Bistable Spring Band Mounting for Repositionable Dock Bumpers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dock bumpers and fenders are either semi-permanent and difficult to reposition or portable but hard to install effectively, failing to provide reliable protection for boats against dock contact.
Innovation Solution
A resilient band mounting system using a bistable spring band and pin mechanism that allows for quick and tool-free attachment and repositioning on dock structures, suitable for both dock bumpers and other marine accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If semi-permanent bumpers are used, then protection reliability is improved, but ease of repositioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from static permanent installation to dynamic removable installation. The elastomeric band with spring mechanism allows the bumper to be easily attached and detached from dock structures, enabling repositioning while maintaining secure attachment during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded elastomeric band mechanism is self-attaching and self-detaching without requiring tools or complex fastening operations. The user simply needs to apply pressure to the spring mechanism to attach or detach the bumper, making the system self-sufficient and easy to operate.
2Ease of operation
If portable fenders with rope attachment are used, then ease of repositioning is improved, but installation difficulty deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the complex rope-tying and positioning operations from the attachment process. Instead of requiring users to tie ropes to cleats and position fenders manually, the spring-loaded band mechanism provides a simple push-button attachment that eliminates these complex steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical rope-tying system with a spring-loaded elastomeric band mechanism. This substitution transforms the attachment process from complex manual rope handling to a simple mechanical push-button operation, significantly reducing installation difficulty.
3Strength
If traditional fastening methods are used, then attachment strength is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the attachment mechanism by using an elastomeric band with spring loading. This allows the system to provide strong attachment through elastic deformation and spring force, while enabling easy installation through simple compression of the spring mechanism.
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
Enables easy and reliable installation and repositioning of dock bumpers and accessories, providing effective protection against dock contact without the need for tools or complex rope tying.
Implementation Method 1
a bistable spring band having a first straight position and a second coiled position
Implementation Method 2
a bistable spring band having a first straight position and a second coiled position
Data Source
AI summary
A resilient band mounting system comprises a bistable spring band with a through hole having a straight position and a coiled position, and a pin secured in the through hole. The system preferably includes at least one bracket disposed around the band on one side of the through hole. The resilient band mounting system is attached to an object, such as a portable dock bumper, to be mounted on a pole, post, or similar structure. The portable dock bumper includes at least one through hole in which the pin is also engaged, thus securing the resilient band mounting system to the bumper. When the band is in the straight position, the resilient band mounting system may be secured to a pole or post by pressing the band against the pole or post, which causes the band to spring into the coiled position and wrap around the pole or post.