WO2018227220A1

WO2018227220A1 - Device for locating a water sport board

Info

Publication number: WO2018227220A1
Application number: PCT/AT2018/000051
Authority: WO
Inventors: Clemens Mandl; Raphael Maria MAYER
Original assignee: Clemens Mandl; Mayer Raphael Maria
Priority date: 2017-06-14
Filing date: 2018-06-05
Publication date: 2018-12-20
Also published as: AT519971A4; AT519971B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for locating a water sport board (5), in particular a kiteboard, comprising a fin (1), which can be fastened to the water sport board (5) and which is equipped with an electronic locating module, an element which during usage can be arranged on the side of the water sport board (5) facing away from the fin (1) is also provided, a first locating module (16) being arranged in or on the fin (1), preferably in a cavity (12) of the fin (1), and a second locating module (20) being arranged in the element (2).

Description

Device for locating a water sports board

The invention relates to a device for locating a water sports board, in particular kite boards, comprising a fin attachable to the water sports board, which is equipped with an electronic locating module.

The invention further relates to a water sports board, in particular a kiteboard, with such a device.

Kitesurfing is a young water sport that is going on

rising popularity. When kitesurfing, the athlete stands on a board (kite board) and is pulled over the water by a stunt kite. At the bottom of the board, the board carries a plurality of fins, with a kiteboard usually having four fins mounted in the four corners of the board. The Finns are used to maintain the directional stability of the board, the wind forces are implemented, among other things with the help of the Finns in propulsion. The fins are usually fastened by means of screws which pass through the holes in the board and are each screwed into a blind hole of the fin formed with an internal thread.

When kitesurfing the athlete's feet are mostly in

Foot straps arranged, which ensures a certain grip of the athlete on the board, but no fixed

Connection between the athlete and the board

ensures. In the event of a fall, the board can be detached from the feet and then floats in the water. With the weather conditions prevailing during kite surfing (wind, waves, currents, etc.) the recovery of the board after a fall sometimes turns out very much difficult - especially if the board is after the fall in the windward side (windward) of the surfer. It is possible, a lost or expelling one

To reach Kiteboard with a Bodydrag to Luv, this is however physically exhausting and requires that

Mastering the appropriate technique. In addition, there is the problem that the athlete, who only sticks his head out of the water, does not have the visual cognition of the lost kiteboard

Visibility and the required viewing angle features.

This problem increases with swell.

It has therefore already been proposed to secure the kiteboard by a line connection against loss. A so-called Boardleash is connected on the one hand to the trapeze belt or the athlete's foot and on the other hand to the kiteboard. When using a leash, however, there is a high risk of injury in the neck and head area, since the athlete can be hit in the event of a fall from the board. The power delivery of the kite and the water resistance in the event of a fall to a strong tension of the leash, which moves the kiteboard at high speed on the athlete.

In the field of boards for water sports it is e.g. from US 2016050519 AI known to provide these with a GPS locating module to the board in case of a

Theft or locate an injured athlete easier to find.

In US 9,045,202 a tracking module for water sport boards is further described, which is arranged in a fin of the board and in the situation is to record the distance traveled by Brett. The tracking module may include, for example, an acceleration sensor or a GPS module.

The location of water sports boards with the help of

Electronic locating modules, however, is so far

problematic, as the based on the reception of radio signals positioning does not work properly when the locating module is located below the water surface or the locating module receiving component of

Water sports equipment is covered by water.

The present invention therefore aims at the

Retrieving a water sports board after a fall and in case of theft easier.

To solve this problem, the invention provides for a fin of the type mentioned with fasteners for fixing the fin on a water board in the

Substantially, that further an element is provided, which in use on the side facing away from the fin of the

Water sports boards can be arranged, and that a first

Locating module in or on the fin, preferably in a cavity of the fin, and a second locating module is arranged in the element. Because of that two separate

Positioning modules are used, the possibility is created, a first locating module on one side of the board, namely in or on a fin, and a second locating module on the other side of the board, namely in the element to arrange, so in one in the water

driving board regardless of its location one of

Locating modules located on the side facing away from the water and therefore can function properly. In the context of the invention, a locating module is understood as meaning a device which determines the determination of the

geographical position allowed. If the determination of the geographical position is based on the reception of radio signals, the receiving antenna forms the locating module. Thus, according to the invention, if a first locating module and a second locating module are arranged on opposite sides of the water sports board, this means that at least the receiving antenna of the respective module is located on the respective side of the board. Whether the receiving and evaluation electronics of the locating module is located on the respective side is not important. The first and the second locating module can also be structurally combined in a single component or module equipped with two antennas, one antenna in or on the fin and the second antenna on the side of the water sport board facing away from the fin

can be arranged.

