Boat Platform Linkage for Horizontal Lifting on Angled Transoms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile platform devices for boats, which raise and lower using hydraulic cylinders, often displace the platform horizontally, causing it to move closer to or away from the transom, especially on boats with non-vertical transoms, leading to inefficiencies and potential cantilevered positioning.

Innovation Solution

A mobile platform device with synchronized actuation means that control the pivoting of support arms and platform rotation, combined with translational movement along a perpendicular direction, maintaining the platform in a horizontal plane regardless of the transom configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the support arms are lengthened to adapt to non-vertical transoms, then the platform can be positioned correctly, but the platform becomes cantilevered and unstable when raised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to non-vertical transom configurationsVSAvoidplatform stability when raised
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention adds translational movement along the Z-axis (perpendicular to the pivot axis) to the traditional rotational movement. This dimensional addition allows the platform to maintain proper positioning and stability when raised, eliminating the cantilevered effect that occurs with lengthened support arms on non-vertical transoms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the platform is mounted to pivot on the end of support arms, then the platform can be raised and lowered, but horizontal displacement occurs bringing the platform closer to or away from the transom

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform raising and lowering capabilityVSAvoidplatform positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By introducing movement along the Z-axis (perpendicular direction) in addition to the traditional rotational movement around the horizontal pivot axis, the system can compensate for horizontal displacement. This dual-degree-of-freedom mechanism maintains the platform at a constant distance from the transom while enabling raising and lowering operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If hydraulic cylinders are used to raise and lower the platform, then the platform can be positioned at different heights, but the platform rotates and loses horizontal orientation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform height adjustmentVSAvoidplatform horizontal orientation maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention couples rotational movement around the horizontal axis with translational movement along the perpendicular Z-axis. This combination allows the platform to change height while maintaining its horizontal orientation, as the translational component compensates for the rotational displacement that would otherwise cause the platform to tilt.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 maintains a horizontal position during raising and lowering, adapting to various transom configurations, ensuring stable and efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

the raising and lowering of the support arms by rotation around a horizontal axis... One of the pulleys is fixed to the end of the hydraulic cylinder rod, so that the advance of this rod causes the support arm to descend by rotation around a horizontal axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

On the opposite free end of these support arms, a platform is mounted in an articulated fashion, again around a horizontal axis parallel to the pivot axis of the support arms

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArticulated pivoting: Hinge

Implementation Method 3

One of the pulleys is fixed to the end of the hydraulic cylinder rod, so that the advance of this rod causes the support arm to descend by rotation around a horizontal axis under the weight of the arm and the platform it carries

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulley mechanism: Pulley

Data Source

PatentEP4678529A1Movable platform device for watercraft
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 TENDERELEVATOR
  • EP4678529A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4678529A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4678529A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a mobile platform device (1) for a boat, comprising at least one support arm (2) provided, at a first end (3), with articulated fastening means (4) designed to pivotally attach said support arm (2) to a boat about an axis X. This support arm (2) further comprises a second end (5), opposite the first (3), on which a platform (6) is articulated about an axis Y, parallel to X. The mobile platform device (1) further comprises hydraulic or motor-driven actuation means (7) for jointly controlling the pivoting of the support arm (2) about the axis X and the rotation of the platform (6) about the axis Y. Advantageously, this platform (6) is also mounted in translation on the end (5) of the support arm (2) along a direction Z, perpendicular to the axis Y.