Maintenance Device for Boat Fasteners with Self-Regulating Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for maintaining boat fasteners are inefficient, as they either damage surrounding surfaces or fail to apply the right amount of lubrication, leading to corrosion and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
A maintenance device with a self-contained lubrication system and trio of cleaning arms that effectively removes corrosion and dirt from both male and female fasteners, applying the appropriate amount of lubricant without damaging the surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If harsh chemicals are used to clean fasteners, then corrosion and salt are removed effectively, but surrounding surfaces of the boat are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a maintenance device as an intermediary tool that delivers cleaning chemicals and lubricants precisely to the fastener surface through controlled application mechanisms, preventing direct contact with surrounding boat surfaces and eliminating the harmful side effects of chemical cleaning
2Reliability
If a hard tool with metallic end is used to scrape corrosion, then corrosion is removed, but the surface of the boat or fastener is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable abrasive pads or cleaning elements that are consumed during the cleaning process, providing effective corrosion removal through controlled abrasion while preventing damage to underlying surfaces since the abrasive material wears away instead of scratching the fastener or boat surface
3Reliability
If grease-type lubricant is applied directly to fastener, then corrosion protection is provided, but excess lubricant is applied making it messy and difficult to work with
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance device incorporates a self-regulating lubricant delivery system that automatically controls the amount of lubricant applied to the fastener, eliminating the need for user judgment and preventing over-application through built-in metering mechanisms or saturated applicator elements that stop delivering lubricant when the fastener is sufficiently lubricated
4Reliability
If grease-type lubricant is applied to fastener, then corrosion protection is provided, but lubricant runs and oozes when exposed to sun for long period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the lubricant by selecting materials with higher melting points and lower volatility that remain stable under solar exposure, or by formulating the lubricant with additives that prevent softening and running, thereby maintaining corrosion protection without the instability issues of petroleum-based greases
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 device efficiently cleans and lubricates fasteners, preventing corrosion and maintaining their effectiveness while preserving the aesthetic appeal of the boat.
Implementation Method 1
A spring that is internally positioned between the dynamic body and the fixed body biases the dynamic body downward (when the device is held upright)
Implementation Method 2
With the abrasive surface of the cleaning arm engaging the outer wall of the male-end connector, a twisting movement of the housing removes corrosion, dirt and debris from the male portion of the fastener
Implementation Method 3
A maintenance device having a lubricant reservoir attached to the upper end of a fixed body
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention a maintenance device having a lubricant reservoir attached to the upper end of a fixed body, and a dynamic body that is slidably engaged and disposed within the fixed body at the lower end thereof. Attached to the base of dynamic body is a trio of cleaning arms. A spring that is internally positioned between the dynamic body and the fixed body biases the dynamic body downward and the cleaning arms to a relaxed position. As the dynamic body retracts upon the application of force by a user, lubricant is released and pumped from the lubricant reservoir and each of the cleaning arms pivot and engage the side wall of the male connector.