EP4051574A1

EP4051574A1 - Method for constructing and/or manufacturing a water sports device

Info

Publication number: EP4051574A1
Application number: EP20811531.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hermann Rosen
Original assignee: Rosen Swiss AG
Current assignee: Rosen 2 Holding Ag
Priority date: 2019-11-01
Filing date: 2020-11-02
Publication date: 2022-09-07
Also published as: DE102019129575A1; CA3156752A1; WO2021084129A1; US20220380005A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for constructing and/or manufacturing a water sports device (2) which has a modular structure comprising a floating body (4). The modules can be connected together via interfaces and are connected during operation. In particular, the invention relates to a method for constructing and/or manufacturing a foilboard or driver propulsion vehicle, wherein a server device is provided, and a program-controlled input interface is provided for user-defined inputs on a terminal (5), in particular a mobile terminal, which is arranged at a distance from the server device in particular. The modules are imaged in a computer program of the server device and/or of the terminal (5), and at least one outer contour of the floating body (4) of the water sports device (2) can be, in particular, freely defined by the user. On the basis of the outer contour of the floating body (4) defined in the program, automated manufacturing information is produced, and the floating body (4) manufactured according to the production information can be combined with another module, in particular multiple other modules, to produce the water sports device (2). The invention also relates to a water sports device.

Description

Method for designing and / or manufacturing water sports equipment

The present invention relates to a method for designing and / or manufacturing a water sports device.

While larger watercraft such as sailing or motor yachts are often custom-made according to the preferences of the respective owners, smaller water sports equipment such as foilboards or diving scooters can only be freely selected within a certain limited range. For example, accessories such as auxiliary devices that can be attached to an existing water sports device, such as a trapezoid for folding the user, can be selected when ordering, but the basic construction is fixed.

The present invention is concerned with the task of making water sports equipment more individual for the use of a few, that is, a maximum of two people.

The object is achieved by a method according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and the description below. According to the method according to the invention, a modular water sports device is configured in a user-defined manner by means of a computer program, with at least one floating body, which is user-defined with regard to its outer contour, being produced according to automatically generated production information. Here, the outer contour is preferably freely definable. Subsequently, the floating body defined as a module of the water sports device is preferably used with one or more further modules for the construction and / or manufacture or completion of a water sports device consisting of several modules, ie several interconnectable, especially functional assemblies. The individual modules of a water sports device, which are described below, initially comprise the float, which is designed as a module and is to be defined in the program and shown there, as well as any other modules necessary for the functioning of the water sports device.

The outer contour is the shape of the outer surface of the float. As manufacturing information, for example, control data for a CNC milling machine or a 3D printer are referred to, which can each be used to manufacture a floating body.

The modules of the water sports device can be connected to one another via preferably automatically defined interfaces and can be connected to one another during operation. The interfaces represent in particular fastening areas for the mechanical fastening of individual modules to one another as well as transfer areas for e.g. control and supply lines. The method is EDP-supported, in such a way that the computer program providing a program-controlled input interface for user-defined input runs on a server device and / or on a particularly mobile terminal. A server device can in particular be designed as a web server, from which an input mask for a terminal is made available, via which the user inputs necessary for the configuration are made. Modules necessary for using the water sports device are shown in the program in such a way that they can be the subject of a configuration there. The selected configurations are stored on the terminal or the server device and converted into manufacturing information, this initially applying to the float.

Modules of the water sports device are those parts of a water sports device which, in combination with one another, result in the water sports device and which are mapped in a computer program of the server device and / or the terminal device, i.e. stored as virtual images that are initially defined and / or adapted if necessary can. At least one outer contour of the float of the water sports device can be defined in a user-defined manner, the outer contour preferably being freely definable, that is to say can be freely specified by the user, regardless of whether the shapes are known or previously unknown for water sports equipment. On the basis of the outer contour of the float, manufacturing information is then automatically created and the manufactured float, depending on the configuration, is used with one, in particular several additional modules, which may have to be defined in advance, to complete the water sports device.

In addition to the user-based configuration of the water sports equipment, a supplementary configuration can be made by the computer program with regard to areas that are less relevant for the user, such as supply and signal lines.

