ATTACHMENT MECHANISMS FOR ELECTRIC HYDROFOILS AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Provisional U.S. Application Number 63/711,046, filed Oct. 23, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates to board sport equipment and, more specifically, to attachment mechanisms for electric hydrofoils and associated systems and methods.

BACKGROUND

Board sports are activities that use a board as the primary equipment. Many of these board sports take place in the water, such as surfing, kite boarding, paddle boarding, windsurfing, wakeboarding, bodyboarding, and the like. Some of the boards used in such water sports have components extending from the board, which may include one or more additional components to be attached to the board to facilitate or enhance the performance of the board. For example, a foilboard has a mast that projects away from the underside of the board, where it connects to a fuselage that includes wings. When in use, the wings of the hydrofoil deflect the flow of water downward to lift the board and a rider out of the water when traveling at sufficient speed. Some foilboards are powered by motors, such as electric motors, which propel the board forward through the water to reach speeds that cause the hydrofoil to lift the board out of the water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a partially exploded isometric view of a hydrofoil system according to some embodiments.

FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of section 1B of the hydrofoil system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a partially exploded bottom perspective view of the hydrofoil system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart for one embodiment of a method of operating a hydrofoil system according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a hydrofoil system configured in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for one embodiment of a method of operating a hydrofoil system according to some embodiments.

Various features of the technology described herein will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from a study of the Detailed Description in conjunction with the drawings. Various embodiments are depicted in the drawings for the purpose of illustration. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that alternative embodiments may be employed without departing from the principles of the technology. Accordingly, although specific embodiments are shown in the drawings, the technology is amenable to various modifications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Electric foilboards include motors, such as electric motors, which propel the board forward through the water to reach speeds that cause the hydrofoil to lift the board out of the water. Typically, motors in such foilboards are mounted on a mast that extends underwater, such that an associated propeller remains submerged when the board lifts out of the water. In conventional foilboards, an electrical connection to the motor is made separately from the physical connection of the mast to the board. That is, in conventional foil boards the mast is attached to the foil board first, and wires are run separately to connect a motor to a power source located in the board. Accordingly, assembly of conventional foil boards is complicated and leaves room for user error in making an electrical connection between the motor and a power source.

Introduced here is a hydrofoil system and associated methods for making a combined physical and electrical connection between a board and a mast of a hydrofoil assembly. The hydrofoil system may include a mounting plate receptacle configured to receive a connector collar from the mast. Electrical connectors positioned in the receptacle and the connector collar may make an electrical connection automatically when the connector collar is inserted into the mounting plate receptacle. The connector collar and the mounting plate receptacle may have corresponding shapes to one another. The connector collar and mounting plate receptacle may have a non-circular shape such that the interface between the connector collar and the mounting plate receptacle resist rotation of the mast about a mast axis relative to the board. In this manner, the physical connection may provide sufficient rigidity and rotation resistance during operation of the foil board. Additionally, the connection may automatically provide a waterproof seal surrounding the electrical connection. In this manner, assembly of a hydrofoil system is greatly simplified compared to conventional arrangements, as the physical and electrical connection is made in a single step. Moreover, the opportunity for user error is greatly reduced compared to conventional arrangements.

In addition to the above, during operation of electric foilboards a user may be supported by the board above the water at speed. If a user falls off of the foilboard, the foilboard may continue on through the water unless stopped by the user. Conventionally, electric foilboards are controlled by a remote held in a user's hand. However, in the case of a fall, a user may not instinctively stop the motor of the foilboard, allowing the foilboard to continue to run away from the user. Additionally, as the foilboard is motorized, traditional leashes physically attaching the user to the foilboard are not desirable, as the foilboard may tow the user befind the foilboard after the user has fallen from the foilboard.

Introduced here is a hydrofoil system and associated methods for automatically stopping a motor of a foilboard when a user falls from the foilboard. The hydrofoil system may include a leash and a leash connector. The leash connector may be positioned on a board of the foil board and configured to releasably couple to a board end portion of the leash. A user end portion of the leash may be attached to the user, for example, with an attachment component such as a belt, ankle wrap, wrist wrap, or harness. The leash connector and board end portion may be coupled such that application of a non-zero threshold force to the leash decouples the leash from the leash connector. The leash connector may include a switch that changes state when the leash is decoupled from the leach connector. This change in state may cause the motor of the foilboard to terminate operation. In this manner, a foilboard may stop immediately when a user falls from the foilboard, regardless of user input at a remote control. Such an arrangement may also ensure that accidental deactivation of the motor is avoided through use of a sufficient threshold force that is applied during a fall but not during normal operation of the foilboard.

