Bimini Frame Actuator for Automated Stowing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stowing a bimini top for a watercraft is difficult and inefficient due to its large and cumbersome nature, requiring manual maneuvering and significant time and storage space.
Innovation Solution
A bimini top with a transformable frame and actuator that automatically transitions between retracted and stowed positions, utilizing a motor, sensor, and controller for controlled movement, and a quick-release connection for easy deployment and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual maneuvering is used to stow the bimini top, then the structure can be simple and reliable, but the operation becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical maneuvering system with an automated actuator system. The actuator includes a motor, sensor, and controller that automatically transform the bimini frame between retracted and stowed positions, eliminating the need for difficult manual operation while managing the complexity through integrated control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bimini top system performs its own stowing operation through the automated actuator. The sensor monitors the frame position and the controller automatically activates the motor to move the frame to the stowed position without requiring external manual intervention, making the system self-servicing.
2Area of moving object
If the bimini top is made large to provide adequate coverage, then the shelter area is improved, but the stowing difficulty and storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bimini frame is designed with dynamic transformability between different configurations. The frame can be automatically transformed from a deployed state providing large shelter area to a compact stowed state with reduced storage space requirements. The actuator system enables this dynamic reconfiguration, allowing the large structure to be easily stored despite its size when deployed.
3Extent of automation
If automated actuator is added to transform the bimini frame, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system is designed with multi-functionality to manage complexity. The same actuator mechanism serves multiple functions: transforming the bimini frame between positions, positioning the support legs, and integrating with the quick-release connection system. This universal approach reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple components into integrated assemblies. The actuator combines motor, sensor, and controller into a unified system. The support leg structure is merged with the actuator mechanism, and the quick-release connection integrates the mounting bracket with the frame. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall system.
4Ease of operation
If quick-release connection is used for the mounting bracket, then the ease of deployment is improved, but the reliability of connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release connection system is designed with preliminary positioning features that guide the mounting bracket into the correct engagement position before final locking. The sensor monitors the connection status to ensure proper engagement, and the controller can verify that the quick-release mechanism is securely locked before allowing operation, thus maintaining reliability while enabling easy deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
A bimini top for a watercraft includes a bimini frame having at least one bow and at least one support leg rotatable relative to the at least one bow. The bimini frame is transformable between a retracted position and a stowed position. An actuator is operable to automatically transform the bimini frame between the retracted position and the stowed position. The actuator forms the at least one support leg.