Boat Fender Adapter Structure for Sandwich Projection Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat fenders are not suitable for edges with non-continuous surfaces, such as sandwich projections, and require special designs, limiting their applicability and stability.
Innovation Solution
A fender design comprising a base with an adapter portion that can be fixed to the boat edge and an insert that reversibly couples via interlocking, allowing the fender to conceal and securely attach to sandwich projections using a cavity that accommodates various shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing fender designs are used, then they work on flat or slightly curved boat edges, but they cannot be applied to edges with sandwich projections (non-continuous surfaces)
Solution Approach 1:
The fender is divided into two separable parts: an inner portion with an H-profile for structural support and attachment to the hull, and an outer portion for shock absorption. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently and facilitates adaptation to different edge configurations including sandwich projections.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner H-profile portion acts as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between the boat hull and the outer fender portion. It provides a stable attachment structure that can accommodate various edge types, including non-continuous sandwich projections, while the outer portion maintains its shock absorption function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If single-piece fenders are used for sandwich projections, then they can embrace the projection, but they require special designs that limit applicability
Solution Approach 1:
The inner H-profile portion is designed as a universal attachment structure that can be used with various outer portions to create fenders suitable for different applications, including flat edges, curved edges, and sandwich projections. This universal base design reduces the need for special-purpose fenders while maintaining effectiveness across different edge types.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the attachment function (inner H-profile) from the shock absorption function (outer portion), the design allows the inner portion to be optimized for universal attachment to various edge types while the outer portion can be customized for specific applications, reducing overall design complexity.
3Ease of operation
If fenders are made with loose coupling between inner and outer portions, then the outer portion can move for shock absorption, but the coupling stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the inner and outer portions is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. The outer portion can move relative to the inner H-profile during shock absorption events, allowing the fender to adapt to impact forces while maintaining structural integrity through the rigid H-profile framework.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the fender have different coupling characteristics: the inner H-profile provides rigid structural support and stable attachment to the hull, while the connection to the outer portion allows controlled movement for shock absorption. This local differentiation of coupling stiffness optimizes both stability and flexibility where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A fender (1) for boats suitable to couple with boat edges having a sandwich projection is described comprising a base (2) adapted to be fixed to the boat edge by fixing means, and an insert (3) able to be reversibly coupled by interlocking with the base (2). The base (2) comprises an attachment portion (21) adapted to rest on an edge of the boat, and an adapter portion (22) comprising a cavity (221) adapted to house the sandwich projection of the edge of the boat.