Boat Cover Suspension Device Using Tether Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flexible boat covers require entering the space between the cover and the boat for installation, leading to discomfort and instability due to slack and potential damage from rainwater pooling, and are prone to deformation and ripping.
Innovation Solution
A suspension device that attaches to a vertical projection on the boat, using a tether to suspend the boat cover above the hull, eliminating the need for internal installation and providing stable tension adjustment to accommodate various boat types and deformations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional flexible boat covers are supported by poles that rest on the deck or hull of the boat, then the cover is supported from within the boat, but the user must enter the space between the cover and the boat which requires uncomfortable crawling or hunching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional support approach by suspending the cover from above (from vertical projections on the boat) rather than supporting it from below (from the deck or hull). This inversion eliminates the need for users to enter the uncomfortable space between the cover and boat, as installation can be performed from outside this space.
2Reliability
If poles are used to support the boat cover from within the boat, then the cover is held up, but the poles are susceptible to slipping from non-symmetrical forces or water weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple suspension tethers that distribute the load of the cover across multiple attachment points on vertical projections. This counterbalances non-symmetrical forces and water weight more effectively than a single pole, preventing slipping while maintaining simplicity through the use of flexible tethers rather than complex rigid support structures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the boat cover is secured to the hull around the perimeter, then the cover is attached to the boat, but slack in the cover allows rainwater to pool on the surface leading to deformation, leaking, or ripping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies tension to the cover through suspension tethers before and during installation, pre-tensing the cover material to eliminate slack. This preliminary tensioning prevents water pooling, deformation, and damage before they can occur, rather than relying on the cover's weight and perimeter securing alone.
4Reliability
If an ill-fitting cover is used, then the cover may not properly protect the boat, but adjusting the fit requires entering the space between the cover and the boat which is uncomfortable and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system allows for adjustment of cover fit from outside the uncomfortable space between the cover and boat. Users can access and adjust the suspension tethers and attachment points without crawling or hunching, making it easy to achieve proper fit and maintain protective function.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a device for suspending a boat cover from a vertical projection attached to a boat, such that the boat cover is maintained under tension to prevent the formation of pools of water on the cover.