Adjustable Boat Equipment Rack for Below-Deck Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational boats face challenges in efficiently storing watersport equipment, such as paddleboards and wakeboards, which often obstruct visibility and require secure, adjustable storage solutions that maximize interior space.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable equipment storage rack for boats that can be attached to barriers, featuring cradles and mounting brackets with multiple engagement positions, allowing for secure and space-efficient storage of watersport equipment on the exterior of the boat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If equipment storage rack is installed on the boat, then equipment storage capacity is improved, but visibility is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The storage rack transitions from interior placement to exterior mounting on the boat barrier, utilizing the external dimension to store equipment without blocking the interior viewing area. The cradle assembly is positioned on the exterior surface of the barrier, allowing equipment storage while maintaining interior visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage function is extracted from the interior space and relocated to the exterior barrier surface. By removing the rack structure from the interior and mounting it externally, the visibility obstruction problem is eliminated while preserving equipment storage capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed storage rack is used, then installation simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different equipment sizes is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates multiple engagement positions along the barrier surface, allowing the cradle assembly to be dynamically repositioned to accommodate different equipment dimensions. The bracket can engage at multiple locations to adjust the cradle's position and orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is designed with universal engagement capabilities that work with various equipment types and sizes. The multi-position engagement system provides a single rack structure that can adapt to store different watersport equipment configurations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If rack is positioned higher on the barrier, then visibility is improved, but storage security is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle assembly incorporates localized support features including side supports and a bottom support surface that provide secure retention of equipment at the specific mounting position. The local structural features ensure stability and security regardless of the cradle's position on the barrier.
Data Source
AI summary
An equipment storage rack for a boat can store a piece of equipment on the exterior of the boat and can be adjustable. For example, the equipment storage rack can be attached to an upper perimeter surface of a barrier of the boat and can be adjustable for different widths of the upper perimeter surface. The adjustable equipment storage rack includes a cradle for supporting a piece of equipment, and a mounting bracket connected to the cradle to support the cradle. The mounting bracket has a plurality of engagement positions for a fastener to engage with the mounting bracket and to secure the mounting bracket to the boat at a fastening position. The cradle is a different distance from the fastening position at each engagement position of the plurality of engagement positions.