Deployable Boat Hook with Telescoping Pole and Magnetic Clamp

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Solution Overview

Problem

Securing a boat to a dock is challenging, especially in windy or current conditions, due to difficulties in positioning the boat and engaging traditional boat hooks with dock elements, which often require dexterity and leverage, and may slip or fail to remain attached.

Innovation Solution

A boat hook assembly with a telescoping pole and adjustable clamping mechanism that allows for easy engagement with various dock types, including cleats and railings, using a detachable clamp or magnetic attachment to secure the hook, enabling secure attachment and retrieval of the boat without requiring specialized skills or assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional boat hook with a solid pole is used to grasp a dock mooring device, then the hook can be used to push or hook objects, but the hook may not fit the dock device, the angle may be wrong with respect to engaging it, and the telescoping section may slip open when pulling the boat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of hook engagementVSAvoidease of engaging hook with dock device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The boat hook assembly incorporates a telescoping pole with adjustable sections that can be extended or retracted, allowing the operator to adjust the length and angle of the pole to match different dock configurations and engagement requirements, resolving the contradiction between reliable engagement and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention allows changing the physical parameters of the boat hook by adjusting the telescoping sections to different lengths and angles, enabling the hook to adapt to various dock device sizes, shapes, and positions, thereby achieving both reliable engagement and operational ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If a traditional boat hook is used to pull a boat to the dock, then the hook can provide pulling force, but pulling on a solid pole has limited leverage and the pole may be slippery in wet conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepulling force on boatVSAvoidleverage and grip in wet conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a rope or line as an intermediary element between the operator and the boat hook pole. The rope provides enhanced leverage and grip for pulling the boat, while the operator holds the rope rather than directly gripping the potentially slippery pole, resolving the contradiction between pulling force and ease of operation in wet conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Force

If a rope or line is wrapped around a cleat on the boat to give more leverage, then the user gains much more leverage to pull or hold a boat, but considerable dexterity is often necessary for success in connecting the rope with the dock member

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleverage to pull or hold boatVSAvoiddexterity required for connecting rope

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention pre-attaches the rope or line to the boat hook assembly before the docking operation begins. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for the operator to perform complex rope manipulation and connection tasks under stress, providing both the leverage benefits of rope wrapping and the ease of operation of a pre-configured system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Length of moving object

If the assistant attempts to jump to the dock when the boat appears close enough, then the assistant can reach the dock, but jumping to a dock can lead to a major mishap

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance between boat and dockVSAvoidsafety of reaching dock

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The boat hook assembly with attached rope serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the boat and dock. The rope can be used to pull the boat closer to the dock in a controlled manner, eliminating the need for assistants to jump and providing a safe, gradual approach that maintains both distance reduction and operational safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables safe and reliable boat docking by allowing for adjustable hook angles and sizes to match different dock configurations, reducing the risk of slipping or falling, and facilitating secure attachment even in challenging conditions.

Implementation Method 1

using a detachable clamp or magnetic attachment to secure the hook

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attachment: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10913514B2Deployable boat hook

Publication Date: 2021.02.09 MARTIN ROY W

AI summary

The deployable boat hook assembly includes a clamping assembly which is attachable to a pole. The clamping assembly includes a clamp adapted to temporarily secure a boat hook which is configured to connect to a receiving member on a dock. The boat hook is configured to receive a boat line extending from the boat. The temporary securement of the boat hook by the clamping assembly is overcome by an operator moving the pole in a manner to release the clamping assembly from the pole, such that the boat remains connected to the dock by the boat hook and the boat line.