a battery. The power supply module is detachably connected to the board body. The battery is electrically connected to the motor.

Further, the board body is a rigid board body or an inflatable board body. The bottom of the board body is provided with a board base for connecting to the mast. The mast is provided with a mast base for connecting to the board base.

Further, the connection between the board base and the mast base is a detachable connection. The detachable connection is not limited to one or several of threaded connection, snap connection, pin connection, key connection, spline connection or other gear-type connection, or collet connection.

Further, it also comprises a handle. The handle is detachably connected to the board body.

The modular power system of this application has a modular structure and uses detachable interface designs. All components are detachably connected, facilitating installation, removal, and maintenance, making it more convenient to use. At the same time, due to the detachable interface design, some components, including the hydrofoil assembly, mast assembly, motor, ESC module, etc., can be replaced with different models, allowing the power system to achieve different modes through different combinations. The modular electric surfboard provided in this application uses the modular power system, enabling the conversion between various surfing conditions and modes.

Furthermore, in this application, the ESC module is combined with the motor and propulsion unit to form an integral unit. During use, it is placed underwater together with other modules of the power system, enhancing the heat dissipation effect of the ESC module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded structural schematic diagram of a modular power system according to an embodiment of this application.

FIG. 2 is a connection structural schematic diagram of a modular power system according to an embodiment of this application.

FIG. 3 is a connection structural schematic diagram of a motor and a propulsion unit in a modular power system according to an embodiment of this application.

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged structural view of section A-A in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5a is a connection structural schematic diagram of a mast in a modular power system according to an embodiment of this application.

FIG. 5b is a structural schematic diagram of a mast according to an embodiment of this application.

FIG. 5c is a structural schematic diagram of a mast according to an embodiment of this application.

FIG. 5d is a structural schematic diagram of a mast according to an embodiment of this application.

FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 5a.

FIG. 7a is a schematic diagram of a mast connector according to an embodiment of this application.

FIG. 7b is a schematic diagram of a mast connector according to an embodiment of this application.

FIG. 8 is a connection schematic diagram of an ESC module and a hydrofoil assembly in a modular power system according to an embodiment of this application.

FIG. 9 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a modular electric surfboard according to an embodiment of this application.

FIGS. 11a and 11b are schematic diagrams of modular electric surfboard structures in different modes after combining and connecting different modular masts and power modules according to this application.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of two sports modes of a modular electric surfboard according to another embodiment of this application.

FIG. 13 is an exploded structural schematic diagram of a modular electric surfboard according to an embodiment of this application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application is further described below with reference to the drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application are only used to illustrate one (or some) implementation(s) of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Simple variations by those of ordinary skill in the art similar to this embodiment fall within the protection scope of this application.

References to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” etc., described in this specification mean that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” “in other some embodiments,” “in yet other embodiments,” etc., appearing in different places in this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless specifically stated otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,”unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

A modular power system provided by this application includes a motor 32, a propulsion unit 33, an ESC module (Electronic Speed Controller module) 34, and a mast assembly, wherein: the motor 32 includes a first connection end and a second connection end; the first connection end of the motor 32 is detachably connected to the propulsion unit 33; the second connection end of the motor 32 is detachably connected to the ESC module 34; the mast assembly is detachably connected to the ESC module 34. Due to its modular structure and detachable interface design, the modular power system of this application facilitates installation, removal, and maintenance. The modular electric surfboard using this modular power system can achieve conversion between various surfing conditions and modes.

As shown in FIG. 1, it is an exploded structural schematic diagram of a modular power system according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in FIG. 1, the modular power system includes a mast assembly, a motor 32, a propulsion unit (e.g., a propeller or thruster) 33, and an ESC module 34. The mast assembly is connected to the ESC module 34. The motor 32, propulsion unit 33, and ESC module 34 are all detachably connected. In this embodiment, the mast assembly includes a detachably connected mast 31 and a mast connector 37. The mast connector 37 includes a first connection end and a second connection end. The first connection end of the mast connector 37 is detachably connected to the mast 31. The second connection end of the mast connector 37 is detachably connected to the ESC module 34. Of course, the mast 31 and the mast connector 37 can also be integrated or non-detachably connected, which can also achieve the purpose of this application.

