Boat Stern Hatch With Internal Actuation Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stern hatches on boats limit internal space, pose safety risks due to protruding actuating members, and have complex and costly assembly processes, often requiring hinge mechanisms that complicate operation and increase installation time.

Innovation Solution

A stern hatch system where actuating means are entirely internal, using gearings and a pneumatically or hydraulically controlled telescopic member to move the hatch without external hinges, allowing for smooth operation and reduced assembly complexity by being pre-assembled within the hatch body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If telescopic actuating members are used to move the stern hatch, then the hatch can be opened and closed, but the internal space of the stern compartment is limited regardless of whether the hatch is closed or open

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehatch opening and closingVSAvoidinternal space of stern compartment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating means are completely housed within the body of the hatch, with the telescopic member nested inside the hatch structure. This allows the hatch to be moved while keeping the actuating mechanism contained within the hatch's own volume, thus not encroaching on the stern compartment's internal space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If telescopic actuating members are used to move the stern hatch, then the hatch can be opened and closed, but protruding parts pose safety risks to occupants

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehatch opening and closingVSAvoidsafety risks to occupants
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating means are extracted from the traditional external mounting position and completely relocated inside the hatch body. This eliminates protruding parts that could pose safety risks to occupants while maintaining the functional capability of opening and closing the hatch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If hinge means and countermeans are provided to allow rotary motion of the hatch, then the hatch can be opened and closed, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehatch opening and closingVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional mechanical hinge system is replaced with an actuating mechanism that uses a telescopic member with gearings. This substitution simplifies the assembly process by eliminating the need for separate hinge means and countermeans, while still achieving the required rotary motion for opening and closing the hatch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If hinge pins and seats are associated with the hatch and compartment walls to allow rotary motion, then the hatch can be opened and closed, but assembly times and difficulties increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehatch opening and closingVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge pin and seat system is replaced by an actuating mechanism with a telescopic member that integrates the rotation function. This reduces assembly time by eliminating multiple separate components and their associated mounting steps, while maintaining the hatch's ability to open and close.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This design enhances safety by eliminating protruding parts, simplifies assembly, and allows the hatch to be easily mounted and operated without restricting the compartment's space, enabling dual functionality as both a closure and a beach platform.

Implementation Method 1

a pneumatically or hydraulically controlled telescopic member to move the hatch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatics and hydraulics: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

using gearings and a pneumatically or hydraulically controlled telescopic member to move the hatch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP3114022B1Boat with stern hatch with integrated movement
Publication Date: 2018.07.25 FERRETTI
  • EP3114022B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3114022B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3114022B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A boat (1) comprises a hull (2) provided with a rear stern hatch (3) located in correspondence with an internal stern compartment (4) of said hull (2) and suitable for opening and closing in correspondence with an aperture (5) of said compartment, said hatch (3) having a body (20) with opposed side (12, 13) located in correspondence with side walls of said compartment and a upper edge (14) and a lower edge (15). The hatch (3) comprises actuating means (30) to open and close said compartment (4) arranged inside its own body (20), said actuating means (30) rotatably constraining at least one of said sides (12, 13) of the hatch (3) to said hull (2), said body (20) being not provided with any further connections of said sides (12, 13) to said hull.