Adjustable Cradle Arm for Kayak Dock Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Small watercraft like kayaks and canoes are unstable during boarding or exiting from a dock, especially when the dock height is not level with the watercraft, posing difficulties for users with reduced upper body strength and flexibility, and existing solutions are either expensive or require significant waterfront space.
Innovation Solution
A simple cradle arm apparatus is attached to a docking structure, featuring adjustable sloping portions that contact the watercraft at laterally spaced regions, preventing roll and providing stability for boarding and exiting, with adjustable height settings to accommodate varying water levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a kayak launcher with pontoons and watercraft supports is used to stabilize the watercraft, then stability for entry and exit is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a simple support member with discrete contact points that engage the watercraft hull at specific locations. This segmentation allows the complex stabilization function to be achieved through simple, separate elements rather than a complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential stabilization function from complex kayak launcher systems. By removing unnecessary components and retaining only the critical support function, the device achieves watercraft stabilization with minimal structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a kayak launcher with pontoons is used to stabilize the watercraft, then stability for entry and exit is improved, but the area of waterfront space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member extends vertically from the dock structure into the water column, utilizing the vertical dimension to provide stabilization. This eliminates the need for extensive horizontal waterfront space by transferring the support function to the vertical dimension.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the paddle-bridge approach is used to stabilize the kayak, then stability for boarding is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates when elevation difference exceeds a few inches
Solution Approach 1:
The support member acts as an intermediary between the dock and watercraft, providing a stable reference point and physical support that facilitates transfer. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for users to bridge the elevation gap using their bodies or paddles.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member height can be adjusted to match different water levels and dock elevations, changing the geometric parameters of the system to maintain optimal boarding conditions across varying environmental conditions.
4Stability of the object's composition
If beach entry is used to provide stability for stepping into the kayak, then watercraft stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to wet feet requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The support member serves as an intermediary structure that provides stable contact points on the watercraft hull, allowing users to maintain dry feet while still achieving the stability needed for easy entry and exit.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for stabilizing a watercraft for boarding or exiting comprising an elongated cradle arm support member for attaching vertically to a docking structure and a cradle arm for attaching to the cradle arm support member, in which the cradle arm has a generally V-shaped upper surface for cradling the under surface of a watercraft, restricting roll. The cradle arm is adjustably connecting the cradle arm support member, for selectively fixing the arm to the cradle arm support member in one of a range of vertical positions to accommodate changing water levels.