WO2021235946A1 - Improvements in and relating to power supply - Google Patents

Improvements in and relating to power supply Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021235946A1
WO2021235946A1 PCT/NZ2020/050109 NZ2020050109W WO2021235946A1 WO 2021235946 A1 WO2021235946 A1 WO 2021235946A1 NZ 2020050109 W NZ2020050109 W NZ 2020050109W WO 2021235946 A1 WO2021235946 A1 WO 2021235946A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
housing
battery
top surface
base plate
power supply
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NZ2020/050109
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Richard Bruce FRY
Original Assignee
Fry Industries NZ Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fry Industries NZ Limited filed Critical Fry Industries NZ Limited
Publication of WO2021235946A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021235946A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B32/00—Water sports boards; Accessories therefor
    • B63B32/40—Twintip boards; Wakeboards; Surfboards; Windsurfing boards; Paddle boards, e.g. SUP boards; Accessories specially adapted therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L50/00—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle
    • B60L50/50—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells
    • B60L50/60—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
    • B60L50/64—Constructional details of batteries specially adapted for electric vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B32/00—Water sports boards; Accessories therefor
    • B63B32/10—Motor-propelled water sports boards
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B32/00—Water sports boards; Accessories therefor
    • B63B32/60—Board appendages, e.g. fins, hydrofoils or centre boards
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B32/00—Water sports boards; Accessories therefor
    • B63B32/70—Accessories not specially adapted for a particular type of board, e.g. paddings or buoyancy elements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/10—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
    • H01M50/147—Lids or covers
    • H01M50/148—Lids or covers characterised by their shape
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/244—Secondary casings; Racks; Suspension devices; Carrying devices; Holders characterised by their mounting method
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/249—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders specially adapted for aircraft or vehicles, e.g. cars or trains
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/262—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders with fastening means, e.g. locks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/271—Lids or covers for the racks or secondary casings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H21/00—Use of propulsion power plant or units on vessels
    • B63H21/30—Mounting of propulsion plant or unit, e.g. for anti-vibration purposes
    • B63H2021/307—Arrangements, or mountings of propulsion power plant elements in modular propulsion power units, e.g. using containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H21/00—Use of propulsion power plant or units on vessels
    • B63H21/36—Covers or casing arranged to protect plant or unit from marine environment
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2220/00—Batteries for particular applications
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2220/00—Batteries for particular applications
    • H01M2220/20—Batteries in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
    • Y02T10/70—Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries

