Adjustable Step with C-Shape Clamp for Dock Posts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The difficulty in transferring between a boat and a dock due to varying water levels, as intermediate steps often prohibit boat approach and permanently installed steps are not adjustable to accommodate changing water levels, making safe and easy access challenging.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable removable step with a non-slip surface and a C-shaped clamp section, secured by a threaded fastener with washers, allowing for secure attachment to a support structure at any desired position, enabling easy repositioning and vertical adjustment without removing the fastener.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If intermediate steps are installed to assist transfer between dock and boat, then access safety is improved, but the boat is prohibited from approaching the dock
Solution Approach 1:
The step is designed to be adjustable in position along the support structure, allowing it to move dynamically to accommodate varying water levels and boat positions. The threaded fastener enables the step to be repositioned vertically without removing it from the support structure, maintaining both safety and boat approach capability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If permanently installed steps are used, then access stability is improved, but the steps are at the wrong position when water levels vary
Solution Approach 1:
The step transitions from a fixed permanent installation to a dynamically adjustable position system. The threaded fastener allows the step to be moved vertically along the support structure to adapt to changing water levels, while maintaining stable attachment when positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical position parameter of the step can be changed by adjusting the threaded fastener along the support structure. This allows the step to accommodate varying water levels and boat heights, providing both stability when installed and adaptability to changing conditions.
3Strength
If a threaded fastener is used to secure the clamp section, then attachment strength is improved, but the step cannot be repositioned without removal
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded fastener system enables dynamic repositioning of the step along the support structure. The fastener can be loosened to allow movement and tightened to secure the step at new positions, providing both strong attachment and operational flexibility without requiring complete removal.
4Ease of manufacture
If the clamp section is made from a single continuous piece of material, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the clamping force distribution may be uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The single continuous piece of material is formed into a C-shaped clamp section with specific geometric features that concentrate and distribute clamping force appropriately. The curved geometry of the clamp section ensures even force distribution around the support structure while maintaining manufacturing simplicity from a single material piece.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable step includes a planar surface having an acute angular bend at an off-center portion of the planar surface dividing the device into a first section and a second section. The first section has anti-slip surface disposed upon a topside face. The second section has a rectangular cutout portion that transects an edge of the second section. The step is configured to removably secure about a dock post and remain in position when pressure is applied to said first section.