Stretchable Boat Helm Shade for UV Protection of Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Digital displays and steering wheels on boats are exposed to sunlight and water, leading to potential damage and degradation due to prolonged exposure.

Innovation Solution

A flexible, UV-resistant fabric cover with elastic properties is designed to removably fit over electronic displays and the steering wheel, featuring a weighted edge for secure positioning and elastic edges for stretching to accommodate various configurations, providing shade and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If digital displays and steering wheels are exposed to sunlight for displaying information and operation, then the operator can monitor boat configuration and speed, but the electronic displays and steering wheel suffer damage and degradation from prolonged sunlight exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of electronic displays and steering wheelVSAvoidsunlight exposure damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing a shade panel that is pre-positioned to block sunlight before it can reach and damage the electronic displays and steering wheel. The panel is installed on the windshield to intercept sunlight in advance, preventing the harmful UV radiation and heat from contacting the sensitive components during boat operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The shade panel serves as an intermediary element between the sunlight and the electronic displays/steering wheel. It is a UV-resistant fabric panel that intercepts and blocks harmful sunlight, acting as a protective mediator that allows the displays to function while preventing direct sunlight exposure that would cause degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a fixed shade structure is installed to block sunlight, then protection from UV damage is provided, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUV protectionVSAvoidstructural complexity of shade system

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by using a flexible, removable shade panel that can be easily installed and removed as needed, rather than a fixed permanent structure. The panel is made of elastic UV-resistant fabric that can be positioned to provide protection during sunlight conditions and stored or removed when not needed, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective UV protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shade panel is constructed from a flexible UV-resistant fabric material that can be easily manufactured, installed, and removed. This thin film approach provides effective UV blocking without requiring complex structural support systems, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining protective functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a rigid shade cover is used to block sunlight, then protection is provided, but the adaptability to different boat configurations and dashboard shapes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesunlight blockingVSAvoidfit to various dashboard configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shade panel is made from flexible UV-resistant fabric that can be easily shaped and positioned to fit different dashboard configurations and windshield geometries. This flexibility allows the same panel design to adapt to various boat models and dashboard shapes while maintaining effective sunlight blocking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The removable and flexible nature of the shade panel allows it to be dynamically positioned and adjusted to accommodate different boat configurations. The panel can be installed, removed, and repositioned as needed to suit various dashboard layouts and windshield shapes, providing versatility across different boat models.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Effectively shields digital displays and steering wheels from sunlight, preventing damage and enhancing durability in marine environments.

Implementation Method 1

The material forming the body is preferably substantially elastic yarn or thread or the like, such as spandex or elastic fabrics with similar properties of stretching, such that it can be stretched in both the horizontal and vertical directions at the same time

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV inhibition: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12497137B2Boat sun protection

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 HENRY KENNETH

AI summary

A shading device is provided which is removably engageable to provide shade protection from direct sunlight for the graphic display panels and steering wheel of a boat. The shading device is stretchable from a first shape to a second shape where it is maintained in a biased engagement with the boat steering wheel to thereby shade the steering wheel and any graphic displays adjacent thereto from direct sunlight.