Movable Stern Hatch for Boat Swim Platform and Compartment Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Boats with aft compartments and stern platforms face challenges in accessing the compartment for launching tenders, as the platform impedes direct access and prevents the compartment from being floodable, while boats without platforms struggle with hatch reliability and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A stern hatch that acts as both a closure for the aft compartment and a swim platform, utilizing hydraulic and/or pneumatic actuators to pivot and rotate, allowing the hatch to open upwards or downwards, enabling floodability and dual functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stern platform is added to the boat, then passenger accessibility and swim functionality are improved, but direct access to the aft compartment from the sea is impeded and the compartment cannot be flooded
Solution Approach 1:
The stern platform is made movable rather than fixed. It can be positioned in different states: closed (providing swim platform functionality), open (allowing direct sea access to compartment), or partially open (allowing controlled flooding). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the same structure to serve multiple opposing functions at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The stern platform is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a swim platform for passengers, a closure for the aft compartment, and a controllable opening mechanism for flooding or accessing the compartment. This multi-functionality allows a single structure to address both the accessibility improvement and the adaptability requirement.
2Ease of operation
If the stern hatch is made movable to allow compartment access, then tender launching is facilitated, but the reliability and structural integrity of the hatch is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The stern hatch is divided into two separate movable parts: the stern platform and the hatch cover. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the platform provides structural support and can be positioned at different angles, while the hatch cover provides reliable closure. The分段 design maintains reliability while enabling easy tender launching.
Solution Approach 2:
The hatch system uses dynamic positioning with multiple stable states. The platform can be held at various angles (closed, partially open, fully open) and the hatch cover can be securely positioned in open or closed states. This dynamic capability with stable positioning resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
3Device complexity
If the stern hatch acts as both closure and swim platform, then device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the hatch in each position is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The unified hatch structure is segmented into the stern platform and hatch cover, each with dedicated functions. The platform serves as both structural element and swim platform, while the cover provides closure. This segmentation reduces overall complexity compared to having separate components for each function, while maintaining reliability through specialized design of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The stern platform is designed as a multi-functional universal component that serves as structural support, swim platform, and closure mechanism. By making this single component perform multiple functions rather than using separate dedicated components, device complexity is reduced while the reliability is maintained through proper mechanical design of the multi-functional element.
Data Source
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AI summary
A boat (1) comprises a hull (2) having an aft stern hatch (3) located in an inner aft compartment (4) of the aforesaid hull (2), the hatch (3) having a body (25) with opposing flanks or sides (16, 17) pivoted on the hull (2), and upper (20) and lower (21) edges. The hatch (3) comprises pivot means (31, 32; 33, 34) associated with the aforesaid flanks or sides (16, 17) in the proximity of the upper edge (20) and in the proximity of the lower edge (21), the pivot means (31, 32; 33, 34) being movable towards the inside and towards the outside of these flanks (16, 17) so that they can protrude from the flanks in combination or alternatively to each other, thereby allowing the hatch (3) to assume, alternatively, a position in which it is closed on to the compartment, a first position of opening to an upper part of the hull, or a second position of opening to a lower part of the hull (2).