Boat Diving Board Axial Spring Force Cancellation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional diving boards exert excessive forces on a boat's structural framework when used, causing violent shaking and instability, making it difficult to mount them without compromising the boat's stability.

Innovation Solution

The diving board features an axial spring system that cancels out downward forces from a jumper's weight by using an axial spring connected between the base and the board, distributing the force evenly within the boat's framework, allowing the board to be easily folded and stored.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional fixed mounting system is used for the diving board, then the board can provide diving functionality, but it exerts excessive forces on the boat's structural framework causing violent shaking and instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediving board functionalityVSAvoidboat stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The diving board system transitions from a fixed static mounting to a dynamic system with movable base components. The base can pivot at mounting points and the board can be folded into different positions (diving position and stowed position), allowing the system to adapt to forces applied during diving while maintaining boat stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The diving board is divided into separate functional segments: the board itself, the base structure, and the mounting mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to independently handle specific forces and movements, with the base absorbing shock loads through pivoting motion rather than transmitting them directly to the boat's frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a fixed diving board is mounted on a boat, then diving can be performed, but the board cannot be easily stored or moved, requiring damage to the boat or board

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediving board functionalityVSAvoidstorage and deployment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The base is designed to pivot at mounting points, enabling the board to be easily raised and folded into a stowed position alongside the boat's railing. This dynamic movement capability eliminates the need for damaging the boat or board during storage operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The base includes pre-positioned mounting points and pivot mechanisms that are prepared in advance, allowing the board to be quickly deployed and stowed without complex installation or removal procedures. The structure is pre-configured to facilitate easy transitions between diving and storage states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If the diving board is made rigid to withstand diving forces, then it can support jumpers, but it transmits all forces directly to the boat's frame causing structural stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveboard load capacityVSAvoidforce transmission to frame
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The base structure acts as an intermediary between the diving board and the boat's frame. It absorbs and dissipates forces through controlled pivoting motion at mounting points, preventing direct transmission of impact loads to the boat's structural framework while still supporting the diving board's load-bearing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot mechanism at the mounting points provides inherent shock absorption capability before forces are transmitted to the boat's frame. The ability of the base to pivot allows it to cushion impact forces generated during diving, reducing peak loads on the structural framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

This design stabilizes the boat during use, minimizing movement and allowing for safe and enjoyable diving without damaging the boat, and enables easy storage and deployment of the diving board.

Implementation Method 1

an axial spring connected between the base and the board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3027500B1Diving board for use on a boat
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 SCHAUB COREY L
  • EP3027500B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3027500B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3027500B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A boat including a frame and a diving board mounted to the frame. The diving board includes a base and a board coupled to the base at a pivot location. The board extends from the pivot location to a distal end. An axial spring is interconnected between the base and the board for cancelling out forces which are imparted by a user jumping on the board at the distal end.