Bendable Arched Structure for Watercraft Cover Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watercraft covers are typically custom-made and not easily adaptable to various types of watercraft, making them difficult to install and resize for different boat beam widths.
Innovation Solution
A synergistic combination of a bendable elongated assembly, a coupler assembly, and an engagement assembly that extends and couples over the watercraft, forming an arched structure that can be adjusted to fit different boat beam widths, allowing for flexible installation and support of watercraft covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom-made fixed-frame structures are used for watercraft covers, then the cover can provide effective protection and structural support, but the cover becomes difficult to adapt to various types of watercraft and requires complex manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible members that can dynamically bend and conform to different watercraft shapes, replacing rigid fixed-frame structures. The flexible members are tensioned to provide structural support while adapting to various boat configurations, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the frame members from rigid to flexible by using elastic or bendable materials. This parameter change allows the cover structure to maintain its protective function while adapting to different watercraft geometries, simultaneously achieving reliability and versatility.
2Strength
If custom-made fixed-frame structures are used for watercraft covers, then the cover can provide structural support, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cover into separate components: flexible members, cover material, and optional support elements. These segmented components can be independently handled and assembled, simplifying the installation process while maintaining structural integrity when assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible members can be easily tensioned and adjusted during installation, allowing for quick adaptation to different watercraft without requiring complex assembly procedures. This dynamic property enables simple installation while providing adequate structural support.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fixed-frame structures are used, then the cover maintains stable shape, but the structure cannot be easily resized or adjusted for different boat beam widths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible members that can be tensioned to different degrees, allowing the cover to maintain a stable, taut shape during use while enabling easy resizing for different boat beam widths. The dynamic tensioning capability provides both shape stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible members and tensioned fabric or mesh materials that can conform to different geometries while maintaining structural integrity. These flexible elements provide the necessary shape stability when tensioned, yet allow easy adjustment for different boat sizes.
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 enables easy installation and adjustment of watercraft covers to accommodate various boat sizes, providing a secure and adjustable arched structure that supports watercraft covers effectively, preventing water, leaves, and debris from entering the vessel.
Implementation Method 1
the engagement assembly, in use, urges the bendable elongated assembly to bend and form an arched structure positioned over the watercraft
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a bendable elongated assembly extendable over a watercraft. A coupler assembly is configured to couple the bendable elongated assembly to the watercraft. An engagement assembly configured to engage the bendable elongated assembly. This is done in such a way that the engagement assembly, in use, urges the bendable elongated assembly to bend and form an arched structure positioned over the watercraft once the bendable elongated assembly is extended over the watercraft and is coupled to the watercraft.