Manual Submersible Auxiliary Swim Platform Bracket Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine vessel swim platforms lack a manual, submersible, and unobtrusive auxiliary platform that is simple to operate, securely seats two adults, and enhances recreational boating activities while being cost-effective and structurally superior.
Innovation Solution
A manually operated auxiliary swim platform that integrates with the conventional aft swim platform, featuring a recessed area for stowed deployment, custom bracket assemblies with detent bushings and pivot hardware for seamless operation, and a design that allows the platform to be easily rotated between stowed and deployed positions without burdensome latches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a secondary hydraulic swim platform with electro-mechanical control devices is used, then the platform can be deployed and retracted automatically, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary swim platform utilizes the vessel's existing hydraulic system to achieve automatic deployment and retraction. The platform connects to the vessel's hydraulic lines through a hydraulic motor that automatically extends or retracts the platform based on hydraulic pressure, eliminating the need for separate electro-mechanical control devices while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention leverages the vessel's existing hydraulic system, which is already present for other vessel functions, to also control the swim platform deployment. This multi-functional use of the hydraulic system avoids adding dedicated electro-mechanical actuators, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining automatic operation capability
2Device complexity
If a manual auxiliary swim platform is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation and user comfort may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The manual auxiliary swim platform employs hydraulic cylinders that utilize the vessel's existing hydraulic pressure to assist in the deployment and retraction operations. Users simply activate valves or levers that direct hydraulic fluid to extend or retract the platform, converting a potentially strenuous manual operation into a simple valve-operated action that leverages hydraulic force
3Area of stationary object
If the auxiliary platform is made visible and protruding when stowed, then it provides continuous entertainment space, but it becomes obtrusive and interferes with the main platform's usable surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary swim platform is designed to nest within a recess formed in the main swim platform when in the stowed position. The recess is specifically dimensioned to accommodate the auxiliary platform completely, allowing it to be stored out of the way while maintaining the full usable surface area of the main platform. When deployed, the auxiliary platform extends outward to provide additional entertainment space
4Strength
If the auxiliary platform is designed to securely seat two adults, then the load-bearing capacity is increased, but the structural complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary swim platform utilizes composite materials construction, combining materials with high strength-to-weight ratios. The platform structure incorporates reinforced fiberglass or aluminum alloys that provide the necessary load-bearing capacity to securely seat two adults while minimizing the overall weight and structural complexity compared to traditional solid construction methods
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
The solution provides a user-friendly, structurally superior, and cost-effective auxiliary swim platform that enhances recreational activities by offering a seamless and unobtrusive extension of the vessel's entertaining area, securely seating two adults and allowing easy operation by a single person.
Implementation Method 1
The detent bushing is interposed and positioned about the ends of the bracket members along with pivot hardware, and the design of these components control the rotation of the second bracket members about an end of the first
Data Source
AI summary
A manual and submersible auxiliary swim platform for a vessel having a main aft platform, the main aft platform having a recessed area for receiving the auxiliary swim platform. A pair of bracket assemblies secure the auxiliary platform to the main aft platform, and both bracket assemblies have a first bracket member, a second bracket member, and a detent bushing. The detent bushing is interposed and secured to the first and second bracket members at a common end. The detent bushing limits rotational and pivotal movement of the bracket assemblies in conjunction with a contact tab, pin and channel design of the bracket assemblies.