Portable Boat Canopy Using Rod Holder Mounts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Center console and open fishing boats lack adequate sun protection, particularly in the cockpit area, which increases the risk of skin damage and skin cancer due to direct sunlight exposure, despite the use of Bimini tops and other shade structures.
Innovation Solution
A portable canopy system secured to fishing rod holders on a boat's T-top or hard top using tubular support members with locking pins and a telescoping spreader bar, featuring a fabric cover with hook and loop attachments for adjustability, allowing for easy installation and compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a Bimini top or hard top is installed on a boat, then sun protection for occupants is improved, but the cockpit area remains exposed and the structure adds complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy is divided into multiple panels (front panel, rear panel, and optional side panels) that can be independently assembled and configured. Each panel attaches to the existing rod holders, creating a segmented shade structure that covers the cockpit without requiring a complete hard top installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The canopy system utilizes existing rod holders on the boat for support, serving multiple functions: providing sun shade, maintaining visibility for the operator, allowing rainwater drainage, and being adaptable to different boat configurations without requiring additional structural modifications.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed canopy structure is installed to provide sun shade, then protection from sunlight is improved, but adaptability to different rod holder spacings and storage flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy panels are designed with adjustable attachment mechanisms that allow them to be configured for different rod holder spacings. The panels can be easily assembled, disassembled, and repositioned to adapt to various boat configurations and rod holder arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The canopy panels are designed to fold and nest within each other when not in use, allowing for compact storage in the cockpit or on deck. The panels can be stacked or rolled together, maximizing storage efficiency while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a solid hard top is used to protect the cockpit, then sun protection is improved, but headroom and visibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy uses fabric or mesh material panels instead of solid hard top construction. These flexible panels provide effective sun protection while allowing light transmission for visibility and maintaining adequate headroom in the cockpit area.
4Ease of operation
If a portable canopy system is installed using rod holders, then ease of installation and storage is improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy panels are pre-assembled with attachment hardware and configured to fit standard rod holder dimensions. This preliminary preparation allows for quick installation by simply attaching the panels to the existing rod holders without requiring complex assembly or structural modifications to the boat.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable canopy for use with a boat having a covered helm and at least two fishing rod holders mounted thereto. The portable canopy employs a first tubular shaped support member having a proximal end securable to a rod holder found on a fishing boat. A second tubular shaped support member having a proximal end is secured to a second rod holder, adjacent to, but spaced apart from, the first support member. The first and second support members are secured to the rod holders by use of locking pins. A spreader bar is attached to the distal end of each said support member, forming a rigid frame between the support members and the rod holders. A fabric cover extends between the support members, providing shade to the occupants beneath the canopy.