Boat Accessory Pockets on Ski Tow Bars for Visible Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stowage solutions for boating accessories on pontoon and single hull boats are inconvenient, providing limited accessibility, visibility, and often result in accessories being left exposed or cluttering the passenger region, especially when not in use.
Innovation Solution
An expandable-collapsible containment assembly with flexible sheet material pockets and adjustable straps is attached to a ski tow bar, allowing easy access, visibility, and secure storage of accessories like fenders and life jackets, minimizing deck space intrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If accessories are stored in cabinets or under deck compartments, then they are secured and protected, but accessibility and visibility are limited, requiring bending over and opening latches
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple separate pockets within the containment assembly, each capable of holding different accessories. This segmentation allows users to access specific items without opening the entire storage structure, improving accessibility while maintaining a simple overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment assembly is positioned in a third dimension above the deck surface, attached to the ski tow bar framework. This vertical placement eliminates the need to bend over access items stored on the deck level, and the open-top pockets provide direct visibility and access without latches or doors.
2Ease of operation
If accessories are left exposed on the deck, then they are easily accessible, but they are exposed to elements and subject to removal
Solution Approach 1:
The containment assembly uses flexible fabric material to create pockets that enclose accessories. This flexible shell provides protection from elements while maintaining ease of access, as the fabric can be easily opened or removed unlike rigid cabinets with latches.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pockets are nested within the single containment assembly structure, allowing accessories to be protected within individual compartments while the entire assembly can be quickly removed or accessed as a unit. This nested structure provides layered protection and accessibility.
3Reliability
If storage compartments are used, then accessories are contained, but they clutter the passenger region when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The containment assembly is designed to be dynamically positioned - it can be attached to the ski tow bar framework when needed for storage, and removed or repositioned when not in use. This dynamic capability allows the storage system to occupy deck space only when required, eliminating permanent clutter in the passenger region.
Solution Approach 2:
By attaching the containment assembly to the vertical framework of the ski tow bar, the storage function is moved to a vertical dimension above the deck surface. This eliminates horizontal space occupation in the passenger region while maintaining effective containment of accessories.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple storage locations are scattered about the boat, then accessories can be stored in various places, but locating and accessing them becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pockets for different accessories are merged into a single containment assembly that attaches to the ski tow bar framework. This consolidation provides a unified storage location that is easy to locate, eliminating the problem of scattered storage while maintaining the ability to store multiple different accessories in organized pockets.
Data Source
AI summary
A boat storage system for boating accessories, the boat storage system including a containment assembly having a row of upwardly opening pocket or pockets for receiving boating accessories, a plurality of straps are positioned on the containment assembly at a back side and/or lateral sides, the containment assembly removably attached to a framework of a ski tow bar facing toward the aft of the boat and elevated off of the surface from which the ski tow bar extends. The containment assembly can be filled with towels, boat fenders, life jackets, skiing accessories. The containment assembly having a plurality of pockets with one or more of the pockets having an expanded and a collapsed state and being retained in the collapsed state providing an adjustable volume storage and transport device.