The element in which the second locating module is disposed may be one connected to or connected to the fin

be integrally formed component, that e.g. extends through a bore of the water sports board and protrudes on the side facing away from the fin of the board.

Alternatively, the element as a separate component

be educated. In this case, a preferred looks

Formation that fastening means are provided for fixing the fin on the water sports board, wherein the fastening means comprise a holding part which the

Element forms, in which the second locating module

is arranged. The arrangement of the two locating modules in or on the fin and in the holding part allows the realization of the

Tracking function with the concomitant use of anyway

provided parts of the board. Due to the lack of additional components, there is also the advantage that the existence of the locating function in external

Viewing the board is not readily apparent. This makes sabotage difficult, which would basically be possible by removing or removing the locating modules. In a water sports board having a plurality of fins, such as a pair of fins. in a kiteboard, sabotage by a thief is also difficult if the arrangement of a theft protection in the form of a locating module is known or suspected, but from the outside is not recognizable which of the Finns actually with the locating module

Is provided.

The holding part accommodating the second locating module represents a part of the fin fixture and is located on the

Top of the board, i. arranged on the side facing away from the fin of the board and can be made very thin, so it does not affect the practice of sports and the aesthetics of the board as little as possible.

In order to provide the location coordinates determined by the locating modules, a preferred embodiment provides that in or on the fin and / or in the element, in particular in the holding part, a data radio transmission module, e.g. a GSM module is arranged, to which the location data of the first and second locating module are supplied. The

Radio data transmission module is hereby a

Communication interface available over which the Location data can be queried or sent over a wireless communication channel. If that

Radio data transmission module an interface in a

Mobile network and provides e.g. is designed as a GSM or UMTS module, the location data determined by at least one of the two locating modules can be read via a mobile phone. Alternatively or additionally, an interface for short range radio, e.g. Bluetooth networks or wireless LAN be provided, which, among other things, a readout of the location data also

outside the coverage of mobile networks.

Not only the location data can be read out via the data radio transmission module, but also other remote functionalities can be provided, such as e.g. the transmission of an emergency signal or the configuration of the locating modules and other possibly provided electronic functional modules or the reading of status data, such as. Battery test period and the like.

As already known per se, the first and the second locating module can each have a receiver for a

global navigation satellite system, such as the GPS system.

With regard to the attachment of the fin on the water sports board, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides that at least one connecting element for mechanical

Connection of the fin is provided with the holding part, with which the holding part and the fin at least one

Passing recess of the water sports board

are clamped together. The at least one Connecting element may in this case comprise a screw which is screwed into an internal thread of the fin. Tightening the screw has the consequence that the

Holding part and the fin under entrapment of the

Water sport boards are clamped together. If at least two connecting elements, such as e.g. Screws are provided, each having an opening of the board

enforce, is a positional fixation of the fin and the holding part relative to the board without positively cooperating elements of fin and board or

Holding part and board reached. When using a single connecting element, such as e.g. a screw, a position fixing ensuring additional positive connection between the holding part or the fin on the one hand and the board on the other hand by providing a form-fitting

be achieved with cooperating elements, such. a shape jump of the fin, which engages positively in a corresponding recess of the board.

In order to ensure autonomous operation of the locating modules and, where appropriate, of the further electronic components, such as of

Data transmission module to ensure is

preferably provided that in or on the fin a

electrical energy storage is arranged. In addition, a control circuit may be arranged in or on the fin. The control circuit can, for example, in a

Be realized microcontroller. The arrangement of this

Components in or on the fin has the advantage that there is more space available in comparison to the holding part, wherein the components in at least one cavity of the

Fin can be installed. A suitable sealing of the at least one cavity here ensures that the components are protected against water contact. In order to connect the various electronic components, which are divided between the holding part and fin, electrically to form an overall system, it is preferably provided that an electrical connection between the fin and the holding part is provided. This allows it

For example, to provide only a single energy storage (in particular in or on the fin), which supplies both the first locating module and the second locating module with energy. Particularly preferably, the

electrical connection via or through the at least one connecting element which mechanically connects the holding part and the fin together. The electric

Connection may for this purpose advantageously comprise at least two electrical lines, which in the

Connecting element, in particular in the screw

are formed or arranged.

Alternatively, the electrical connection between the holding part or the components arranged in the holding part and the fin or the components arranged in or on the fin can be achieved via a non-contact

Energy transfer technology, such as by inductive energy transfer.

