Washington Patent of the Month – November 2023
In the world of hydrofoil watersports, innovation takes flight with the groundbreaking hydrofoil watersports system developed by Adherend Innovations, LLC. This cutting-edge system, marketed as Project Cedrus, introduces a revolutionary mast assembly designed to elevate the watersports experience to new heights.
This design began as a side project, where Adherend Innovations set out to create a better carbon hydrofoil. The design was nominated for the JEC Innovation Award in 2018 and was runner up to a €3.5 million R&D project by BMW. Transitioning from garage-built prototypes to serialized production at a facility in Oregon, the first batch units sold the same year. With the launch of the new aluminum mast in summer of 2022, Project Cedrus has become a market leader in terms of performance and quality with many hundreds of happy customers.
At the heart of this innovation is a meticulously crafted hydrofoil mast that redefines performance standards. The mast’s length dimension, extending between the fuselage and board ends, surpasses any other dimension, ranging from a minimum of 49 cm to a maximum of 151 cm. This strategic design ensures optimal balance and control for riders pushing the boundaries of hydrofoil watersports.
The width dimensions of the mast play a pivotal role in its dynamic performance. The width varies from the fuselage end to the board end, creating unparalleled stability. A third width dimension, exceeding the first and second dimensions, adds a layer of versatility to the hydrofoil, enhancing its adaptability to various riding styles.
The mast assembly further boasts a sophisticated internal structure, featuring internal cavities and stringers carefully positioned to maximize strength and durability. Adherend Innovations has employed a range of construction techniques, including hydro-formed, extruded, aluminum, and molded constructions, ensuring the mast’s resilience in challenging waters.
One of the standout features is the inclusion of a metallic insert, press-fit into the mast’s internal cavity. This insert, devoid of a flange, seamlessly integrates into the mast, showcasing precision engineering. Stainless steel screws and dowel pins secure the insert, providing an additional layer of stability.
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