Who are we?
The best way to give a definition about who we are, will probably be; We are a very closely operating windsurfing and engineering team. Besides these items, we are son and father. Both of us are qualified Mechanical Engineers and always trying to get a better understanding of aero- and hydrodynamics, ergonomics and durability.
Although we are dedicated windsurf racers we will never win important competitions due to our limited weight. So we had to find other ways at least to keep up with the heavier and taller guys that can always have much bigger sail and therefore the latest materials due to sponsoring. Nevertheless we love to spend a lot of time on the water, we love racing and have long distance sessions.
Our idea
The idea for our E-Xtension was is born around 2017/2018 and the system could be developed due to extreme mechanical engineering as well as advanced electrical knowledge in designing and producing reliable electrical circuits. Modern modeling- and design programs like SOLIDWORKS, 3D printing, electrical design programs and calculation with finite element methods were essential for the positive result of the development and birth of the E-Xtension.
Although all kinds of remote downhaul in general has been patented and filed already around 1997 and even in 2019 by a number of inventors, the system never saw realization to the best of our knowledge. Probably due to the wrong principle that couldn’t work and the fact that geared engines and batteries were not yet well engineered or powerful enough at that time. So a system at that time would be too expensive or too heavy and couldn’t perform in a competitive way. Especially long distance racing under ever changing circumstances was a reason to dive in the possibilities.
The development of better pulley systems was also necessary. Only very few technical sites explain the way friction in pulley systems limit the real in and output (efficiency) of a pulley system. Most of the time only the number of pulleys is used to calculate the relation between in and output. The poor design of pulleys even nowadays of most extension make it necessary to use winches and other tools to downhaul and trim the sail manually.
If maintenance is well performed the E-Xtension can achieve an efficiency of about 80% due to the low friction of the exchangeable Teflon-Brass bearings. Normal efficiency with stainless steel pulleys and axes will be limited to around 40%. The efficiency will also result in a much better autonomy of the system.
Now you will probably understand why Design Development and Durability make up our company name.
TRIPLE D
E-Xtension