In the case of a wired electrical connection, a preferred embodiment provides that the at least one connecting element, in particular the at least one screw, at both ends of the electrical lines

having electrical contacts, on the one hand with

electrical mating contacts of the holding part and on the other hand can be brought into electrical connection with electrical mating contacts of the fin. This will be the made electrical connection when the mechanical connection of the holding part takes place with the fin by means of the at least one connecting element.

In order to ensure the electrical contact regardless of the angle of rotation of the connecting element, in particular the screw, it is preferably provided that the

electrical contacts of the connecting element and the electrical mating contacts of the holding part or the fin in the manner of slip ring contacts with each other

interact. In particular, this is preferred

provided that the holding part-side electrical

Contacts of the at least one connecting element of preferably spring-mounted in the radial direction

Contact pins are formed and that the mating contacts of the holding part are formed by contact rings which serve on one of the receptacle of the connecting element

Opening of the holding part are formed. As a result, a contact in the manner of a slip ring contact is achieved. The electrical contact area between the

Contact rings and the contact pins can be protected from water ingress by above and below the same arranged in the opening of the holding part ring seals.

Furthermore, the fin-side electrical contacts of the at least one connecting element are preferably of

Contact rings formed and the mating contacts of the fin are formed by contact pins, preferably in the radial direction in one of the receptacle of the at least one

Projecting blind hole protrude. As a result, a contact in the manner of a slip ring contact is achieved. To protect the electrical contact area Water ingress can be arranged in a blind hole, a ring seal, which in sealing contact with the

Connecting element, in particular the screw is.

Preferably, four electrical lines are provided, which connect the holding part and the fin together.

In or on the fin may preferably be arranged a board which carries all or some of the electronic components, in particular the first locating module, the

Radio data transmission module, a microcontroller for the control of the system, an electronic memory for storage u.a. the location data, an IC for battery management, an optical display unit, such as at least one LED, and / or an audible warning unit, e.g. a buzzer. The board can in this case via a cable / plug connection with the electrical

Energy storage or be connected to the battery and the electrical contacts for contacting the to

Wear holding part leading electrical lines.

In the holding part may preferably also a board

be arranged, the second locating module and preferably the data radio transmission module, an optical

Display unit, such as at least one LED, as well as a user interface, such as at least one button / button and / or audible warning unit, such as one

Buzzer, carries. The athlete can preferably be signaled the jump height achieved during the respective jump via the number of luminous LEDs. Furthermore, input means, such as keys, can be provided on the holding part, with which various functions are selected or controlled such as enabling a Bluetooth connection.

Furthermore, an inertial measuring unit may be arranged in or on the fin or in the holding part, which preferably is e.g. Acceleration sensors, yaw rate sensors and

Magnetic field sensors, includes and serves to detect movements of the board to record and evaluate.

Preferably, from the data obtained from the inertial measuring unit, e.g. the jump height as well as the

Rotation angle of the board when performing

Jumps are determined.

However, the present invention is not limited to fins intended for kite boards, but may be applied to any fins that may be used

Watersports boards are attached. It is also possible to use a fin according to the invention in boats and ships. For example, for the discontinuation of a

Emergency signal, especially in the case of Henterns.

In addition, it is conceivable that the locating modules have a functionality for playing sound files for

Provide and, for example, a

BLUETOOTH® - or other wireless protocol with

especially waterproof headphones can connect. This makes it possible to provide the user of the sports device with up-to-date information about the current position, the direction of travel and the jump height and, if necessary, to play music files. The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment schematically illustrated in the drawing. Fig. 1 shows a fin 1, which can be fixed by means of a holding part 2 and with screws 3 and 4 to a water sports board 5, wherein the individual parts are shown in Fig. 1 in an exploded view. The

Screws 3 and 4 pass through holes 6 of the holding part 2, wherein the screw head of the countersunk screws

executed screws 3 and 4 are held in a receiving area 7 of the holes. The screws 3 and 4

penetrate further perforations 8 of the board 5, dip into blind holes 9 of the fin 1 and there are screwed with their threaded portion 10 in corresponding counter-thread 11 to clamp the holding part 2 and the fin 1 under clamping of the board 5.

