Boat Lift Linear Actuator Corrosion Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat lift mechanisms are either labor-intensive and prone to wear or expensive and susceptible to corrosion, leading to inefficiencies and environmental pollution.
Innovation Solution
A boat lift system utilizing linear actuators connected to a structure that can be either a space frame on the water bottom, a floating dock, or a fixed pier, with a hydraulic system that keeps all components above the water line to prevent corrosion and includes telescopically adjustable components for versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a cable and pulley arrangement is used, then the mechanism is simple and inexpensive, but it requires considerable time and effort to operate and is susceptible to damage and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual cable and pulley mechanical system with a power-assisted mechanical system that includes an electric motor, drum, and controlled cable arrangement. This substitution maintains the simplicity of the overall mechanism while eliminating the need for considerable manual time and effort to operate, as the motor automatically performs the winding and unwinding operations.
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic actuators with piston rods extended from the actuator cylinder are used, then the mechanism is easy to operate, but the piston rod is susceptible to corrosion and plating of contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vulnerable piston rod from the corrosive water environment by positioning the hydraulic actuator entirely above the water line. The actuator cylinder and piston rod are mounted on the floating platform or support structure, eliminating direct exposure to water that would cause corrosion and contaminant plating, thereby maintaining operational ease while significantly improving reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the actuator piston rod is extended from the actuator cylinder when the cradle is elevated, then the mechanism operates easily, but hydraulic fluid leaks out of the actuator and pollutes the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of hydraulic fluid leakage into a benefit by positioning the actuator above the water line where any leakage would not directly pollute the water environment. Additionally, the system design includes containment features that capture and redirect any leaked hydraulic fluid back into the reservoir, transforming a harmful leakage issue into a controlled and environmentally benign situation.
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 efficient and durable operation by minimizing corrosion and wear, ensuring reliable and pollution-free performance while accommodating various boat sizes and water levels.
Implementation Method 1
The pump is configured to direct pressurized hydraulic fluid to an extend chamber of the first hydraulic actuator
Implementation Method 2
a first hydraulic actuator having a piston rod, configured to raise and lower the platform with respect to the space frame
Data Source
AI summary
A boat lift includes posts and linear actuators, each attached to one of the posts. Each linear actuator includes an extendable and retractable member oriented for extension and retraction substantially parallel to the post. Ends of a first pair of the extendable and retractable members are connected to a first carrier, and ends of a second pair of the extendable and retractable members are connected to a second carrier. A cradle or platform is supported by the first and second carriers. The boat lift may be supported by the ground, by a structure, for example, a dock, a sea wall or a wall of a boat house, or by pontoons.