In this embodiment, the detachable mast connector 37 includes a hydrofoil mounting base 370. The modular power system also includes a hydrofoil assembly. The hydrofoil assembly includes a front hydrofoil 35 and a rear hydrofoil 36. The front hydrofoil 35 is detachably installed on the hydrofoil mounting base 370 of the mast connector 37. The rear hydrofoil 36 is detachably installed on the propulsion unit 33. In practical use, the front hydrofoil 35 and the rear hydrofoil 36 of the hydrofoil assembly are not necessarily installed simultaneously; it can include only the front hydrofoil 35 or only the rear hydrofoil 36, still achieving the function of this application. Furthermore, when the front hydrofoil 35 is not installed, a mast connector 37 without the hydrofoil mounting base 370 can be used, still achieving the function of this application.

As shown in FIG. 2, it is a connection schematic diagram of a modular power system according to an embodiment of this application. The propulsion unit 33 and the first connection end 320 of the motor 32 are connected together by a plug-in method. To ensure a firm connection, they are fixed with screws after plugging in. The plug-in interface is provided with double-layer sealing rings to enhance the sealing effect.

Further, the motor 32 includes a coupling 323. The propulsion unit 33 includes a propeller shaft 330. The coupling 323 of the motor 32 is connected to the propeller shaft 330 of the propulsion unit 33 via a coupling 322. In another embodiment, the coupling 323 and the propeller shaft 330 can also be connected by other means, such as a key connection. As can be seen from the connection diagram in FIG. 3, bearings radially fix and limit the propeller shaft 330 at the front and rear ends of the propulsion unit 33. One side of the bearings is provided with a stop ring for axial limiting of the bearings. Meanwhile, the places where bearings are installed at the front and rear ends of the propulsion unit 33 are both provided with sealing rings. A cavity is formed between the sealing rings on both sides, and sealing oil can be injected into the cavity to form a sealed chamber, providing waterproof protection for the motor 32.

The power module plug-in structure adopted in the embodiments of this application is not only convenient and fast but also converts the rotational seal of the motor 32 into a static seal, reducing the motor's reliance on dynamic sealing elements and improving reliability. The propulsion unit 33 and the motor 32 are connected together by a male-female plug-in method, locked and fixed with screws after connection. The plug-in interface is provided with double-layer sealing rings, effectively providing a sealing function. The motor 32, as a rotary drive component, is connected to the propeller shaft via the coupling 323. At the front end of the propulsion unit 33, bearings radially fix and limit the propeller shaft. Stop rings are provided on one side of the bearings for axial limiting. Meanwhile, at the bearing installation points on the front and rear ends of the propulsion unit 33, skeleton sealing rings are provided. A cavity is formed between the sealing rings on both sides, filled with sealing oil to form a sealed chamber, effectively preventing external water from entering and providing waterproof protection for the rotating side of the motor.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing of the ESC module 34 is a metal housing, and the ESC module 34 is fully potted (encapsulated). After assembly, it forms an integral unit with the motor 32 and is configured to be placed underwater together during use, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect of the ESC module 34.

Further, the ESC module 34 and the second connection end 321 of the motor 32 are connected together by a plug-in method and fixed with screws. As shown in FIG. 4, it is a schematic diagram of the connection between the second connection end 321 of the motor 32 and the ESC module 34.

The second connection end 321 of the motor 32 includes a second electrical terminal 3211 and a second fixing interface 3212. The ESC module 34 is provided with a third connection end 341, including a third electrical terminal 3411 and a third fixing interface 3412. The plug-in connection of the second electrical terminal 3211 and the third electrical terminal 3411 achieves electrical reliability and safety. The connection between the second fixing interface 3212 and the third fixing interface 3412 realizes the detachable connection between the motor 32 and the ESC module 34. In this embodiment, the second fixing interface 3212 and the third fixing interface 3412 use a plug-in method. To connect the motor 32 and the ESC module 34 more quickly and safely, a connection guide structure can also be provided. This ESC module 34, through the design of electrical terminals and guide structure, ensures the electrical reliability of the plug-in terminals; ensuring plug-and-play while also guaranteeing safe and reliable electrical connection. As shown in FIG. 4, the plug-in interface between the ESC module 34 and the motor 32 is also provided with double-layer sealing rings. After plugging in, a good waterproof environment for the plug-in terminals is ensured.

As shown in FIGS. 5a and 6, they are structural schematic diagrams of the mast of the modular power system. The figures show the connection relationship between the mast 31 and the board body 1 when the power system is used for a modular electric surfboard. The mast 31 is provided with a mast base 311, used for connecting to the board body 1 of the modular electric surfboard during assembly. In this embodiment, the mast base 311 of the mast 31 is an integrated structure. In a preferred embodiment, the mast base 311 can be configured to be detachable. This way, when the mast base 311 needs to connect to different board bodies 1, if the connection structures are different, only different mast bases 311 need to be configured to achieve connection with different board bodies 1, which can further expand the application range of the modular power system.

