Automatic Bimini Top with Self-Service Gathering Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stowing a bimini top for a tower structure associated with a watercraft is difficult and inefficient in terms of time and storage space, as it typically requires manual deployment and lacks an efficient automatic stowing system.
Innovation Solution
A bimini system that includes a transformable bimini assembly with a frame and cover, a gathering mechanism to fold and gather the cover, and a boot that automatically moves to stow the assembly in a closed configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual deployment is used for bimini top, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming operation
Solution Approach 1:
The bimini top system performs automatic gathering and stowing operations without requiring manual intervention. The gathering mechanism automatically collects the canvas material and the boot automatically closes over the stowed assembly, enabling the system to service itself and eliminate the need for manual deployment operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated mechanical system comprising a gathering mechanism with rollers and a boot closure system. This substitution transforms the manually-operated bimini top into an automatically-operated system that achieves faster stowing efficiency while managing device complexity through integrated mechanical design
2Loss of time
If manual stowing is used, then device complexity remains low, but loss of time increases due to inefficient operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the stowing sequence without human intervention. The gathering mechanism self-activates to collect the canvas, and the boot automatically closes over the stowed assembly, eliminating the time loss associated with manual stowing operations while containing complexity within the automated mechanism itself
Solution Approach 2:
The gathering mechanism is positioned and configured in advance to automatically engage and gather the canvas material as the bimini top retracts. The boot is pre-positioned to automatically close over the stowed assembly, performing preliminary actions that eliminate time loss during the stowing operation
3Productivity
If automatic gathering mechanism is added, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gathering mechanism with rollers that automatically collects the canvas material during retraction, replacing manual gathering operations. This mechanical substitution improves deployment speed by automating the canvas collection process while managing complexity through integrated mechanical design
Solution Approach 2:
The gathering mechanism acts as an intermediary between the retracting bimini top frame and the final stowed position. It mediates the transition by automatically gathering the canvas material as the frame retracts, improving productivity while containing complexity within this intermediate mechanical system
Data Source
AI summary
A bimini system for use with a support structure includes a bimini assembly transformable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The bimini assembly includes a frame and a cover affixed to the frame. A gathering system includes a gathering mechanism associated with the cover. The gathering mechanism is movable to at least one of fold and gather the cover as the bimini assembly transforms from the open configuration to the closed configuration.