In particular, the outer contour is to be determined on the basis of free-form surfaces on the server device and / or the terminal. This results in a volume of the floating body, which can be used to arrange functional elements that can be defined as additional modules. In terms of programming, the interfaces are provided, if necessary in cooperation with the user, or are automatically provided at sensible positions in or on the float.

In the step for defining the floating body, data that are present in a predefined 3D data format and that the user has created in a design program or that originate from such a program can optionally also be uploaded. For example, it can be an image of a floating body in the form of a saucer or a banana.

So that the water sports device to be constructed is actually also capable of swimming and / or diving, depending on the training, exists on the server device or on the Terminal a check routine with regard to the constructive, in particular swimming-technical properties of the water sports device. This routine is run through in particular when the user-side configuration has been completed. In particular, the fluidic properties of the constructed 3D model are checked, for example, in the context of a finite element analysis in which the water sports device is virtually moved relative to a medium.

If the check shows that, for example, a water sports device designed as a diving scooter is not suitable for diving due to its fluidic properties and instead always floats up in the direction of a surface or, on the contrary, dives deeper and deeper, the user can be given a corresponding response and If necessary, a suggestion for improvement can be submitted automatically.

If the check shows that the water sports device is sufficiently floatable and / or submersible, the float is produced manually or preferably automatically, in particular by means of milling or 3D printing. The manufacturing information can be derived from the 3D contour of the floating body, for which the same or an additional computer program can be used.

The floating body is preferably a swimming board

Foil boards. In the server-side or terminal-side computer program, in particular, a module for a propulsion device is shown, which can be configured as part of a water sports device and which is preferably configurable in terms of size and / or power.

In particular, it is a propulsion device with at least one impeller drive or a propeller drive. It is also preferably possible to confi gurate whether the propulsion device should be designed for automatic thrust control in particular, and further in particular for automatic thrust vector control. In this case, the water sports device can be configured according to a further option of the program with a control unit provided for this purpose.

The propulsion device preferably has at least one shaftless and / or na benless propeller or impeller, in particular wherein the impeller is arranged at least partially in a flow channel of a propulsion body connected to the environment via at least two openings and the blades of which are only supported on the radially outer area and whose radially inner ends are arranged freely in the Strö flow channel. The propulsion device is particularly suitable to be operated near the shore or the beach, since on the one hand the risk of injury is significantly reduced by the arrangement in a flow channel, on the other hand any underwater plants or similar obstacles remain significantly less in the flow channel and especially on the impeller. A control unit that may be required can preferably also be configured with regard to further functions. For example, a simple thrust control can be supplemented by a control unit which, in combination with the sensor arrangements described below, is designed for automatic stabilization depending on the driving situation of the water sports device.

For example, a swaying movement or a rolling of the water sports device in the water can be counteracted by activating any control means such as guide vanes, rudder blades or vector nozzles.

In particular, it is defined by means of the computer program whether the folding device should have a drive via which a wing device present in a foilboard configuration from a rest and / or start position into the operating position and / or from the operating position into the rest and / or or starting position can be transferred, in particular retractable and extendable and / or foldable. In the case of the configuration of such a drive module, which is preferably designed as an electro-mechanical or electro-pneumatic drive, an arrangement in or on the float is automatically queried or suggested depending on the defined float volume.

Furthermore, the user can select whether the control unit should be designed for preferably multi-axis stabilization of the floating body during the transition into the operating position and / or in the operating position. Such a selection leads to the selection of sensors required for this, for example a gyrometer, the associated training of the control unit and any actuators and their arrangement in or on the float and / or other parts of the water sports equipment. For example, a control unit is to be positioned in a recess of the floating body, while a sensor is positioned in another recess and actuators are positioned as part of a wing device. This information initially only available in the computer program is then used in the manufacture of the water sports equipment.

In particular, when selecting an internal combustion engine of a propulsion device intended for propulsion of the water sports equipment, which is to be arranged on the floating body side, an angular and / or longitudinally movable drive train is automatically configured when a foilboard is provided, which connects the motor with a drive element. Alternatively, an electric motor designed especially as an internal rotor motor, which forms an impeller drive, can be selected. Such a motor module can initially be virtually positioned and then manufactured using the computer program and / or user-defined on the float or a further part of the water sports device.

