Boat Porthole Closing Element with Integrated Lever Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portholes in boats, especially rectangular ones, are laborious to open due to the need for multiple hinges and locking devices, which can lead to uncontrolled rotation and potential breakage, and do not allow for effective aeration without fully opening the space.

Innovation Solution

A closing element with a shaped frame and laminar surface that uses a system of hinges and levers to allow simultaneous release and re-engagement of multiple locking devices with a single maneuver, enabling partial opening for ventilation while remaining stably connected to the restraining means, thus preventing uncontrolled rotation and allowing larger gaps for aeration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple locking devices are used to secure the closing element, then the reliability and stability of the closed position is improved, but the complexity of the opening operation increases and becomes more laborious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of closed positionVSAvoidease of opening operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple locking devices into a single integrated locking mechanism that can be operated simultaneously. The closing element features a unified locking system where all locking points are engaged or released together through one operation, eliminating the need for multiple separate locking actions while maintaining secure closure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it secures the closing element at multiple points simultaneously, provides a single operation interface for the user, and maintains reliable engagement while enabling easy opening. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the closing element is fully opened for aeration, then the ventilation effectiveness is improved, but the risk of uncontrolled rotation and accidental breakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaeration effectivenessVSAvoidrisk of breakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The closing element is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be held at intermediate angles between fully closed and fully open positions. The restraining means enable the element to rotate to various degrees and remain stable at each position, providing flexible control over the aeration opening size while maintaining safety through controlled positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter from binary (fully open/fully closed) to continuous (variable angle positions). By allowing the closing element to be positioned at different rotation angles and held stable at each angle, the system optimizes aeration effectiveness while minimizing breakage risks associated with full opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the closing element is made larger to allow better aeration, then the ventilation capability is improved, but the risk of uncontrolled rotation and knock damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation capabilityVSAvoidresistance to knock damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The restraining means provide dynamic stabilization that adapts to the larger closing element's dimensions and weight. The system allows controlled rotation to ventilation positions while providing stabilizing forces to prevent uncontrolled movement, enabling the larger element to deliver enhanced ventilation without proportionally increased breakage risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1854714B1Element for closing spaces of boats
Publication Date: 2016.05.04 BESENZONI
  • EP1854714B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1854714B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1854714B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

An element (1) for closing spaces (V) of boats comprising a shaped frame (2), which is associated perimetrically with the space (V) a laminar surface (3) that allows light to pass, associated with the shaped frame (2) so as to face the space (V) and restraining means (4), associated with the shaped frame (2), to partially open the space (V). The closing element (1) comprises locking devices (5) of the laminar surface (3) in the closed position of the space (V), associated with the shaped frame (2), and moving means (6) of the locking devices (5), which connect together the locking devices (5) and release the shaped frame (2) from the locking devices (5) to open the space (V).