Bimini Top Fold Assist Mechanism for Safe Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Releasing a bimini top from its extended position can be difficult due to canvas tension and secure framework, and improper retraction can lead to bow "scissoring" and canopy fabric pinch damage.
Innovation Solution
The fold assist bimini top system uses assist straps and elastic cords to facilitate the retraction of the bimini top, preventing bow scissoring by allowing the support bows to retract during storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the bimini top framework is made secure and taut to support the canvas, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the difficulty of retraction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assist strap is pre-configured between the front bow and front support, and the elastic cord is pre-connected between the rear bow and rear support. These preliminary arrangements enable the framework to assist its own retraction by storing mechanical energy during deployment, which is then released to facilitate the return motion without requiring additional force during retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the framework's own structural elements (bows and supports) in combination with the assist strap and elastic cord to perform the retraction action. The framework essentially retracts itself by converting the stored elastic potential energy back into mechanical motion, eliminating the need for external assistance or complex mechanical systems.
2Reliability
If the middle bimini supports are properly retracted to prevent bow scissoring, then the reliability is improved, but the complexity of the retraction process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assist strap and elastic cord are integrated into the existing framework structure, with the strap connecting the front bow to the front support and the cord connecting the rear bow to the rear support. This merging of functions allows a single retraction action to simultaneously coordinate multiple framework elements, preventing bow scissoring and fabric damage without requiring separate control mechanisms for each component.
3Ease of operation
If the assist strap and elastic cord are used to facilitate retraction, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assist strap and elastic cord are simple, inexpensive components that can be easily replaced if needed. These basic elements provide the necessary mechanical assistance without introducing complex systems, electronics, or expensive mechanisms. The simplicity of these components means that while they add some structural elements, they do not significantly increase overall system complexity.
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 system simplifies the retraction process, reduces the risk of fabric damage, and provides safer operation by preventing the bimini frame from snapping back when released.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic cord is stretched when the bimini is in the deployed or extended position, and the elastic cord relaxes as the framework is released to assist in urging the frame and canopy into the stowed position
Data Source
AI summary
A fold assist bimini top includes a bimini frame with a front bow, a front support, a rear bow, and a rear support. The bimini frame is displaceable between an extended position and a retracted position. A canopy secured over the bimini frame is displaceable with the bimini frame between the extended position and the retracted position. A pair of assist straps are configured to facilitate displacement of the bimini frame from the extended position to the retracted position. One of the pair of assist straps is manually displaceable, and one of the assist straps is elastic and is secured at ends thereof to the bimini frame. The elastic assist strap biases the bimini frame toward the retracted position.