References in the present disclosure to “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” mean that the feature, function, structure, or characteristic being described is included in at least one embodiment. Occurrences of such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor are they necessarily referring to alternative embodiments that are mutually exclusive of one another.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the terms “comprise,” “comprising,” and “comprised of” are to be construed in an inclusive sense rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense. That is, in the sense of “including but not limited to.” The term “based on” is also to be construed in an inclusive sense. Thus, the term “based on” is intended to mean “based at least in part on.”

When used in reference to a list of multiple items, the word “or” is intended to cover all of the following interpretations: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of items in the list.

FIG. 1A is a partially exploded isometric view of a hydrofoil system 100 according to some embodiments. The hydrofoil system 100 includes a board 102. The board 102 may be configured to support a user of the hydrofoil system. The board 102 may include a top surface 104 (e.g., a first board surface) and a bottom surface 106 (e.g., a second board surface opposite the first board surface). The user may stand on the top surface 104. While stationary, the bottom surface 106 is in contact with water. As the hydrofoil system accelerates, the board 102 lifts out of the water and the bottom surface 106 moves out of contact with the water. The lift is created by a hydrofoil assembly 110 that is attached to the board 102. In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 1A, the board 102 houses a battery 108A that is positioned in a battery compartment 108B. The battery 108A may be configured to provide power to the various components of the hydrofoil system 100.

The hydrofoil assembly 110 of the hydrofoil system 100 may include a mast 112 and a hydrofoil connector assembly 114, as shown in FIG. 1A. The mast 112 is configured to extend from the bottom surface 106 of the board 102 into the water. The mast 112 includes a first end portion (e.g., top end portion) that is coupled to the bottom surface 106 of the board 102 and a second end portion (e.g., bottom end portion) that is coupled to a fuselage 120. The hydrofoil connector assembly 114 is positioned at the first end portion and is configured to make a physical and electrical connection between the hydrofoil assembly 110, the board 102, and the battery 108A. These connections will be discussed further below with reference to FIGS. 1B-1C. The hydrofoil assembly 110 also includes a motor 116 positioned at a middle portion of the mast 112 between the first end portion and the second end portion. The motor 116 is operatively coupled to a propeller 118 such that operation of the motor 116 spins the propeller to generate thrust to accelerate the hydrofoil system 100. Power may be provided to the motor 116 by the battery 108A positioned in the battery compartment 108B in the board. Specifically, power may be transferred to the motor via an electrical connection made by the hydrofoil connector assembly 114.

The hydrofoil assembly 110 includes a first wing 122 and a second wing 124. The first wing 122 and the second wing 124 are attached to opposing ends of the fuselage 120 which is positioned at second end portion of the mast 112. In the example of FIG. 1A, the first wing 122 is a leading wing attached to a front end of the fuselage 120, and the second wing 124 is a tail wing attached to a rear end of the fuselage 120. As the first wing 122 and the second wing 124 move through the water (e.g., under thrust provided by the motor 116 and propeller 118), the first wing 122 and second wing 124 are configured to generate hydrodynamic lift in the water. This lift applies an upward force to the board 102 via the mast 112 and the physical connection provided by the hydrofoil connector assembly 114 to lift the board 102 out of the water. The board 102 may remain out of the water while the hydrofoil system 100 maintains sufficient speed to offset the weight of the board 102 and a user standing on the top surface 104.

FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of section 1B of the hydrofoil system 100 of FIG. 1A illustrating the hydrofoil connector assembly 114. As noted above, the hydrofoil connector assembly 114 is configured to provide a mechanical connection between the mast 112 and a board of the hydrofoil system, as well as an electrical connection between a power source such as the battery 108A onboard the board and a motor 116 attached to the mast 112. Specifically, the hydrofoil connector assembly 114 may provide both a mechanical connection and an electrical connection in a single operation (e.g., inserting the connector assembly into a receptacle formed in a board).

