The Flip-Flag's Flag Design Innovation

 

Flags are great for visibility. Their dynamic movement catches the eye and draws one's attention. However, for the cyclist a relentlessly flapping flag has disadvantages:

1. The flapping noise becomes tiresome and annoying

2. The aerodynamic drag of a flapping flag is appreciable

3. The flapping dynamics become really violent at high speed

 

The Flip-Flag therefore took an innovative approach with its flag design. The flag is a double layer construction with two coin size holes in the fabric on the leading edge. This design leads to desirable aerodynamic features:

1. The fabric remains light and dynamic in any speed of airstream

2. As the airstream speed increases, a portion of it enters the holes in the leading edge, causing the Flip-Flag to partially aerate into a semi-stable aerofoil-like body

3. This aerofoil-like body is dynamic ("waves") but is stable with increasing wind speed and does not break into violent flapping like a conventional flag.

 

Check out the video of the Flip-Flag's aerodynamics in action.

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