The fin 1 is formed with a cavity 12 in which on one side of the blind hole 9 for the screw 4, a battery 13 and on the other side of the

Blind hole drilling a board 14 is added. The

Board is connected via a cable connection 15 to the battery 13 and thereby supplied with power. The board carries a first locating module 16, which is preferably designed as a GPS module, and a GSM module 17, to which the data of the GPS module 16 and the GPS module 20 are supplied either directly or with the interposition of a memory. The board 14 can further one

Microcontroller, a buzzer to deliver acoustic signals, a Bluetooth module and a LED to deliver visual signals. The holding part 2 is also formed with a cavity 18 in which an annular plate 19 is arranged. The board 19 carries a second locating module 20, which is preferably designed as a GPS odul. Furthermore, a push button 21 and two LEDs 22 are arranged on the board 19. The push button 21 can serve, for example, to establish a Bluetooth connection between a Bluetooth module not shown in detail, which is installed either in the fin 1 or in the holding part 2, and a mobile telephone or the like. The LEDs 22 can serve to indicate the jump height of the board 5, which can be determined by an inertial measuring unit, not shown, which is installed either in the fin 1 or in the holding part 2.

The electrical connection between the board 14 and the board 19 by means of the screw 4. The screw 4 has for this purpose a first unthreaded portion 23 which has a plurality of resiliently held in the radial direction of the contact pins 24. In the present

Embodiment four contact pins 24 are provided, which are arranged offset in the axial direction of the screw 4 and (for reasons of space) in the circumferential direction. The contact pins contact in the bore. 6

inserted state of the screw 4 ring contacts 25 which are formed on the inner circumference of the bore 6, wherein the

Ring contacts 25 are arranged offset according to the axial offset of the contact pins 24 and over

electrical lines 26 are connected to the circuit board 19. The axial region of the electrical contact between the contact pins 24 and the ring contacts 25 is sealed by two O-rings 27 against ingress of water. the screw 4 are housed. The electrical connection between the board 14 and the board 19 produced thereby serves on the one hand the power supply of the electronic components of the holding part 2 and

on the other hand, the transmission of the location data determined by the second locating module 20 to the board 14, i. to the microcontroller of the system or to the GSM module 17th

Claims

Claims:

1. A device for locating a water sports board, in particular kite boards, comprising a fastened on the water sports board fin that with an electronic

Positioning module is equipped, characterized in that further an element is provided, which in use on the side facing away from the fin (1) side of the water sports board (5) can be arranged, and that a first locating module (16) in or on the fin (1) , preferably in a cavity (12) of the fin (1), and a second locating module (20) in the element (2) is arranged.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that fastening means for fixing the fin (1) on the water sports board (5) are provided, wherein the

Attachment means comprise a holding part (2) which forms the element in which the second locating module (20) is arranged.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized

in that a data radio transmission module, in or on the fin (1) and / or in the element (2),

in particular a GSM module (17) is arranged, to which the location data of the first or second locating module (16, 20) are supplied.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized

in that the first and the second locating module (16, 20) each have a receiver for a global one

Navigation satellite system includes.

5. Apparatus according to claim 2, 3 or 4, characterized

characterized in that at least one connecting element (3, 4) is provided for the mechanical connection of the fin (1) to the holding part (2), with which the holding part (2) and the fin (1) at least one recess of the

Water sport boards (5) are enforceable by clamping.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one connecting element comprises a screw (3,4), which in an internal thread (11) of the fin (1) can be screwed.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in or on the fin (1) and / or the holding part (2) an electrical energy store (13) and a control circuit are arranged.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that an electrical connection between the fin (1) and the holding part (2) is provided.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the electrical connection comprises at least two electrical lines which are formed or arranged in the connecting element, in particular in the screw (4).

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one connecting element, in particular the at least one screw (4), at both ends of the electrical lines electrical contacts (24,29)

having, on the one hand with electrical mating contacts (25) of the holding part (2) and on the other hand with electrical Mating contacts (30) of the fin (1) can be brought into electrically conductive connection.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that the one contact selected from the contacts on the one hand and the mating contacts on the other

preferably spring-mounted in the radial direction

Contact pins (24) and the other contact partners of contact rings (25) are formed.

12. Apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, characterized

characterized in that the holding part-side electrical contacts of the at least one connecting element (4) are preferably spring-mounted in the radial direction

Contact pins (24) are formed and that the

Counter contacts of the holding part (2) of contact rings (25) are formed, which are preferably formed on one of the receptacle of the connecting element (4) serving opening (6) of the holding part (2).

13. The apparatus of claim 10, 11 or 12, characterized in that the fin side electrical

Contacts of the at least one connecting element (4) are formed by contact rings (29) and that the mating contacts of the fin (1) of contact pins (30) are formed, preferably in the radial direction in a receiving the at least one connecting element (4) serving blind hole (9) protrude.

14. Water sports board, in particular kiteboard, with a device according to one of claims 1 to 13.