Definitions

  • This invention relates to improvements in and relating to power supply.
  • improvements in and relating to power supply for surfboards are particularly advantageous.
  • the present invention may have application to catching waves in a variety of surf conditions for all surfers and paddle boarders alike.
  • surfboard or ‘board’ as used herein refers to a buoyant board used for the recreational activities of surfing and paddle boarding.
  • a housing for a battery power supply configured to have a 3D profile which substantially resembles in overall shape and dimensions a tail pad deck grip for a surfboard.
  • the housing comprises a base plate to be affixed to the top surface of the board, and a battery cartridge housing one or more batteries, the battery cartridge configured to releasably connect to the base plate.
  • the base plate and the battery cartridge each form a portion of the top surface of the housing, and wherein the top surface of the housing has a plurality of indentations thereon to provide grip.
  • a housing for a battery power supply substantially as described above wherein the maximum height of the housing is substantially 10mm - 25mm.
  • a housing for a battery power supply substantially as described above wherein the maximum height of the housing is measured sans the height of any power plug cowling, on or near, the rear edge of the housing.
  • a housing for a battery power supply substantially as described above wherein the top surface of the front and side edges of the housing are at least partially downwardly tapered when viewed in cross section.
  • a housing for a battery power supply substantially as described above wherein the base plate is configured to be capable of functioning as a tail pad when the battery cartridge is absent therefrom.
  • a housing for a battery power supply substantially as described above wherein the top surface of the base plate has a plurality of indentations thereon to help provide grip.
  • a housing for a battery power supply substantially as described above wherein the housing includes a tilt sensor which automatically turns off the supply of power from the battery to the connected motor on the fin when the top deck of board is upside down or in vertical.
  • a housing for a battery power supply substantially as described above wherein the housing includes an accelerometer sensor connected to a controller programmed to alter the amount of power supplied when activated by a user’s hand or foot.
  • a kit of parts for attaching/retrofitting a battery to the rear of a surfboard comprising:
  • a housing as described above in any one or more of the first to the eighth aspects of the present invention and a double sided waterproof adhesive-sheet for removable affixing the housing to the top surface of a surfboard.
  • Figure 1 shows a plan view (looking along a Z axis) of a housing for a power supply according to one preferred embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view along a longitudinal (X) axis of the housing shown in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 shows a side view along a transverse (Y) axis of the housing shown in Figures 1 and 2);
  • Figure 4 shows a top plan view of a surfboard which has a housing for a power supply according to one preferred embodiment of a sixth aspect of the present invention
  • Figure 5 shows a side view of the surfboard shown in Figure 4.
  • Figure 6 shows the base plate of the housing shown in Figure 4.
  • Figure 7 shows a top perspective view of the battery cartridge shown in Figure 4.
  • Figure 8 shows a bottom perspective view of the battery cartridge shown in Figure 7;
  • Figure 9 shows a top perspective view of a housing for a power supply as shown in Figure
  • Figure 10 shows a bottom perspective view of the housing shown in Figure 9;
  • Figure 11 shows a top perspective view of a battery cartridge shown in Figure 1 illustrating the tread profile on the top surface thereof;
  • Figure 12 shows a top perspective view of the base plate of Figure 1 again illustrating the tread profile on the top surface thereof;
  • Figure 13 shows a housing as shown in Figure 1 illustrating the tread profile.
  • FIG. 1 - 3 there is depicted a housing 1 for a battery power supply indicated by dotted lines 2.
  • the housing 1 is made from polyurethane foam and has downwardly tapered outer edges 3 and is three dimensionally profiled when viewed along the X, Y and Z axes, to resemble, both in terms of look and function, a tail pad for a surfboard (not shown).
  • the battery power supply has a power socket 4 for receiving a plug (not shown) for re-charging the batteries (not shown) of the power supply 2 in situ on the board.
  • a surfboard 400 having a housing 401 for a battery power supply wherein the housing 401 comprises two parts:
  • a battery cartridge 404 housing batteries in the form of five lithium polymer batteries (not shown) providing a power supply of 18.4V.
  • the housing 401 comprising the base plate 402 and battery cartridge 404 has a maximum height as indicated by double headed arrow X of 25mm sans the height of the power plug cowling 405.
  • the housing is made from molded polyurethane foam.
  • the base plate 402 has a recess 406 into which the battery cartridge 404 is slid and then affixed thereto via thumb screws not shown) which pass through apertures 407 on connector tabs 408 on the battery cartridge 404 into threaded apertures 409 on the base plate 402.
  • the battery cartridge 404 has a molded outer body 700 having a flange 414 extending transversely from the bottom side edges of the battery cartridge 404.
  • the underside 417 of the battery cartridge 404 is substantially flat.
  • the recess 406 also has an indent 412 in the front section of the walls of the recess 406 which receives a toe tab 413 on the battery cartridge which further helps retain the battery cartridge in the recess.
  • the base plate 402 has a substantially continuous non-indented under surface 416 to which a double-sided 3M waterproof VHB adhesive sheets cut to shape (not shown) is used to affix to the top surface 403 of the surfboard 400 near the tail end thereof.
  • the power supply (not shown) has a number of components which control the supply of power from the batteries.
  • the power supply has a programmable logic controller (controller) which is connected to a RFID sensor (not shown) and an electronic power switch (not shown).
  • the controller is programmed to turn on the power switch when:
  • the RFID sensor detects an RFID signal, from a key worn or carried by a user
  • the user activates a power button on the key; this then provides power from the battery to the motor (not shown).
  • the controller is programmed to turn the power switch off and as a consequence, stop the motor.
  • the controller is also connected to a tilt sensor and programmed to the turn the power switch off when the board becomes oriented upside down or vertical.
  • the controller may also be connected to a current overload sensor and programmed to turn the power switch off when a current overload is detected by the sensor. This helps ensure the motor is protected when seaweed becomes tangled in the propeller.
  • the housing 401 , base plate 402 and battery cartridge 404 are all shown having a surface profile which has a plurality of indentations formed by zig zag shaped grooves 1100 transversely spanning across the top surfaces of the battery cartridge 404 and base plate 402.
  • the housing may be made from any waterproof moldable material capable of in-use functioning as a tail pad on a surfboard.
  • the material may be polyurethane foam.
  • the power supply may vary without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • the power supply may include at least one rechargeable battery which has at least one power out and recharge plug socket.
  • the power supply may include five lithium polymer batteries which provide 18.4V.
  • the housing may in some embodiments be in the form of a molded product which has an internal cavity for housing at least flat battery the exterior of the housing having a substantially flat sheet like profile when view in transverse of longitudinal cross-section.
  • a battery cartridge configured to releasably connect to the base plate.
  • the base plate may have a substantially thin and flat profile in transverse and longitudinal cross-section with a recess therein configured to receive the battery cartridge.
  • the battery cartridge may have a profile, which:
  • - may be flat at least on the top surface thereof
  • - may have a thickness which is substantially the same as the depth of the recess in the base plate; to provide, in use, a substantially flush surface with the top surface of the base plate.
  • the height of the battery cartridge may be substantially between 7mm - 22mm so as to match the depth of the recess in the base plate.
  • the housing may be configured so the base plate may provide a side section on either side of a centrally located battery cartridge when view from above.
  • the invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)

