Elevation-Adjustable Boat Platform Linkage System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional boat platforms are stationary, making it difficult for users to access the boat from the water, especially for swimmers, and do not adapt to varying water levels, which can affect boat performance and user safety.
Innovation Solution
An elevation-adjustable boat platform assembly using linkages and linear actuators that allow the platform to be raised and lowered relative to the boat and water level, maintaining a consistent angular orientation, enhancing accessibility and boat performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the platform is made stationary and attached above the waterline, then the structure is simple and stable, but it is difficult for users to access the boat from the water
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is transformed from a stationary structure to a dynamic, elevation-adjustable structure. The linkage system with linear actuators enables the platform to move vertically between a raised position (above waterline) and a lowered position (at or below waterline), allowing users to easily access the boat from the water while maintaining structural stability when raised.
2Ease of operation
If the platform is lowered below the water level to improve accessibility, then user access is enhanced, but the platform generates water drag that affects boat performance
Solution Approach 1:
The platform's elevation is made dynamically adjustable, allowing it to be positioned above the waterline during boat operation to eliminate water drag and improve performance, and lowered to or below the waterline only when user accessibility is needed. This temporal separation of functions resolves the contradiction between accessibility and performance.
3Device complexity
If the platform elevation is adjusted using a simple single linkage, then the structure is simple, but the platform angular orientation changes during elevation adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage system is segmented into multiple components: a first linkage with a first linear actuator for elevation adjustment, and a second linkage with a second linear actuator for orientation control. This segmentation allows independent control of platform elevation and angular orientation, enabling the platform to maintain a consistent angle relative to the boat while being raised or lowered.
Solution Approach 2:
The second linkage acts as an intermediary mechanism between the platform and the boat. By controlling the second linkage with a dedicated linear actuator, the system can decouple the elevation movement from angular orientation changes, maintaining stable platform orientation during vertical adjustment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates convenient movement between the boat and water, maintains boat performance by avoiding water drag, and increases deck space for enhanced user enjoyment and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A first end of the first linear actuator is pivotably attached to the first linkage and a second end of the first linear actuator is configured for attachment to the boat. A first end of the second linear actuator is pivotably attached to the second linkage and a second end of the second linear actuator is configured for attachment to the boat.
Implementation Method 2
The first linkage may include a first main pivot arm that extends between the first boat mounting plate and the first platform mounting plate. The second linkage may include a second main pivot arm that extends between the second boat mounting plate and the second platform mounting plate.
Data Source
AI summary
Boats can include an elevation-adjustable platform. For example, some boats can include an aft swim platform that is elevation-adjustable to facilitate convenient movement of people between the boat and the water. The elevation-adjustable platforms can be integrally manufactured as an extension to the hull or deck of a new boat, or manufactured separately and subsequently affixed to a previously manufactured boat.