A module with a sensor arrangement is preferably configured on the part of the user in the computer program, the programming of the sensor module and its connection to the water sports device preferably comprising a configuration step with regard to the type and number of sensors. For example, at least one sensor, preferably a plurality of sensors, is selected from a group comprising gyro sensors, speed sensors, position sensors (GPS, Glonass, Beidou, etc.), distance sensors (echo sounder, sonar), infrared sensors and inclination sensors that are used by the user in the water sports equipment or on its outside can be positioned.

Depending on a sensor that can be used to determine the position, a control unit can be configured which, for the purpose of geofencing, is designed to generate control signals based on signals from a sensor arrangement comprising at least the sensor. This control unit has in particular corresponding means for storing a map and for comparing the position of the water sports device with this map or at least means for communicating the position to a central control unit and for receiving control signals from the central control unit.

In particular, a module with a control unit is mapped in the method according to the invention, which is preferably configurable with regard to the type of human-machine interface.

The selection of individual modules including a propulsion device, a control unit, a holding device and / or a wing device results in the necessary means for communicating the individual components with one another, for supplying the respective components with energy and certain conditions with regard to the arrangement of individual elements of the water sports device. To the For example, an antenna for communication is sensibly to be arranged in an area located above water, while a sensor for measuring the distance above ground should be arranged in an area of the water sports equipment located under water. The computer program for creating manufacturing information takes these necessary requirements into account and forms the floating body given by at least the outer contour in such a way that the arrangement of the respective components is possible in a meaningful way.

The computer program used to carry out the method according to the invention can comprise individual sub-programs running one after the other or in parallel. Individual modules of the modular water sports equipment can also be mapped or configured in program modules that can be called up as an option.

In particular, a suitable control unit for controlling the selected modules is automated and provided as a function of the configured modules.

According to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, a module for accessories and their interfaces is mapped in the program. In this way, for example, cameras, carrying devices can be configured including handles on the water sports device or others for the operation and handling of the water sports device produced according to the invention. In the method according to the invention, different types of water sports equipment are preferably mapped on the server or terminal side and respective configuration options are kept ready for this. In particular, the basic floating bodies for these types of water sports equipment (e.g. foil boards or diving scooters) are mapped in the program module or modules in such a way that the outer contour of the floating body in an associated floating body module can preferably be further modified in advance by selecting the type of water sports equipment in the program is defined.

It goes without saying that the color and / or surface structure of the water sports device can also be specified by the user and kept ready for production.

A water sports device produced according to the invention is characterized in particular by its high configurability and is optimally adapted to the needs of the user.

Further details of the invention can be found in the following figures. Schematically shown shows:

1 shows a flow chart for a method according to the invention,

2 shows an example of a first floating body produced by means of a method according to the invention, Fig. 3- 4 a manufactured with the module of Fig. 2, what sersportgerät according to the invention,

Fig. 5 - 7 a further embodiment of the invention,

8 shows a further embodiment of the invention,

9-10 different configurable propulsion devices,

11-14 further exemplary embodiments according to the invention of a water sports device.

Individual technical features of the Ausführungsbeispie le described below can also lead to further developments according to the invention in combination with the features of the independent claim. Insofar as it makes sense, parts that have the same function are provided with identical reference numbers.

A method according to the invention is illustrated by means of a flow chart in FIG. 1. The method partially runs as a computer-implemented method on appropriate EDP units, although the construction data obtained in this method are used to manufacture a water sports device, which is then made available to the customer. In this respect, there are three levels in a method according to the invention, which are shown superimposed in FIG. 1. On the one hand, there is an upper customer level on which a (user) -defined product configuration 3, ie the user-side configuration of the water sports device, takes place. This product configuration takes place on an in particular mobile terminal 5 of a user, which displays, for example, a web-based surface for a computer program running on a server for carrying out the method according to the invention. Alternatively, the computer program can also run on its own on the terminal 5 and only transmit any construction data to a server of the middle level (server device), not shown in detail. On the customer side, a program-controlled input interface for user-defined inputs is thus provided on a terminal 5, whereby program modules 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17 can be run through, via which at least one outer contour of a float 4 of a water sports device 2 can be freely defined in a user-defined manner . Then, based on the outer contour of the float 4, production information is automatically created on the terminal 5 or on the server and then the configured float 4 can be connected to one, in particular several modules of the water sports device 2 to complete the water sports device.

