Fold-Down Railing for Boat Passenger Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Boat passengers face challenges when entering or exiting, as there is a lack of effective stabilization assistance between a stationary and a moving object, particularly in recreational boats where structural support for holding onto is limited.
Innovation Solution
A fold-down railing system comprising pivotable balusters and a handle, integrated with a base and a brace, which can be deployed and stowed to provide stabilization during passage, using a cable actuator and spring mechanism for secure locking in the deployed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fold-down railing system is deployed to provide stabilization assistance, then passenger safety and stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The railing system employs dynamic components including pivotable balusters that can rotate between horizontal and vertical positions, and a brace that pivots and slides along the base. This dynamic design allows the railing to transform from a compact stowed configuration to a deployed stabilization structure, providing passenger support only when needed while maintaining simplicity during normal boat operation
Solution Approach 2:
The railing system is divided into separate functional segments: a base mounted on the boat, pivotable balusters with cable actuators, a sliding brace mechanism, and a releasable stop. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall stabilization effect, reducing the complexity burden on any single component
2Ease of operation
If a fold-down railing system is stowed to maintain a clean appearance, then ease of operation is improved, but passenger stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The railing system incorporates a spring mechanism that automatically extends the cable actuator when the baluster is rotated to its vertical deployed position. This self-service feature eliminates the need for manual cable extension or complex actuation mechanisms, allowing passengers to easily deploy the railing by simply rotating the baluster while ensuring reliable engagement with the releasable stop
3Reliability
If a cable actuator and spring mechanism are used for secure locking, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable actuator serves as an intermediary element that translates the rotational motion of the baluster into linear extension, while the spring provides the locking force. The cable connects the baluster rotation to the brace position, and the spring automatically engages with the releasable stop to secure the railing in its deployed position, creating a reliable locking system through simple mechanical intermediaries
Data Source
AI summary
A passage assist provides a temporary support to stabilize passage of a person over a surface, such as in a boat. The passage assist can be a fold down railing that in a deployed position presents a handle or railing in a location to be easily grasped by a person walking on the adjacent surface, such as the deck of a boat. In a collapsed or stowed position, the fold down railing can be positioned completely out of the way so that it provides no impediment or barrier to movement on the surface. In the case of a boat, the fold down railing does not permanently occupy precious space within the boat.