Abstract

A housing for a battery power supply which is configured to have a 3D profile which substantially resembles in overall shape and dimensions a tail pad (deck grip), or part of a tail pad (deck grip), for a surfboard. The housing for the battery power supply for an electric fin motor is designed to be retrofittable and also to not interfere with a user's control/steering of the board and in particular not create drag issues when a wave or water travels across the top surface (deck) of the board. Thus, it should be appreciated the present invention may have application to catching waves in a variety of surf conditions for all surfers and paddle boarders alike.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO POWER SUPPLY
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to improvements in and relating to power supply. In particular improvements in and relating to power supply for surfboards.
BACKGROUND ART
The recreational activities of surfing and paddle boarding require a person to use their arms to move the board through the water. Although, as detailed in the inventor’s US Patent. No. 10,266,239.
One important issue that still remained to be solved however was how to provide a retrofittable power source to the motorized fin which does not interfere with the user’s experience in using the board with, or without, the motor.
Another issue was to ensure the housing for the battery power supply for an electric fin motor is capable of being retrofittable and also designed to not interfere with a user’s control/steering of the board and in particular not create drag issues when a wave or water travels across the top surface (deck) of the board. Thus, control of the board when riding a wave, despite the motor and power supply, still feels to the user like a standard non-motorised board.
It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.
It is also an object of the present invention to help all surfers catch more waves - (but particularly those who are unfit, or otherwise lack the power) by accelerating the board to the speed of any given wave depending on the surf conditions or state of the surfer. Thus, it should be appreciated the present invention may have application to catching waves in a variety of surf conditions for all surfers and paddle boarders alike.
All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.
Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.
DEFINITIONS
The terms ‘surfboard’ or ‘board’ as used herein refers to a buoyant board used for the recreational activities of surfing and paddle boarding.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a housing for a battery power supply, the housing configured to have a 3D profile which substantially resembles in overall shape and dimensions a tail pad deck grip for a surfboard. The housing comprises a base plate to be affixed to the top surface of the board, and a battery cartridge housing one or more batteries, the battery cartridge configured to releasably connect to the base plate. The base plate and the battery cartridge each form a portion of the top surface of the housing, and wherein the top surface of the housing has a plurality of indentations thereon to provide grip.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a housing for a battery power supply substantially as described above wherein the maximum height of the housing is substantially 10mm - 25mm.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a housing for a battery power supply substantially as described above wherein the maximum height of the housing is measured sans the height of any power plug cowling, on or near, the rear edge of the housing.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a housing for a battery power supply substantially as described above wherein the top surface of the front and side edges of the housing are at least partially downwardly tapered when viewed in cross section.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a housing for a battery power supply substantially as described above wherein the base plate is configured to be capable of functioning as a tail pad when the battery cartridge is absent therefrom.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a housing for a battery power supply substantially as described above wherein the top surface of the base plate has a plurality of indentations thereon to help provide grip.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a housing for a battery power supply substantially as described above wherein the housing includes a tilt sensor which automatically turns off the supply of power from the battery to the connected motor on the fin when the top deck of board is upside down or in vertical.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a housing for a battery power supply substantially as described above wherein the housing includes an accelerometer sensor connected to a controller programmed to alter the amount of power supplied when activated by a user’s hand or foot.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts for attaching/retrofitting a battery to the rear of a surfboard comprising:
- a housing as described above in any one or more of the first to the eighth aspects of the present invention, and a double sided waterproof adhesive-sheet for removable affixing the housing to the top surface of a surfboard..