The individual modules of the water sports device are defined as follows via the corresponding program modules in the exemplary embodiment. In program module 7, a float is either selected from a group of predefined floating bodies, for example diving scooter shapes or foil board shapes, or, alternatively, one's own shape is uploaded, which is then used as a 3D data set of a predefined given, known format is adopted. The program module 9 represents a program module for selecting a module of a propulsion device, which can also be configured with regard to size and / or power. In particular, an impeller or propeller drive can be selected, including any options with regard to its controllability. For example, it can be selected whether the propulsion device has a thrust vector control, whereupon corresponding control elements can be selected. These specify certain boundary conditions for the arrangement of the individual modules. The program module 11 is optionally available as a function of a predefined basic format. When selecting a foil board in the program module 7, various holding devices are selected here for a wing device which can also be optionally selected in the program module 17. In the case of the folding devices, various linkage constructions can either be specified and constructed by yourself, and with regard to their mobility for the lowering position of a foilboard with a wing device, which are transferred from a rest and operating position close to the float to an operating position distant therefrom for the purpose of moving the float above water can, definable. The controllability and alignment of any wing surfaces of the wing device can also be configured here.

Depending on the configuration selected in the program module 9, a corresponding foil board can also be designed, for example, for active self-stabilization in the operating position or during the transition to the operating position. In an automated version, in conjunction with position sensors such as gyrometers, in particular, the water sports device is actively self-stabilizing especially given in the operating position. In the case of an active self-stabilization, the control unit thus compensates for instabilities by sending control commands to at least one actuator of the water sports device, actuators being active actuating means. This can be a motor of the propulsion device, adjustable flaps or nozzles or adjustable fins, oars, wings or individual adjustable sections thereof. In the control unit, input variables such as data on the location of the water sports equipment, performance of the drive device, speed, acceleration and / or user inputs are evaluated and control commands are generated for one or more actuators. This enables beginners in particular to have a better driving experience faster. In particular, the control unit is designed for active self-stabilization of the water sports device by means of the thrust vector control during the transition to the operating position and / or when the floating body is lifted from the water surface, since during these phases there are great influences on the person using it.

Any sensors that simplify the operation of the water sports device or sensors of a sensor arrangement that are available for different, in particular comfort functions, can be selected in the program module 15. These are, for example, sensors from a group of sensors including gyro sensors, speed sensors, position sensors, distance sensors, infrared sensors and inclination sensors. In the program module 13, various control units, which can be configured in particular with respect to a human-machine interface, are mapped. For example, a hand-held device for hand control of a foil board, display units for arranging displays in a float and / or bus systems for controlling individual modules and communication means can be selected there. Additional modules that are not shown can, for example, map accessories and their interfaces, for example cameras, life-saving accessories, etc.

After the selection of the type of water sports device in the program module 7 and its configuration, a 3D data record of a water sports device is created either on the server side or on the end device side, which is either already on the customer side by the program running in the corresponding device or on a server device with regard to constructive , in particular swimming properties is checked. In the present exemplary embodiment, this takes place in the program module 19. If a corresponding check has produced a positive result, in addition to the usual query steps such as address input, ordering process, etc., any production steps are specified. It is preferably defined here whether the floating body is produced by 3D printing or by milling, depending on the choice of material (step 21). Production then takes place in step 23 and the finished water sports device is checked in step 25 before it is made available to the customer in step 27. For the production of the float in particular, a production data set is generated as described above. For example, a float 4 in the form of a swimming board is first configured in the program module 7. This can then like the optional program modules 11 and 17 with the support surface device 6 shown in FIGS Drive 12 from a resting and operating position located close to the float 4 via an intermediate position shown in FIG. 3 in the operating position like loading. Fig. 4 can be transferred. For this purpose, the folding device 8 has a control device which is controlled in a control unit which is selected in the program module 13.

