Modular Boat Frame System with Hinged PVC Couplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frame systems for boats struggle to provide a uniform and reusable solution for covering irregular boat topsides, as they are often expensive, non-breathable, and not easily customizable, leading to incomplete coverage and potential mold and mildew issues.
Innovation Solution
A modular frame system comprising five-arm couplers and hinged connection elements, adaptable with standard PVC pipes or other connecting members, allowing for adjustable configuration and easy assembly/disassembly, which can support tarpaulins or shrink-wrap, and is customizable to fit various boat sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shrink-wrap covers are used to protect boats, then complete coverage and protection from elements is achieved, but the cost increases significantly and the covers must be replaced each season
Solution Approach 1:
The frame system is divided into multiple modular components including vertical members, horizontal members, cross members, and coupling devices that can be assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the frame to be reused season after season, eliminating the need for expensive disposable shrink-wrap covers while maintaining complete coverage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow it to adapt to different boat configurations and storage needs. The modular design enables dynamic assembly and disassembly, providing a cost-effective alternative to single-use shrink-wrap while ensuring reliable coverage.
2Reliability
If shrink-wrap covers are used, then complete coverage is achieved, but airflow under the cover is limited increasing mold and mildew risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses flexible tarpaulin covers instead of tight shrink-wrap. These flexible covers allow natural airflow circulation underneath while still providing complete coverage and protection. The tarpaulins can be lifted and adjusted to maintain air flow, preventing mold and mildew growth while ensuring reliable boat protection.
3Ease of manufacture
If tarpaulins are used to cover boats, then cost-effectiveness and breathability are improved, but incomplete coverage occurs due to irregular boat topsides
Solution Approach 1:
The frame system is segmented into multiple adjustable components that can be configured to match the irregular contours of boat topsides. This segmentation allows the frame to conform to various shapes and sizes, ensuring complete tarpaulin coverage while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates adjustable members and coupling devices that allow dynamic reconfiguration to accommodate different boat geometries. This adaptability ensures complete coverage of irregular topsides while keeping the system cost-effective and reusable.
4Reliability
If ad hoc frames made from lumber are constructed to compensate for irregular boat topsides, then coverage completeness is improved, but the frames are not reusable and lack uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The frame system is designed as a universal, reusable structure with standardized components that can be assembled in multiple configurations. The modular design with adjustable members allows the same frame components to serve multiple boats of different sizes and shapes, providing complete coverage while ensuring reusability and uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow it to adapt to different boat configurations. This dynamic design enables the same frame components to be reused across multiple seasons and different boats, providing both complete coverage and reusability.
5Adaptability or versatility
If a frame system is designed to be customizable in size and configuration, then adaptability to different boats is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame system is divided into standardized modular components including vertical members, horizontal members, cross members, and coupling devices. This segmentation allows for easy customization of size and configuration by simply adding or removing modules, while the standardization keeps assembly straightforward and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame uses universal coupling devices and standardized connection mechanisms that work across all configurations. This universality allows the frame to be customized for different boat sizes and shapes without increasing assembly complexity, as the same connection methods are used throughout.
6Ease of operation
If a frame system uses multiple standard components, then ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but manufacturing cost may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into standardized components that can be manufactured using common, cost-effective processes. The modular design allows for efficient production of individual parts using standard materials and techniques, keeping manufacturing costs down while enabling easy assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame uses universal coupling devices and standardized connection mechanisms that can be manufactured efficiently in volume. This universality allows the same components to be used across multiple configurations, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining ease of assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame system suitable for use on a boat and capable of supporting one or more tarpaulins to protect the boat from the elements, comprising one or more sets of couplers and hinged angle elements adapted to be used with off-the-shelf connecting members, such as PVC pipes, such that when assembled the frame system provides a canopy frame arching over the top side of the boat, with the lateral sides of the frame system sloping upward and meeting over the longitudinal midline of the boat.