Adjustable Cantilever Docking Structure for Perpendicular Watercraft Mooring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mooring and loading small watercraft are inefficient and lack economical solutions for perpendicular docking, which complicates the process and affects user safety and space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A dock-mounted, adjustable, cantilevered system with a bracket, vertical member, and arm member that allows for perpendicular docking and boarding of small watercraft, using bumpers and a horizontal support rail for stabilization and easy access, while accommodating fluctuating water levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mooring methods using boat bumpers and tires are used, then the dock is protected from damage, but the mooring and loading process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the vertical member with arm member simultaneously provides docking support, mooring attachment points, and loading assistance. This merges the protective bumper function with the mooring and loading functions, simplifying the overall process while maintaining dock protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm member is designed to be adjustable in position and angle, allowing dynamic adaptation to different water levels and boat sizes. This adjustability enables the structure to maintain effectiveness under varying conditions while providing consistent protection and simplified operation.
2Productivity
If perpendicular docking is implemented, then space utilization is improved, but the docking structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The docking structure is segmented into modular components: a bracket for mounting, a vertical member for support, an adjustable arm member for positioning, and bumpers for protection. This segmentation allows the complex perpendicular docking function to be achieved through simple, standardized parts that can be independently selected and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical member with arm member serves multiple functions: it provides the perpendicular docking structure for space-efficient mooring, incorporates attachment points for mooring lines, offers structural support during loading, and can be adjusted for different water levels. This multi-functionality achieves complex perpendicular docking without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed docking structures are used, then installation is simple, but the structure cannot accommodate fluctuating water levels
Solution Approach 1:
The arm member incorporates adjustability mechanisms that allow it to be repositioned vertically and angularly. This dynamic capability enables the structure to adapt to fluctuating water levels while maintaining the simple bracket-and-vertical-member installation foundation. The adjustability is built into the arm member attachment to the vertical member, preserving installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure allows changes in key parameters: the arm member's position, angle, and height can be adjusted in response to water level changes. This parameter adjustability maintains adaptability to varying conditions while the basic structure remains simple and easy to install using standard bracket mounting methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A structure includes a bracket and a vertical member. The vertical member includes a vertical member top end and a vertical member bottom end. The vertical member is affixed to the bracket. The structure further includes at least one bumper. The at least one bumper is affixed to the vertical member bottom end via a bumper connecting structure. The structure further includes an arm member. The arm member includes an arm member first end and an arm member second end. The arm member second end is affixed to the vertical member top end. In another aspect, a structure includes a support, and affixed to the support, a bracket. The structure further includes, affixed to the support via a bumper connecting structure, at least one bumper. The structure further includes, affixed to the support, an arm member.