Of course, for the connection between the mast base 311 and the board body 1 of the modular electric surfboard, and between the mast 31 and the mast base 311, detachable connections are used, including but not limited to one or several of threaded connection, snap connection, pin connection, key connection, spline connection or other gear-type connection, or sleeve connection, all of which can achieve the purpose of this application, making installation and removal convenient.

Further, the mast assembly includes at least two masts 31. As can be seen from FIGS. 5a-5d, this embodiment includes four masts 31. One or more features such as the length and tilt angle of each mast 31 are different. However, the mast bases 311 in the different masts 31 have the same structure and can all be detachably connected to the board body 1 of the surfboard to allow reliable replacement and use of the mast 31. When the length, tilt angle, etc., of the mast 31 change, the surfing mode will change accordingly, allowing the modular electric surfboard to achieve different modes to meet different experience needs. The modular electric surfboard of this embodiment, due to its modular structure, can use different masts 31 for assembly, meeting different needs at minimal cost.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5b, 5c, and 5d, masts 31 with different structural designs are shown. The length and/or tilt angle of each mast 31 is different. The mast 31 can be configured as long mast, short mast, straight mast, or inclined mast. However, the mast bases 311 in the different masts 31 have the same structure, as shown in FIG. 6, and can all connect to the board base 10, allowing reliable replacement and use of the mast 31, facilitating the modular electric surfboard to achieve different modes. For example, in this embodiment, one can choose a longer mast 31, as shown in FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 5c, for surfing, or choose a shorter mast 31, as shown in FIG. 5d, to achieve surface skimming.

Further, the other end of the mast 31 is detachably connected to the ESC module 34. The ESC module 34 contains a wiring harness. The wiring harness passes through the mast 31 and connects to the battery. Then, through the connection of the second electrical terminal 3211 and the third electrical terminal 3411, the electrical connection between the battery and the motor 32 is achieved.

To achieve good waterproof and heat dissipation effects, in this embodiment, the ESC module 34 can be sealed by methods such as potting with sealant, sealing grooves, or sealing gaskets. The ESC module 34 has a metal housing. The ESC module 34 itself is potted with sealant, providing good waterproofing; the whole unit may not require additional waterproofing. Using a metal housing, after installation, it becomes an integral unit with the motor 32 and is placed underwater together with the motor 32, directly contacting the water, providing excellent heat dissipation.

In the embodiment of this application, the ESC module 34, through simply and uniformly designed electrical and structural interfaces, is combined with the motor 32, hydrofoil assembly, and mast 31 via detachable structures, facilitating disassembly, assembly, inspection, maintenance, and modular upgrades. The housing of the ESC module 34 and the installation structures for the motor 32 and hydrofoil assembly adopt an integrated design with a good fluid dynamic shape.

Further, the power system of this application can be equipped with a hydrofoil assembly, or it may not be equipped with hydrofoils. To accommodate the installation of the hydrofoil assembly, as shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b, the mast connector 37 can also have different configurations. FIG. 7a shows a mast connector 371 equipped with a hydrofoil mounting base 370. FIG. 7b shows a mast connector 372 without a hydrofoil mounting base 370. The hydrofoil assembly includes a front hydrofoil 35 and a rear hydrofoil 36. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in this embodiment, when connecting the front hydrofoil 35, the mast connector 371 with the hydrofoil mounting base 370 is used. The front hydrofoil 35 is provided with a hydrofoil mounting surface 351. The hydrofoil mounting surface 351 and the hydrofoil mounting base 370 are fixed with screws. The rear hydrofoil 36 is detachably installed on the propulsion unit 33 with screws. In practical use, the front hydrofoil 35 and the rear hydrofoil 36 of the hydrofoil assembly are not necessarily installed simultaneously; it can include only the front hydrofoil 35 or only the rear hydrofoil 36, still achieving the function of this application.

Further, to achieve multiple mode conversions, in this embodiment, the hydrofoil assembly includes at least two sets. At least one of the shape, size, and installation angle of the at least two sets of hydrofoil assemblies is different. The two sets of hydrofoil assemblies have the same installation method onto the hydrofoil mounting base 370 and the propulsion unit 33 for easy replacement. Similar to the variation in mast 31 specifications, different choices of hydrofoils will also bring new sensations to the surfing mode.

