Pullout Shade Mounting Device for Boat Arching Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable shade systems for boats, both manual and automated, face challenges in mounting on arching tubular overhead structures and providing extended shade coverage forwardly from the bow of smaller recreational boats, where they are often obstructive and difficult to deploy effectively.
Innovation Solution
A manually operated pullout shade system with a telescopic framework and a mounting device featuring figure-8 clamp members and tensioned roller members, allowing for adjustable deployment and secure attachment to arching tubular structures, and vertical actuator assemblies that extend along the gunnel to provide forward shade coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If powered automated systems with telescopic framework are used, then deployment speed and ease of operation are improved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex powered automated mechanical systems with a simpler manual operation system. The telescopic framework is designed to be manually extendable and collapsible, eliminating motors, electrical connections, and control systems while maintaining the core function of providing shade coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power system from the telescopic framework, retaining only the essential mechanical structure. By removing the powered components, the system becomes lighter and simpler while still achieving the desired deployment function through manual operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If self-supporting teleframe structure is used, then ease of manufacture and installation are improved, but adaptability to arching tubular overhead structures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic mounting clamps that can adjust their position and angle to accommodate the curved surface of arching tubular overhead structures. These clamps can be positioned at different locations along the tube and angled to match the arch geometry, providing adaptability while maintaining ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate adjustable clamp components rather than a single fixed structure. This segmentation allows each clamp to be independently positioned and angled to fit the specific geometry of the boat's overhead structure, enhancing adaptability without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
3Area of stationary object
If foldable bimini top structure with poles is used, then shade coverage is improved, but obstruction to reaching over side and boarding deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the side poles that cause obstructions and instead mounts the shade system to the existing overhead structure. This extraction of problematic components eliminates interference with reaching over the side and boarding while preserving the overhead shade coverage function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the boat's existing overhead structure (radar arch, T-top, etc.) as an intermediary mounting surface. This intermediary allows the shade system to be supported without requiring additional poles that would obstruct access to the water and boat side.
4Ease of operation
If retractable canopy system is mounted to overhead structure, then obstruction to reaching over side is reduced, but adaptability to arching tubular structures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clamps are designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing them to be positioned at various angles and locations to conform to the curved surface of arching tubular overhead structures. This dynamic positioning enables the system to mount to different boat types without compromising access to the boat side.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved mounting device and assembled configuration for deploying a manually operated pullout shade system of the type having a tensioned roller member carrying a flexible canvas sheet and parallel tubular actuators therefor. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mounting device is disclosed for securing the manual pullout shade system onto an arching tubular overhead structure onboard a boat so that the pullout shade may be adjusted in its working attitude and maintained in proper position for deployment. The mounting device includes a set of clamp members each constructed in the form of a figure “8” with associated circular sections on each clamp member being rotatably coupled together. The circular sections of the clamp members are further adapted to engage about sections of the tubular actuators and nearby portions of the overhead structure thereby providing an adjustable joint coupling between them that allows the pullout shade and its tubular actuators to be placed in various positions for deployment. In a second embodiment, the tensioned roller member of the pullout shade system is attached along the front of rooftop structure on the boat and the tubular actuators are separated therefrom and set apart vertically within the gunnel of the boat on opposite sides near the bow. In this assembled configuration, the canvas sheet may be drawn forward from the rooftop structure on the tensioned roller member and the tubular actuator pulled into extended upright positions to connect with the canvas sheet and support the extended forward deployment of the shade system.