Automated Boat Lift Trolley with Sensor-Controlled Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an automated system and method to move a boat between a boat garage for storage and a dock channel, as existing boat lift assemblies lack automation.
Innovation Solution
An automated boat lift and trolley system with integrated electronic control and sensor systems, comprising a track with rails from the boat garage to the dock, a trolley with wheels for boat support, a lift assembly for water deployment, and sensors for position control, allowing automated movement and water entry of the boat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an automated control system with sensors is integrated into the boat lift, then the ease of operation and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors that automatically detect boat presence and position, and a controller that autonomously activates the lift mechanism without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own state through sensors and making decisions based on pre-programmed logic, eliminating the need for complex manual operation while managing the complexity through automation.
2Productivity
If manual operation of boat lift is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and efficiency are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect boat presence and a controller to activate the lift mechanism. This substitution of mechanical/manual control with electronic sensing and control systems increases productivity by enabling faster, more consistent operation while managing complexity through integrated automation.
3Reliability
If automated sensors and control systems are added to monitor trolley position and lift operation, then the reliability and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the position of the trolley and the operation state of the lift mechanism, feeding this information back to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to make real-time decisions about when to activate the lift and when to stop, improving reliability through continuous monitoring while managing complexity through systematic feedback loops.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated system is provided for moving a boat from a storage position in a boat garage to a deployed position in a dock channel. The system can include a boat trolley. The boat trolley can include a bottom frame that couples to and rides on rails of a track that extends between the boat garage and the dock channel. The boat trolley can also include an upper frame that with bunker supports for supporting the hull of the boat. The upper frame can be lifted off of the lower frame by a dock lift mechanism to thereafter lower the upper frame into the water, from which the boat can be deployed. Once done using the boat, the user can navigate the boat onto the upper frame, and the dock lift mechanism used to lift the upper frame and boat out of the water, the upper frame then dropped onto and coupled to the lower frame, and the boat trolley operated to move the boat from the dock to the boat garage for storage.