Retractable Boat Slip Curtains Synchronized Roller Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side curtain systems for boat wet slips and boat lifts face issues such as limited access, potential damage from wind-borne canopies, mechanical failures in drawstring systems, and difficulty in quick installation and removal for seasonal storage.
Innovation Solution
A synchronized roller system for deploying four curtains that surround a space, using motors and idlers to rotate meshing gears to roll up or down, with optional hand crank operation and clamping structures for secure attachment to a top frame, allowing for synchronized and efficient deployment and retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a canopy is placed close to the boat for maximum protection from the elements, then protection effectiveness is improved, but access to the boat becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is segmented into a fixed canopy and movable side curtains. The canopy provides overhead protection while the curtains can be independently deployed to provide lateral protection without interfering with boat access. This segmentation allows different parts of the protective system to serve different functions at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The side curtains are designed to be dynamically deployable and retractable, transitioning between a stowed position that allows full boat access and a deployed position that provides lateral protection. The curtains can be quickly positioned based on whether protection or access is the priority at any given moment.
2Ease of operation
If hanging cables are used to raise and lower the canopy, then deployment is simple, but the canopy gains undesirable lateral range of motion that can cause damage to the boat
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the overhead canopy function from the lateral protection function. The canopy remains fixed in position to provide stable overhead coverage, while separate side curtains handle lateral protection needs. This eliminates the harmful lateral motion of the canopy while preserving simple deployment through the curtain system.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral protection function is extracted from the canopy system and implemented through separate side curtains. This removes the problematic lateral movement capability from the overhead structure while maintaining the ability to provide lateral protection through the independently controlled curtain panels.
3Extent of automation
If mechanical drawstring systems are used to lower curtains, then automated deployment is achieved, but mechanical failure makes manual actuation very difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The curtain system incorporates gravity as a self-service mechanism to lower the curtains. When the motor fails or power is unavailable, the curtains can be manually lowered by releasing a latch or brake mechanism, allowing gravity to do the work of lowering without requiring complex manual winding or cranking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces a purely mechanical drawstring system with a hybrid approach that uses an electric motor for automated deployment but incorporates gravity-assisted lowering capability. This substitution allows the system to fail gracefully and be manually actuated through simpler means when the motor fails.
4Ease of operation
If only one side or end curtain is moved at a time, then controlled deployment is achieved, but large surface area creates dangerous wind load conditions for boat lifts
Solution Approach 1:
The curtain deployment system uses periodic, sequential actuation of multiple curtains rather than simultaneous or single-curtain deployment. The synchronized roller system can deploy curtains in a staggered sequence, reducing the instantaneous wind load on the structure while still achieving full coverage eventually. This periodic deployment strategy manages structural loads during the deployment process.
5Duration of action of stationary object
If permanent curtain systems are installed, then continuous protection is provided, but quick installation and removal for seasonal storage is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The curtain system is designed with dynamic attachment and detachment capabilities. The curtains can be quickly installed by attaching to the canopy frame and rapidly removed when seasonal storage is needed. The synchronized roller system maintains protection during operation but allows for easy system removal without permanent installation commitments.
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
Enhances access to boats while minimizing wind load and damage risks, facilitates easy installation and removal, and allows for seasonal storage without disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
using motors and idlers to rotate meshing gears to roll up or down
Implementation Method 2
rotate meshing gears to roll up or down
Implementation Method 3
Similar devices have also been used on motorcycle covers, golf cart covers, recreational vehicle covers and personal watercraft/jet ski covers
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for the deployment of four curtains for the sides of boat ‘wet slips’ and boat lifts, car ports or the like. A synchronized roller system is provided to roll up or down each of the four curtains that surround a space to be enclosed by the curtain system.