The connector assembly 114 includes a mounting flange 130. The mounting flange includes a top surface 134 and a bottom surface 136. The bottom surface 136 is attached to the first end portion of the mast 112. The top surface 134 is configured to be placed into contact with a bottom surface of a board. The mounting flange 130 includes a plurality of flange mounting holes 132 (e.g., at least one flange mounting hole) that are all configured to receive a fastener. The fastener may be a screw, in some embodiments. In other embodiments the fastener may be a tack, bolt, or other suitable fastener. The fasteners may be configured to fasten the flange to the board. In some embodiments, the fasteners may pass through mounting plate holes formed in a mounting plate of the board, an example of which will be discussed further with reference to FIG. 1C. In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 1B, the mounting flange may be rectangular. In other embodiments other shapes may be implemented. The mounting flange 130 of FIG. 1B includes four flange mounting holes 132. In other embodiments another suitable number of mounting holes may be implemented. The inventors have appreciated that, in some circumstances, a mounting flange 130, a plurality of flange mounting holes 132 (e.g., four holes), and corresponding fasteners may provide a secure connection compared to other arrangements. In some embodiments, the mounting flange 130 may be received in a flange receptacle formed in the board. Such an arrangement may allow a bottom surface of the board to be aligned with the bottom surface 136 of the mounting flange 130, forming an effectively continuous surface that does not disrupt flow of water during acceleration of the hydrofoil system.

The connector assembly 114 includes a connector collar 140 that forms a primary physical connection and the electrical connection between the mast 112, the board, and the battery. The connector collar 140 projects upward from the top surface 134 of the mounting flange 130. The connector collar 140 is configured to be received in a receptacle or recessed portion formed in the board, as illustrated in FIG. 1C. A top connector surface 142 is configured to press against a base of the receptacle. The connector collar 140 is surrounded by the mounting flange 130. The mounting flange 130 extends radially outward from a periphery of the connector collar 140. The connector collar includes a connector wall 144 defining a waterproof chamber 150 housing a plurality of phase wire connectors 148 (e.g., at least one phase wire connector). The connector wall includes a gasket 146 (e.g., an O-ring) configured to be compressed against the base of the receptacle to create a watertight seal around the phase wire connectors 148. The phase wire connectors 148 may be plug connectors, and may be configured to be received by corresponding board connectors positioned in the receptacle of the board. The electrical connection may be automatically made when the connector collar 140 is received in the receptacle on the board. The connector collar 140 may have a shape commensurate with that of the receptacle on the board, such that the insertion of the collar into the receptacle automatically aligns with phase wire connectors 148 with the board electrical connectors, as will be discussed further with reference to the example of FIG. 1C. In the embodiment of FIG. 1B, the phase wire connectors 148 may be three phase wire connectors, which may be suitable for brushless direct current (BLDC) motors. In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 1B, the phase wire connectors 148 may be spaced from one another by a non-zero predetermined distance to provide an air gap between the phase wire connectors. In some embodiments, the phase wire connectors 148 may be equidistant from one another, and in an example with three phase wire connectors, may form an equilateral triangle.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the connector collar 140 has a diamond shape, formed by four sides. In the example of FIG. 1B, the connector collar shape is non-uniform with respect to at least one dimension, such that when the connector collar is received in a receptacle with a commensurate shape (e.g., a diamond shape), the connector collar may only be received in a single orientation. In this manner, the connector collar 140 may register the mast 112 to an associated board. Put alternatively, the connector collar may ensure the mast 112 is appropriately oriented relative to the board, with respect to at least one axis. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the connector collar 140 may set the orientation of the mast 112 about a mast longitudinal axis L once received in a correspondingly shaped receptacle. The connector collar 140 may also resist rotation of the mast about the mast longitudinal axis L. The connector collar 140 may be received in receptacle in a direction parallel to the mast longitudinal axis, in some embodiments. The connector collar 140 includes a first surface 154a, a second surface 154b, a third surface 154c, and a fourth surface 154d that engage corresponding surfaces of a receptacle to resist torque about the mast longitudinal axis L. In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 1B, all the surfaces 154a-154d are concave with respect to the mast longitudinal axis. Such an arrangement may generate strong normal forces resisting torque about the mast longitudinal axis L, though other surface shapes are contemplated, including flat surfaces. In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 1B, the third surface 154c and the fourth surface 154d have a length greater than that of the first surface 154a and the second surface 154b. The first surface 154a and the second surface 154b form a leading edge of the connector collar 140, and the third surface 154c and the fourth surface 154d form a trailing edge of the connector collar. In some embodiments, the connector assembly 114 is secured to the mast 112 with screw fasteners 152. In some embodiments, the screw fasteners 152 are accessible on the top connector surface 142 only so that the screw fasteners 152 are not able to loosen when the top connector surface 142 is in contact with a base of a receptacle on the board.