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a plan view (looking along a Z axis) of a housing for a power supply according to one preferred embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention;
Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view along a longitudinal (X) axis of the housing shown in Figure 1 ;
Figure 3 shows a side view along a transverse (Y) axis of the housing shown in Figures 1 and 2);
Figure 4 shows a top plan view of a surfboard which has a housing for a power supply according to one preferred embodiment of a sixth aspect of the present invention;
Figure 5 shows a side view of the surfboard shown in Figure 4;
Figure 6 shows the base plate of the housing shown in Figure 4;
Figure 7 shows a top perspective view of the battery cartridge shown in Figure 4;
Figure 8 shows a bottom perspective view of the battery cartridge shown in Figure 7;
Figure 9 shows a top perspective view of a housing for a power supply as shown in Figure
4;
Figure 10 shows a bottom perspective view of the housing shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 shows a top perspective view of a battery cartridge shown in Figure 1 illustrating the tread profile on the top surface thereof;
Figure 12 shows a top perspective view of the base plate of Figure 1 again illustrating the tread profile on the top surface thereof; and
Figure 13 shows a housing as shown in Figure 1 illustrating the tread profile.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
With respect to Figures 1 - 3 there is depicted a housing 1 for a battery power supply indicated by dotted lines 2.
The housing 1 is made from polyurethane foam and has downwardly tapered outer edges 3 and is three dimensionally profiled when viewed along the X, Y and Z axes, to resemble, both in terms of look and function, a tail pad for a surfboard (not shown).
The battery power supply has a power socket 4 for receiving a plug (not shown) for re-charging the batteries (not shown) of the power supply 2 in situ on the board.
With respect to Figures 4 - 10 there is shown a surfboard 400 having a housing 401 for a battery power supply wherein the housing 401 comprises two parts:
- a base plate 402 which is affixed to the top surface 403 of the board; and
- a battery cartridge 404 housing batteries in the form of five lithium polymer batteries (not shown) providing a power supply of 18.4V.
The housing 401 comprising the base plate 402 and battery cartridge 404 has a maximum height as indicated by double headed arrow X of 25mm sans the height of the power plug cowling 405. The housing is made from molded polyurethane foam.
The base plate 402 has a recess 406 into which the battery cartridge 404 is slid and then affixed thereto via thumb screws not shown) which pass through apertures 407 on connector tabs 408 on the battery cartridge 404 into threaded apertures 409 on the base plate 402.
The battery cartridge 404 has a molded outer body 700 having a flange 414 extending transversely from the bottom side edges of the battery cartridge 404. The underside 417 of the battery cartridge 404 is substantially flat.
In addition, the recess 406 also has an indent 412 in the front section of the walls of the recess 406 which receives a toe tab 413 on the battery cartridge which further helps retain the battery cartridge in the recess. The base plate 402 has a substantially continuous non-indented under surface 416 to which a double-sided 3M waterproof VHB adhesive sheets cut to shape (not shown) is used to affix to the top surface 403 of the surfboard 400 near the tail end thereof.
The power supply (not shown) has a number of components which control the supply of power from the batteries. In particular, the power supply has a programmable logic controller (controller) which is connected to a RFID sensor (not shown) and an electronic power switch (not shown).
The controller is programmed to turn on the power switch when:
- the RFID sensor detects an RFID signal, from a key worn or carried by a user; and
- the user activates a power button on the key; this then provides power from the battery to the motor (not shown).
In some embodiments if the power button is hit twice this increases the amount of power supplied to the motor.
In some embodiments if the power button is hit three times this turns the power supply to motor off.
Alternately, in some further embodiments there may be a separate power-off switch.
Conversely, if the RFID signal is lost, the controller is programmed to turn the power switch off and as a consequence, stop the motor.
The controller is also connected to a tilt sensor and programmed to the turn the power switch off when the board becomes oriented upside down or vertical.
The controller may also be connected to a current overload sensor and programmed to turn the power switch off when a current overload is detected by the sensor. This helps ensure the motor is protected when seaweed becomes tangled in the propeller.
In Figures 11 to 13 the housing 401 , base plate 402 and battery cartridge 404 are all shown having a surface profile which has a plurality of indentations formed by zig zag shaped grooves 1100 transversely spanning across the top surfaces of the battery cartridge 404 and base plate 402.
DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION INCLUDING SOME ALTERNATIVE NON¬
LIMITING WAYS OF IMPLEMENTING
The housing may be made from any waterproof moldable material capable of in-use functioning as a tail pad on a surfboard. Preferably, the material may be polyurethane foam.