5 to 7 disclose a further, again designed as a foil board variant of a water sports device 2, which in the present case is equipped with two propulsion devices 50, between which wings 16 of a wing device 6 are arranged. The folding device 8, by means of which the wing device 6 provided with the two propulsion devices 50 can be transferred from the operating position shown in FIG. 6 back to the rest and / or start position shown in FIG. 7, again has an electric motor drive 12 . In addition, a shield 71 is configured, which serves as a splash guard. If, in the case of a foil board configured with a movable folding device 8, which should be able to be transferred from the position shown in FIG. 5 to a rest and start position close to the float 4, the shape of the float speaks against a sufficiently tight arrangement, for example the computer program the introduction in one of the recesses 68 shown in FIG. 5 can be proposed so that the wing device 6 can pivot better towards the floating body 4.

An arrangement of propulsion devices 50 shown in FIG. 8 on the side of wings 16 can be proposed both on the user side and in the program module 9, provided a basic type of a foilboard has been selected in the program module 7 (FIG. 8). Various types of propulsion devices can also be selected in the program module 9. As an example, FIG. 9 shows a propulsion device 50 which is provided with an impeller drive and which is provided for thrust vector control by means of guide vanes 94 designed as flea and rudder rudders. 10 shows a propulsion device with a vector nozzle 92.

According to program module 11, the wings 16 of a wing device 6 can be configured to be pivotable, for which on the one hand manual pivoting can be selected, which must be carried out before the start of an operation in order to achieve certain properties. In the case of a convenient variant of a foilboard, on the other hand, with a corresponding control unit and corresponding actuators, motorized and, in particular, automatic controllability of the wings 16 for stabilization purposes can be configured (FIG. 12). The controllability of the wing 16 can also be configured or achieved by only partially controlled parts of the wing device in the form of their tips 16.1 (FIG. 13). Gladly. Fig. 14 can have a total of two front and two back direct links 10, which are each arranged on one side of a propulsion device 50 net, trained propulsion device 50 can also be equipped with a propeller instead of an impeller.

Claims

Expectations

1. A method for designing and / or manufacturing a water sports device (2) which has a modular structure including a float (4) and wherein the modules can be connected to one another via interfaces and are connected during operation, in particular a method for designing and / or manufacturing a foil board or a diving scooter, with a server device and a program-controlled input interface for user-defined inputs being provided on a particularly mobile terminal (5), in particular a mobile terminal device (5), which is arranged in particular at a distance from the server device, the modules in a computer program of the server device and / or the terminal device (5) are mapped, and at least one outer contour of the float (4) of the water sports device (2) is user-defined, in particular freely definable Immkörper (4) with one, in particular several further modules connectable to the completion of the water sports device (2) is used.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer contour is determined on the basis of free-form surfaces on the server device and / or the terminal.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that on the server device and / or the terminal (5) automated a check with regard to constructive, in particular swimming properties of the water sports device (2) is made.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floating body (4) is manufactured manually or automatically according to the manufacturing information.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floating body (4) is produced by means of milling or 3D printing.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floating body (4) is a board of a Flydrofoilboard.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a module with a propulsion device (50), which is preferably configurable in terms of size and / or power, is mapped in the program.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a module with a wing and / or folding device (6, 8), which is preferably configurable in terms of size and / or controllability, is mapped in the program.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the program a module with a sensor arrangement, which is preferably is configurable with regard to the type and number of sensors, is shown.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a module with a control unit, which is preferably configurable with regard to the type of human-machine interface, is mapped in the program.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control unit compatible depending on the configured modules is automatically provided in the program.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a module for accessories and its interfaces is mapped in the program.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a module with floating bodies (4) is preselected in the program for a selection of the type of water sports device (2).

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the selection of the type of water sports device (2) in the program, the outer contour of the preselected float (4) is preferably also configurable.

15. Water sports device, produced by a method according to one of the preceding claims.