Boat Docking Platform Front Rod Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walkable structures for docking boats lack stability and durability in the operating position, particularly for the front gripping and support rods, leading to safety concerns and potential breakage due to hydraulic actuation issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of locking and safety means, such as a rotation mechanism with a strike tooth and elastic return means, to securely position the front gripping and support rods in the operating position, enhancing stability and resistance to user forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic actuation means are used to position the front gripping rod, then the rod can be selectively placed between rest and operating positions, but the rod lacks stability and durability in the operating position due to hydraulic issues
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means are engaged in advance to secure the front gripping rod in the operating position before hydraulic actuation is released. This preliminary locking action ensures stability is established before any potential hydraulic failure can occur, preventing the rod from moving or becoming unstable during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism acts as a safety backup that compensates for potential hydraulic system failures. By having this mechanical locking system in place beforehand, the design cushions against the harmful effects of hydraulic instability, ensuring the rod remains securely positioned even if hydraulic pressure fluctuates or fails.
2Ease of operation
If the front gripping rod is positioned in the operating position, then user access is enabled, but the rod is susceptible to breakage due to continuous solicitation by users
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means secure the front gripping rod in the operating position before users apply continuous loads. This preliminary securing action ensures the rod is firmly positioned and supported, distributing user forces through the locking mechanism rather than placing all stress on the rod itself, thereby preventing breakage during extended use.
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
The solution provides greater stability and reduced susceptibility to breakage, ensuring safer access and longer lifespan of the walkable structure without compromising aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
elastic return means, cooperating with the rotation means to rotate the front rod selectively between the operating position and the rest position
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A walkable structure of docking (1) in boats comprising a main transit platform (2) which mainly develops along a longitudinal axis (Z) and defines an upper decking (3), at least one front gripping and/or support rod (4) coupled with at least one of the side edges (2a, 2b) and at the access end (2c) of said main transit platform (2) and operatively connected with actuation means (5) suitable to place the front rod (4) selectively between a rest position, in which the front rod (4) is positioned along a first linear direction (Z') parallel to the longitudinal axis (Z) of the main transit platform (2), and an operating position, in which the front rod (4) protrudes upwardly, in such a manner as to be available for the gripping of the hand of the user, from at least one of the side edges (2a, 2b) of the main transit platform (2) along a second linear direction (Y) which defines an angle, generally right, with the longitudinal axis (Z) of the main transit platform (2). In particular, the walkable structure of docking (1) comprises locking and safety means (6) operatively connected with said front rod (4) in such a way as to make said front rod (4) in said operating position stably bound and resistant to loads applied to it, counteracting its pliability, also under the traction or thrust exerted by said user on said front rod (4).