Retractable Boat Boarding Platform with Powered Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat boarding systems, such as swim platforms, often require substantial effort to access due to their location and shape, lacking easy grasping surfaces, and reducing available space due to engine placement.
Innovation Solution
A retractable boarding platform assembly with a box assembly mounted within the boat, featuring a platform that moves between stowed and deployed positions, equipped with collapsible steps and an electric actuator for powered operation, allowing easy access and ensuring water-tight sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a swim platform is provided above the waterline, then the platform is accessible from the water, but substantial effort is required to climb from the water onto the platform
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is made dynamically movable between a retracted position (stored within the boat) and a deployed position (extending into the water). This dynamic positioning allows the platform to be at water level when needed for boarding, then retracted when not in use, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is deployed in advance before boarding occurs, positioning itself at the optimal location (water level) before the person needs to board. This preliminary deployment ensures easy access without requiring substantial climbing effort during the actual boarding action.
2Ease of operation
If the platform is positioned to be accessible from the water, then boarding is easier, but the available space is reduced due to engine location
Solution Approach 1:
The platform transitions from a stationary to a dynamic configuration, extending only when needed for boarding. When retracted, it occupies minimal space within the boat hull, allowing engine and other equipment placement. When deployed, it provides adequate boarding space at water level, resolving the space contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is segmented from the main boat structure, allowing it to be independently deployed and retracted. This segmentation enables the platform to provide boarding space when needed without permanently reducing the available space within the boat's engine compartment or hull.
3Area of stationary object
If a retractable platform is used, then space is saved when not in use, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical operation of deploying and retracting the platform is replaced with an electric actuator system. This substitution reduces the mechanical complexity of manual operation while providing automated control, allowing the platform to be deployed via electrical signal rather than complex manual mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform system is designed to be self-contained with the actuator and control mechanisms integrated into the boat's existing electrical system. The system automatically responds to control signals and can be integrated with boat electronics, reducing the overall complexity compared to separate manual mechanical systems.
4Ease of operation
If the platform is extended into the water, then boarding is facilitated, but water-tight sealing becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is extracted from the boat's permanent structure and positioned as a separate, movable component. This allows it to be deployed only when needed for boarding, maintaining water-tight sealing of the boat hull when retracted while providing access when deployed, resolving the sealing contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
A seal assembly acts as an intermediary between the platform and the boat hull, providing water-tight sealing when the platform is in the retracted position. The seal assembly engages with the platform's movement mechanism, allowing it to maintain sealing reliability while accommodating the platform's deployment and retraction operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A platform assembly for a boat has a box assembly that can be mounted in a hull of a boat. A platform assembly is received in the box assembly in a stowed position, but can be actuated to extend to a deployed position projecting from the hull. The platform may include ladder and/or stairs to facilitate entry into the boat, particularly from the water. In some versions, a fold-down railing can be used together with the platform.