The power supply may vary without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Preferably, the power supply may include at least one rechargeable battery which has at least one power out and recharge plug socket.
Preferably, the power supply may include five lithium polymer batteries which provide 18.4V.
The housing may in some embodiments be in the form of a molded product which has an internal cavity for housing at least flat battery the exterior of the housing having a substantially flat sheet like profile when view in transverse of longitudinal cross-section.
In preferred embodiments the housing may comprise two parts:
- a base plate which is affixed to the top surface of the board; and
- a battery cartridge configured to releasably connect to the base plate.
Preferably, the base plate may have a substantially thin and flat profile in transverse and longitudinal cross-section with a recess therein configured to receive the battery cartridge.
Preferably, the battery cartridge may have a profile, which:
- may be flat at least on the top surface thereof; and
- may have a thickness which is substantially the same as the depth of the recess in the base plate; to provide, in use, a substantially flush surface with the top surface of the base plate.
Preferably, the height of the battery cartridge may be substantially between 7mm - 22mm so as to match the depth of the recess in the base plate.
Preferably, the housing may be configured so the base plate may provide a side section on either side of a centrally located battery cartridge when view from above.
The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.
Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:
A housing for a battery power supply is the housing configured to have a 3D profile which substantially resembles in overall shape and dimensions a tail pad deck grip for a surfboard, the housing comprising: a base plate to be affixed to the top surface of the board; and a battery cartridge housing one or more batteries, the battery cartridge configured to releasably connect to the base plate, and wherein the base plate and the battery cartridge each form a portion of the top surface of the housing, and wherein the top surface of the housing has a plurality of indentations thereon to provide grip.
2. A housing for a battery as claimed in claim 1 wherein the maximum height of the housing is substantially 10mm - 25mm.
3. A housing for a battery as claimed in claim 2 wherein the maximum height of the housing is measured sans the height of any power plug cowling, on or near, the rear edge of the housing.
4. A housing for a battery as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the top surface of the front and side edges of the housing are at least partially downwardly tapered when viewed in cross section.
5. A housing for a battery as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base plate is configured to be capable of functioning as a tail pad when the battery cartridge is absent therefrom.
6. A housing for a battery as claimed in claim 5 wherein the top surface of the base plate has a plurality of indentations thereon to help provide grip.
7. A housing for a battery as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the housing includes a tilt sensor which automatically turns off the supply of power from the battery to the connected motor on the fin when the board is upside down.
8. A housing for a battery as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the housing includes touch activated speed controls activated by a user’s hand or foot.
9. A kit of parts for attaching/retrofitting a battery to the rear of a surfboard comprising:
- the housing as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, and - a double sided waterproof adhesive-sheet for removable affixing the housing to the top surface of a surfboard.
PCT/NZ2020/050109 2020-05-18 2020-11-24 Improvements in and relating to power supply WO2021235946A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NZ764503 2020-05-18
NZ76450320 2020-05-18

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2021235946A1 true WO2021235946A1 (en) 2021-11-25

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NZ2020/050109 WO2021235946A1 (en) 2020-05-18 2020-11-24 Improvements in and relating to power supply

Country Status (1)

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WO (1) WO2021235946A1 (en)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060270289A1 (en) * 2005-05-26 2006-11-30 Blakely John F Surfboard deck grip with storage compartment
US20180208286A1 (en) * 2017-01-25 2018-07-26 Alexander T. MacFarlane Surfboard booster system
US20190193822A1 (en) * 2017-12-26 2019-06-27 Or LENCHNER Measurement device for use with traction pad and traction pad including the same

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060270289A1 (en) * 2005-05-26 2006-11-30 Blakely John F Surfboard deck grip with storage compartment
US20180208286A1 (en) * 2017-01-25 2018-07-26 Alexander T. MacFarlane Surfboard booster system
US20190193822A1 (en) * 2017-12-26 2019-06-27 Or LENCHNER Measurement device for use with traction pad and traction pad including the same

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
YUJET: "YuJet Electric Surfboard Difference!", YOUTUBE, XP055874908, Retrieved from the Internet <URL:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgrgj7xuagE> *

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