FIG. 1C is a partially exploded bottom perspective view of the hydrofoil system 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C illustrates how the connector assembly 114 described with reference to FIG. 1B is connected with the bottom surface 106 of the board 102. As shown in FIG. 1C, the bottom surface 106 of the board 102 includes a mounting plate 160. The mounting plate 160 is disposed in a recessed portion 170 of the board 102. The mounting plate 160 includes a receptacle 162 configured to receive the connector assembly 114, and more specifically, the collar of the connector assembly. The mounting plate houses a plurality of board electrical connectors 164 (e.g., at least one board electrical connector). The board electrical connectors of FIG. 1C may be socket connectors and may be configured to receive the plug phase wire connectors shown in FIG. 1B. The mounting plate 160 further includes a gasket 166 configured to be compressed between a base of the receptacle 162 and the connector collar when the connector collar is received in the receptacle 162. The mounting plate 160 further includes a plurality of mounting plate fastener holes 168 configured to receive a fastener. In some embodiments, the mounting plate fastener holes may be threaded to receive screws. The mounting plate fastener holes 168 may be aligned with flange mounting holes when the connector collar is received in the receptacle 162.

While in the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-1C the board electrical connectors are socket connectors and phase wire connectors of a hydrofoil assembly are plug connectors, other arrangements are contemplated. For example, the board electrical connectors may be plug connectors and the phase wire connectors may be socket connectors.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart for one embodiment of a method of operating a hydrofoil system according to some embodiments. In block 200, the method includes inserting a connector collar of a hydrofoil assembly into a receptacle formed in a bottom surface of a board. The connector collar may be inserted into the connector collar in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of a mast attached to the connector collar. In some embodiments, inserting the connector collar into the receptacle may include rotating the connector collar about the longitudinal axis to align a shape of the connector collar with a shape of the receptacle. In block 202, the method includes making an electrical connection between at least one board electrical connector disposed in the receptacle and at least one phase wire connector disposed it the connector collar. In some embodiments, making the electrical connection may include receiving the at least one phase wire connector in the at least one board electrical connector. In some embodiments as shown in block 204, the method includes compressing a gasket between the connector collar and the receptacle as the connector collar is inserted into the receptacle to create a watertight seal around the electrical connection. In some embodiments, the watertight seal creates a watertight compartment in which the at least one board electrical connector and the at least one phase wire connector are positioned.

In block 206, the method includes inserting at least one fastener through at least one collar connector hole formed in a flange surrounding the connector collar and at least one mounting plate hole formed in a mounting plate surrounding the receptacle. The at least one collar connector hole and the at least one mounting plate hole may be aligned based on the insertion of the connector collar into the receptacle. In some embodiments, the at least one fastener may be a screw, and insertion of the screw may include driving the screw into threads of the at least one mounting plate hole to secure the flange to the mounting plate. In other embodiments, securing the flange to the mounting plate may be accomplished with releasable fasteners such as latches. Such releasable fasteners may be formed as a part of the mounting plate and/or a connection assembly.

In block 208, the method further includes passing energy from a battery disposed in the board through the at least one board electrical connector and the at least one phase wire connector to a motor. Passing the energy though the at least one board electrical connector and the at least one phase wire connector may include driving the motor to generate thrust for the hydrofoil system.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a hydrofoil system 300 configured in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology. FIG. 3 illustrates a hydrofoil system 300 including a leash 358 that is configured to ensure that a motor 320 terminates operation when a user 353 falls from a board 302 of the hydrofoil system. By stopping the motor 320, the hydrofoil system may slow under the effects of drag and remain close to the user 353 so that the user can remount the board 302.

As shown in FIG. 3, the hydrofoil system 300 includes the board 302 which has an upper surface 304. The upper surface 304 is configured to support the user 353, who may stand on the board and control it by shifting his or her weight on the board. The hydrofoil system also includes a mast 318 extending from a bottom surface of the board. The mast is a part of a hydrofoil assembly 316. The hydrofoil assembly also includes a motor 320 which drives a propeller 322 to generate thrust and drive the hydrofoil system 300 through the water. The hydrofoil assembly 316 also includes wings 324. As the hydrofoil system is driven through the water by the motor 320 and propeller 322, the wings 324 generate lift and lift the board 302 out of the water. The user 353 may control the thrust generated by the motor 320 via a handheld controller, in some embodiments. The handheld controller may communicate with a processor of the hydrofoil system which controls the motor 320.

