Actuation Arm Stowage Cavity Mounting Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting and actuation devices are not well-suited for applications requiring robustness to withstand significant forces and harsh weather conditions, nor are they adaptable to various mounting surfaces and accessories.
Innovation Solution
A mounting and actuation device with a mounting body and actuation arm that can move from a stowed to an actuated position, featuring a stowage cavity and a distal end for accessory mounting, using suitable materials like aluminum, galvanized steel, or carbon fiber, and actuation means such as hydraulic cylinders or linear actuators, with locking mechanisms and bearing arrangements for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robust mounting and actuation device is used to withstand significant forces and harsh weather conditions, then reliability and strength are improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is divided into separate functional components: a mounting body for attachment to structures, an actuation arm for movement, and actuation means for controlling the arm. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device is designed with universal mounting surfaces and adaptable mounting bodies that can be secured to various mounting structures (boats, docks, piers, walls). The actuation arm can accommodate different accessories, making the device multi-functional and adaptable to different applications without requiring complete redesign.
2Reliability
If a robust mounting and actuation device is used to withstand significant forces and harsh weather conditions, then reliability and strength are improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation arm is specifically noted as being able to be constructed from composite materials, which provide high strength-to-weight ratios. This allows the arm to withstand significant forces and harsh weather conditions while minimizing weight, resolving the contradiction between reliability and weight.
3Volume of moving object
If the actuation arm is received in the stowage cavity in the stowed position, then compactness and ease of storage are improved, but the space required for actuation movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation arm is received within the stowage cavity of the mounting body when in the stowed position, creating a nested configuration. This nesting allows the device to occupy minimal space during storage while providing sufficient clearance for the arm to extend and actuate when needed, effectively resolving the space contradiction.
Data Source
AI summary
In at least one embodiment the present invention provides an improved mounting and actuation device having a mounting body defining a stowage cavity and an actuation arm operable for movement from a first stowed position to a second actuated position, the actuation arm operably connected to the mounting body at a first proximal end and having a second distal end having a mounting surface adapted to receive an accessory wherein the actuation arm is received in the stowage cavity in the first stowed position.