Aquatic Fin Technology for Non-Aquatic Applications

Publication ID: 24-11857844_0002_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Aquatic Fin Technology for Non-Aquatic Applications,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857844_0002_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857844_0002_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,844.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

Adapting the core technology of the foot-worn aquatic fin to novel industries and use cases, unlocking new possibilities for underwater exploration, agriculture, surveying, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring.

Background and Problem Solved

The original foot-worn aquatic fin was designed for aquatic exercises, training, and sports. However, its innovative hydrofoil blade design and pivot mechanism can be repurposed to tackle distinct challenges in other fields. The new inventive concept addresses the limitations of existing solutions in these areas by providing enhanced maneuverability, stability, and efficiency.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The adapted aquatic fin technology features a support frame and multiple hydrofoil blades mounted pivotally, allowing for bidirectional movement and adjustable angle stops. In agricultural applications, the fin creates turbulence and increases oxygen levels in the soil, promoting healthy crop growth. For underwater exploration, the fin provides enhanced maneuverability and stability. In ocean floor surveying, the fin maintains a steady course and altitude, while in search and rescue operations, it enables rapid and agile movement. Finally, in environmental monitoring, the fin collects water samples and tracks water quality parameters.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a paradigm shift by applying the aquatic fin technology to non-aquatic contexts, leveraging its unique characteristics to solve distinct problems. The inventive step lies in the recognition of the fin's potential beyond its original purpose and the adaptation of its design to address specific challenges in various industries.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments could include modifying the fin's shape and size for specific applications, integrating sensors or other technologies for enhanced data collection, or developing specialized materials for improved durability and performance. Variations might include using the fin technology in other areas, such as underwater construction or marine archaeology.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The adapted aquatic fin technology has significant commercial potential in multiple industries, including agriculture, underwater exploration, ocean floor surveying, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring. The target markets are diverse, ranging from agricultural companies and research institutions to government agencies, environmental organizations, and private companies involved in underwater operations.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A63 A63B31/14
A A63 A63B2031/115

Field of Art

Aquatic and biomimetic propulsion systems, specifically underwater locomotion technologies involving articulated fin designs with pivoting hydrofoil blades for enhanced movement and performance

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with expertise in marine engineering, biomechanical design, and fluid dynamics, possessing knowledge of underwater propulsion mechanisms, materials science, and adaptive technological applications across multiple domains

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the core technological principles of the pivoting hydrofoil fin design are fundamentally transferable across different operational contexts. The source patent's sophisticated fin mechanism with adjustable blade angles and support frame provides a versatile platform for technological adaptation. The PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the original fin technology by applying its core mechanical principles to solve analogous problems in different environmental domains.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Pivotally mounted hydrofoil blades with bidirectional angle stops
PTD Variation
Applying fin technology to agricultural soil aeration and underwater exploration
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would recognize that the blade's ability to create controlled turbulence and directional movement is inherently adaptable to different fluid environments, making agricultural and exploration applications a predictable design extension
Source Patent Element
Support frame with multiple hydrofoil blades arranged along a base plane
PTD Variation
Modifying fin configuration for ocean floor surveying and search and rescue operations
Obviousness Reasoning
The modular design of the original fin naturally suggests adaptability to different navigational and stability requirements through minor geometric and material modifications
Source Patent Element
Configurable blade angle ranges between 5-120 degrees
PTD Variation
Integrating sensor technologies and specialized materials for environmental monitoring
Obviousness Reasoning
The inherent mechanical flexibility of the original fin design suggests obvious potential for technological augmentation and sensor integration as a routine engineering enhancement
Source Patent Element
Foot-worn fin with articulated propulsion mechanism
PTD Variation
Repurposing fin technology for underwater construction and marine archaeology
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental biomimetic principles as universally applicable across underwater interaction scenarios, making cross-domain adaptation a logical design progression
Source Patent Element
Hydrofoil blade pivot mechanism
PTD Variation
Developing specialized fin configurations for different underwater operational requirements
Obviousness Reasoning
The source patent's comprehensive blade movement design inherently suggests multiple potential configuration variations as a matter of routine engineering optimization
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857844's comprehensive fin design, the present published technical disclosure demonstrates that the claimed variations represent obvious technological extensions readily apparent to a person having ordinary skill in underwater propulsion technologies. The disclosed adaptations constitute prima facie obviousness by applying known mechanical principles to predictable alternative contexts through routine engineering modifications.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,844
TitleFoot worn aquatic fin
Assignee(s)SWUNNING SÀRL