Movable Hardtop Roof Panel for Boat Console and Bow Recess
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vessels lack the ability to easily reconfigure their covered sections post-production, with removable canopies being time-consuming, prone to damage, and not meeting the need for versatile, convertible designs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for storing and deploying a movable hardtop roof on a vessel, featuring a panel that can pivot and telescope, allowing it to cover either the console or the bow recess, enabling conversion between hard-top and deck configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If removable canopies and covers are added to create additional shaded areas, then the vessel can have variable covered sections, but the installation is time-consuming and they require storage when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The hardtop panel is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between a raised position (covering the console) and a lowered position (covering the bow recess). The support structures enable smooth transition between positions, allowing the vessel to adapt its covered sections without time-consuming manual installation or removal of separate canopy components.
Solution Approach 2:
The hardtop panel serves multiple functions: it can cover the console area when raised, cover the bow recess when lowered, and provide structural support in both configurations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate removable canopies and their associated storage requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If removable canopies and covers are added to create additional shaded areas, then the vessel can have variable covered sections, but they are bulky and require storage when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The hardtop panel is permanently integrated with the vessel structure through telescopic support structures, merging the roof function with the vessel's existing framework. This eliminates the need for separate removable canopy components that would require storage space when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic support structures allow the hardtop to dynamically adjust its position and configuration, enabling the same structure to serve multiple coverage needs without requiring additional removable components or storage space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If removable canopies and covers are added to create additional shaded areas, then the vessel can have variable covered sections, but they may be misplaced, stolen, and/or damaged during a wind storm
Solution Approach 1:
The hardtop panel is permanently integrated with the vessel structure through telescopic support structures that connect to the gunwales and console. This permanent integration eliminates the security risks of removable canopies being misplaced, stolen, or damaged during wind storms, while still allowing operational reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic reconfigurability through controlled movement of the hardtop panel along telescopic supports, rather than complete removal. This maintains structural integrity and security while enabling variable covered sections as needed.
4Reliability
If a rigid roof panel is permanently attached to create a hard-top configuration, then the covered section is stable and secure, but the layout cannot be reconfigured post-production
Solution Approach 1:
The hardtop panel is designed with dynamic reconfigurability through telescopic support structures that allow smooth transition between raised and lowered positions. This enables post-production reconfiguration of covered sections while maintaining structural stability in each configuration through proper engagement with the gunwales and console.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into telescopic segments that can extend and retract, allowing the hardtop panel to be repositioned between different configurations. This segmentation enables adaptability while maintaining the rigidity and stability of the panel itself in each position.
5Adaptability or versatility
If the hardtop roof is lowered to cover the bow recess, then the layout versatility is improved, but the support structure must extend to the maximum length
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into telescopic segments that can extend and retract. When the hardtop is lowered to cover the bow recess, the telescopic segments extend to provide the necessary maximum length support. This segmented design allows the structure to adapt its length to different configurations as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic support structures dynamically adjust their length based on the hardtop position. When lowered to cover the bow recess, they extend to maximum length; when raised to cover the console, they retract. This dynamic length adjustment enables layout versatility without requiring permanently extended support structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A vessel may include a bow having a recess located between a first sidewall and a second sidewall. A vessel may include a panel configured to cover at least a portion of the recess. A vessel may include a console. A vessel may include at least one support structure, the at least one support structure having a first end located opposite a second end, the first end of the at least one support structure is pivotably connected to the console, the second end of the at least one support structure is pivotably connected to the panel, wherein the panel is configured to be positioned in a first orientation when the panel covers at least a portion of the console, wherein the panel is configured to be positioned in a second orientation when the panel covers at least a portion of the recess of the bow.