FIGS. 11a and 11b are schematic diagrams of two usage states of an electric surf system according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in FIGS. 11a and 11b, since the power system has masts 31 of different specifications, according to usage needs, a longer mast 31 can be connected to the board body 1, and hydrofoils of suitable specifications can be installed on the propulsion unit 33 and ESC module 34 to achieve a hydrofoil power mode, as shown in FIG. 11a. The power output in a certain mode can also be changed by replacing hydrofoil assemblies of different specifications or using propulsion unit 33 of different types or specifications, thereby adjusting the surfing mode. Different specifications of masts 31 can also be selected, as shown in FIG. 11b, where a shorter mast 31 is chosen, the hydrofoil assembly is removed, transforming the hydrofoil surfing mode into a surface-skimming surfing mode, meeting the needs of different usage scenarios.

In summary, because the connection methods of these modules use a universal design, as many replacement modes as possible can be achieved without excessively increasing the number of modules, facilitating portability and installation/removal, and without adding too much cost, satisfying the diverse needs of users.

A modular electric surfboard according to an embodiment of this application comprises a surfboard module, the modular power system as described above, and a power supply module;

The surfboard module includes a board body 1;

The modular power system is detachably connected to the surfboard module via one end of the mast assembly. The other end of the mast assembly is detachably connected to the ESC module 34;

The power supply module includes a battery 2. The power supply module is detachably connected to the board body 1. The battery 2 is electrically connected to the motor 32.

Because the modular electric surfboard of this embodiment has a modular structure and uses detachable interface designs that are simple and universal, it facilitates installation, removal, and maintenance, and enables conversion between various surfing conditions and modes.

The board body 1 is a rigid board body or an inflatable board body. The bottom of the board body 1 is provided with a board base 10 for connecting to the mast 31. The mast 31 is provided with a mast base 311 for connecting to the board base 10.

The connection between the board base 10 and the mast base 311 is a detachable connection. The detachable connection is not limited to one or several of threaded connection, snap connection, pin connection, key connection, spline connection or other gear-type connection, or collet connection.

It also includes a handle. The handle is detachably connected to the board body 1.

As shown in FIG. 10, it is a combined structural schematic diagram of a modular electric surfboard according to an embodiment of this application. FIG. 13 is an exploded structural schematic diagram. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, the surfboard module includes a board body 1. The board body 1 is provided with a battery compartment 11. The power supply module is detachably installed in the battery compartment 11. The power supply module contains a battery 2.

As shown in FIG. 10, it is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a modular electric surfboard applying the modular power system of this application. As shown in FIG. 10, the assembled modular power system is connected to the board body 1 via the mast 31. The board body 1 is provided with a battery compartment 11 containing the battery 2. The wiring harness from the ESC module 34 passes through the mast 31 and connects to the battery 2. Then, through the connection of the second electrical terminal 3211 and the third electrical terminal 3411, the electrical connection between the battery 2 and the motor 32 is achieved.

As shown in FIG. 12, it is another preferred embodiment of this application. To meet the needs of different surfers, the board body 1 of the surfboard module uses an inflatable board body. The inflatable board body is provided with a battery compartment 11. Simultaneously, to improve safety, a handle 5 is also installed on the inflatable board body in this embodiment. Of course, during use, an electric surfboard without an inflatable board body can still obtain different surfing modes by replacing different masts 31, hydrofoil assemblies, or even different propulsion unit 33. In fact, because the connection method in this embodiment is universal, the electric surfboard of this application can be configured with different board bodies to meet the diverse needs of users.

The structural schematic of the board body and mast of the modular electric surfboard is shown in FIG. 5a, and a partial enlarged view of the connection structure is shown in FIG. 6. The board body 1 in this embodiment is a rigid board body. The bottom of the board body 1 is provided with a board base 10. The mast 31 is provided with a mast base 311 for connecting to the board base 10. A sealing ring 12 is provided between the board base 10 and the mast base 311, fixed with a screw 312. In fact, besides the threaded connection method in the embodiment, other detachable connections between the board base 10 and the mast base 311, including but not limited to one or several of snap connection, pin connection, key connection, spline connection, or collet connection, can all achieve the purpose of this application, making assembly convenient.

The modular electric surfboard of this application has modularized components and their detachable interface structures. The interface structures use simple and universal interface structures. On one hand, this facilitates assembly and disassembly, making it more convenient to use. At the same time, because each component is designed as an independent module and each module uses a simple universal interface design, some of the components, including the hydrofoil assembly, mast 31, board body 1, motor 32, propulsion unit 33, ESC module 34, etc., can be replaced with different models, enabling the modular electric surfboard of this application to achieve conversion between various surfing conditions and modes.