The leash 358 is connected to the board 302 at a leash connector 352. In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 3, the leash connector 352 is positioned on the upper surface 304 of the board 302, at a location rearward of the user 353. The position of the leash connector 352 rearward of the user 353 may have certain benefits, such as not being in the user's sightline, and being closer to a rear foot 355 for attaching to the user 353. The leash 358 is releasably coupled to the leash connector 352 at a board end portion 354 of the leash. The leash is attached to the user 353 at a user end portion 356 of the leash. The leash 358 includes an attachment component 360 configured to attach the leash to the user. In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 3, the attachment component may be a hook and loop band wearable on the user's ankle or wrist. It may be beneficial to attach the attachment component 360 to a user's ankle associated with a rear foot 355, as the rear foot may move less than a user's front foot and front leg 357. Other attachment components suitable for facilitating a secure attachment of the least to the body are contemplated, including, but not limited to, a belt or a harness.

The coupling between the leash 358 and the leash connector 352 on the board 302 is a releasable connection. The leash 358 is configured to decouple and detach from the leash connector 352 when the user 353 falls from the board 302. The leash connector 352 may be configured to release the board end portion 354 of the leash 358 when a non-zero threshold force is applied to the leash. The non-zero threshold force may be a tension force applied through the length of the leash, in some embodiments. Such a force may be applied when the user falls from the board, but not during normal operation. In some embodiments, one of the leash connector 352 and the board end portion 354 includes a magnet and the other includes a ferromagnetic portion that the magnet attracts. The threshold force may be set by the magnetic force between the magnet and ferromagnetic portion. In other embodiments, the threshold force may be set by a physical connection such as by detents in contact with the board end portion of the leash.

In some embodiments, the leash connector may include a switch that terminates operation of the motor 320 when the leash 358 is decoupled from the leash connector. For example, in some embodiments the switch may located between the battery and the motor, such as within the receptacle 162 so it is protected from exposure to water by the gasket 166, so as to disconnect power from the battery to the motor when the leash is decoupled from the leash connector. As another example, the switch of the leash connector may transmit a signal to the processor of the hydrofoil system to command the motor 320 to stop. The switch may be any suitable switch that may either be detected by the process or directly interrupt power to the motor 320. In some embodiments, the board end portion 354 may include the magnet, and the leash connector 352 may include a Hall effect switch configured to detect the presence of the magnet. The Hall effect switch may be on when the magnet of the leash is present, and off when the magnet of the leash is decoupled from the leash connector. In some embodiments, the leash connector 352 includes a momentary switch that is physically depressed by the board end portion 354 of the leash 358. When the board end portion is decoupled from the leash connector, the momentary switch may return to its biased position, terminating operation of the motor. Other switch arrangements may be implemented in other embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for one embodiment of a method of operating a hydrofoil system according to some embodiments. In block 400, the method includes coupling a board end of a leash to a leash connector on a board. In some embodiments, the leash connector is positioned on a top surface of the board. In block 402, the method includes attaching a user end of the leash to a user with an attachment component. In embodiments, the method does not include attaching the user end of the leash to a user but rather simply accepting a board end of the leash, which is connected to a user, as a connection to the leash connector on the board. The attachment component may include a wrist band, ankle band, hardness, belt, or other arrangement. In block 404, the method includes providing power to a motor from a battery while the leash is coupled to the leash connector. In block 406, the method includes applying a non-zero threshold force to the leash to decouple the board end of the leash from the least connector. In block 408, the method includes terminating operation of the motor, which is in response to the decoupling of the leash from the leash connector.

The foregoing description of various embodiments of the claimed subject matter has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Embodiments were chosen and described in order to best describe the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the relevant art to understand the claimed subject matter, the various embodiments, and the various modifications that are suited to the particular uses contemplated.

Although the Detailed Description describes certain embodiments and the best mode contemplated, the technology can be practiced in many ways no matter how detailed the Detailed Description appears. Embodiments can vary considerably in their implementation details, while still being encompassed by the specification. Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of various embodiments should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the technology to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless those terms are explicitly defined herein. Accordingly, the actual scope of the technology encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the embodiments.

The language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes. It may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the technology be limited not by this Detailed Description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based hereon. Accordingly, the disclosure of various embodiments is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the technology as set forth in the following claims.