SOLO HYDROFOILING DEVICE (COMING SOON)
Feb 2023 - May 2023
As my elective brief for my major project, I have chosen to design an assistive device that can provide an independent tow foiling. Please find the full brief below.
CONTEXT
Hydrofoiling boardsports are largely growing in popularity and prevalence, becoming some of the hottest disciplines in the water sports industry. The rise of these sports is largely due to the unique riding experience and significantly improved efficiency hydrofoils can offer, providing new opportunities compared to conventional surfboard designs.
Current major hydrofoiling boardsport disciplines fall into key issue areas which limit the accessibility of their participation. It is thought that a product that can successfully break free of these issues would greatly widen the accessibility of participation in hydrofoiling boardsports and in turn have the potential for major success within this already growing market.
THE TASK
To design a product for the hydrofoiling boardsport industry which can offer a fun and recreational experience while also overcoming the 3 key issue areas limiting the accessibility of these sports:
Dependency – Dependent on others or uncontrollable elements.
Cost – Direct or indirect high costs creating a barrier to entry.
Difficulty Level – Requirement for very high levels of skill and athleticism.
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
Suitable for small volume production of 500 units annually, while also having the scope to scale production.
Production of the product should cost no more than £2000.
Can be used entirely independently and should not rely on uncontrollable element such as the weather.
Interacting / participating with the product should be easy to do and accessible to users with no related experience.
Does not exceed, 100cm x 40cm x 50cm when in its smallest configuration to make the product transportable by most cars.
A lifting load greater than 16kg should not be exceeded, making the product transportable by an individual.
Suitable for users between the 5th percentile female to the 95th percentile male weight (40-135kg).
Targets the European market and meets the legal requirements.
PROJECT PLAN
