Boat Launch Platform With Movable Floating Floor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current launch and recovery systems for boats, especially in rough seas, are hazardous and inefficient, with existing solutions being complex and prone to damage, and lacking in safe storage options for both afloat and out-of-water conditions.
Innovation Solution
A launch and recovery platform with a floating floor that moves vertically, allowing the boat to transition from an out-of-water to an afloat position, featuring a frame with flotation means and a security system for stabilization and guidance, enabling safe and efficient launching and recovery, as well as storage on land or water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional davits or cranes are used to launch and recover boats, then the boat can be deployed and recovered, but the process is time-consuming and dangerous, especially in rough seas
Solution Approach 1:
The platform employs a movable floating floor that transitions between resting on the support floor (when afloat) and floating on water surface (when out of water), dynamically adapting to operational states. This dynamic configuration enables safe launch and recovery by allowing the boat to move with water movements, reducing operational time and enhancing safety in rough seas conditions
2Reliability
If rigid inflatable boats are handled by crane with cable attached to central pivot point, then the boat can be recovered, but the handling becomes perilous when sea is rough and unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The platform uses flotation means and floating floor to counteract the harmful effects of rough sea conditions. The floating floor can move vertically relative to the frame, absorbing shock and stabilizing the boat during recovery operations in rough seas, thereby eliminating the perilous handling associated with traditional cable-based crane operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If launching or recovery ramps are used, then the boat can be launched, but the ramps cannot be easily adapted to marine constructions with platforms at high altitude and are not suitable for long-term storage
Solution Approach 1:
The platform serves multiple functions: it acts as a launch platform for boats, a recovery platform for watercraft, and a storage platform for both afloat and afloat conditions. The movable floating floor enables the same structure to handle different operational modes, eliminating the need for separate ramps and reducing overall system complexity while enhancing versatility
4Reliability
If motion compensation systems are developed for boat launch and recovery, then the boat can be launched and recovered in rough seas, but the systems are complex and require compressed air
Solution Approach 1:
The platform uses the natural buoyancy and floating characteristics of water to compensate for motion in rough seas, eliminating the need for complex external motion compensation systems. The floating floor moves with water movements, naturally stabilizing the boat during launch and recovery without requiring compressed air or sophisticated active compensation mechanisms
5Reliability
If locking and unlocking systems are used to secure the vessel, then the boat can be secured during launch or recovery, but the systems are complex and the boat remains sensitive to strong swells
Solution Approach 1:
The platform employs a dynamic floating floor that moves vertically relative to the frame, allowing the boat to adapt to strong swell movements naturally. This dynamic configuration reduces the boat's sensitivity to swells during launch and recovery, eliminating the need for complex locking and unlocking systems while maintaining security through the inherent stability of the floating structure
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 platform ensures safe and efficient boat handling in rough seas by stabilizing the boat during launch and recovery, reducing damage risks and facilitating storage, while allowing autonomous operation without human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a floating floor (30) coupled to the frame (10) so as to be movable in vertical translation... arranged to move from a configuration in which the floating floor (30) rests on the support floor (11) when the launch and recovery platform (1) is afloat, to a configuration in which the floating floor (30) floats on the surface of the water when the launch and recovery platform (1) is afloat
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to methods for launching and removing a boat from the water and to a boat launching and recovery platform (1) comprising a frame (10) for receiving a boat (2), flotation means (20) attached to the frame (10), and a floating floor (30) coupled to the frame (10) so as to be movable in vertical translation. The launching and recovery platform (1) is arranged to, and the methods make it possible to, change from a configuration in which the floating floor (30) rests on a support floor (11) when the launching and recovery platform (1) is not afloat, to a configuration in which the floating floor (30) floats on the surface (S1) of the water when the launching and recovery platform (1) is afloat.