Boat Hatch Cam Mechanism for Watertight Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional boat hatches face challenges in achieving a watertight seal due to imperfections in plastic molding, which affect the alignment of round o-rings, and require significant force to close, limiting their functionality and usability.
Innovation Solution
A novel hatch system featuring a cam-surface mechanism with a hinged cover, an annular triangular sealing ring, and an optional gear bucket, allowing for easy alignment and deformation to ensure a watertight seal, along with a mechanical advantage for easy closure, utilizing a cork-screw cam and elongated internal o-ring-type seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a round o-ring seal is used in conventional hatches, then the seal structure is simple, but the alignment accuracy deteriorates due to imperfections in plastic molding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the seal ring from a conventional round shape to an annular triangular cross-section. This asymmetric geometry provides reference surfaces that maintain proper alignment between the lid and base even when molding imperfections cause non-concentric openings. The triangular cross-section with a pointed end fits into a corresponding recess, creating mechanical alignment features that compensate for manufacturing variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment mechanism consisting of the triangular cross-section seal ring working with a recess in the base. This intermediary structure mediates between the imperfectly aligned lid and base by providing positive mechanical location features. The pointed end of the triangular seal ring fits into the recess, ensuring proper positioning and alignment regardless of molding variations.
2Ease of operation
If significant force is applied to close conventional hatches, then the seal may be achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by incorporating cam surfaces with radiused edges on both the lid and base. These curved cam surfaces work together to provide mechanical advantage during the closing operation. As the lid is lowered, the cam surfaces engage and guide the closing motion, converting a small initial force applied at the handle into sufficient closing force through the mechanical advantage of the curved surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by using cam surfaces that change the mechanical advantage throughout the closing motion. The cam surfaces are designed so that the mechanical advantage varies dynamically during closure - providing greater advantage when needed and allowing controlled engagement. This dynamic mechanism enables easy operation while ensuring proper sealing force is achieved.
3Reliability
If the hatch is completely closed using conventional mechanisms, then the seal is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric annular triangular cross-section of the seal ring provides inherent alignment features that simplify the overall mechanism. The triangular shape with its pointed end fitting into a recess creates self-aligning geometry, eliminating the need for complex external alignment mechanisms while ensuring reliable sealing contact between the lid and base.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal ring design provides self-alignment and self-positioning features. The triangular cross-section with pointed end automatically finds and engages with the corresponding recess in the base, creating a self-aligning system that ensures proper sealing without requiring complex external alignment mechanisms or precise manufacturing tolerances.
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 system provides a functional and watertight hatch that requires minimal force to close, maintains alignment for effective sealing, and accommodates imperfections in molding, enhancing usability and sealing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
cooperating means on the hatch and cover including cam surfaces whereby the said handle can be rotated to secure the cover to the hatch
Implementation Method 2
The cork-screw cam allows the hatch to be only partially closed which requires little force and then, during the twisting of the handle, offers a mechanical advantage to draw the hatch completely closed.
Implementation Method 3
a unique square-bottom with triangle-top rubber ring has been developed which easily deforms in the areas where the lid is too close to the base and yet still seals in the areas where the gap is larger
Implementation Method 4
said hatch cover having an annular sealing ring of generally triangular cross-section with the point of the triangle abutting an inner surface of the hatch to form a water tight seal
Implementation Method 5
The hinge keeps the alignment between the cork-screw cam and the tab in which the cam engages.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel hatch and with cover for boats comprising:a hatch,a hatch cover with handle hinged to said hatch, andcooperating means on the hatch and cover including cam surfaces whereby the said handle can be rotated to secure the cover to the hatch.