Boat Storage Device with Movable Carriages on Guide Rails

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional storage methods for sports rowing boats are inefficient, as they occupy significant space and require complex maneuvering, making them difficult to store and retrieve due to the protruding outriggers and air boxes, which limit space utilization in boathouses.

Innovation Solution

A storage device with parallel guide rails and carriages that allow the sports rowing boat to be supported by its top edge and air boxes, using rollers and convex support sections to distribute the weight evenly, enabling flexible and space-saving storage by allowing the boat to be moved along the rails without damaging the sensitive areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional rigid struts are used to support the boat, then the boat can be stored, but the delicate oarlocks or outriggers may be damaged due to improper spacing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of delicate componentsVSAvoidindividual adjustment of strut spacing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device employs movable carriages that can be positioned at different locations along the guide rails, allowing the support points to be dynamically adjusted to match the specific geometry of different boat types. This replaces the static, individually adjusted rigid struts with a dynamic system that adapts through repositioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guide rail system with movable carriages serves multiple functions: it supports various boat types (singles, doubles, quads, eights), accommodates different outrigger configurations, and provides adjustable support positions. This universal system replaces the need for individually adjusted struts for each boat.

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

2Ease of operation

If the central aisle is used for maneuvering carts, then boats can be transported, but a sufficiently large area is required and maneuvering takes time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveboat transport capabilityVSAvoidmaneuvering time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from horizontal cart maneuvering in the central aisle to vertical stacking of carriages on guide rails. Boats are loaded onto carriages that move along the rails and can be stacked at different heights, eliminating the need for extensive horizontal maneuvering space and reducing transport time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide rails act as an intermediary structure that enables direct vertical movement and stacking of carriages, replacing the indirect horizontal cart-based transport system. This intermediary infrastructure allows for more efficient space utilization and faster boat access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If the boat is supported only on the top edge of the sidewall, then storage is simple, but the air chamber may rest on the strut causing potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage simplicityVSAvoiddamage to air chamber
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The carriage system provides different support characteristics at different locations: the carriages can be positioned to support the boat on the uppermost edge of the side (avoiding the air chamber) or on the air chamber itself when properly positioned. This localized quality control prevents damage while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The carriage acts as an intermediary between the guide rail and the boat, providing a controlled support interface. The carriage can be designed with appropriate contact surfaces that distribute loads correctly, preventing direct contact between rigid struts and sensitive air chambers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution allows for easy, flexible, and space-efficient storage of sports rowing boats, reducing the need for extensive boathouse space and simplifying the loading and unloading process by accommodating the boat's unique shape and dimensions, thereby optimizing storage capacity.

Implementation Method 1

The first carriage is mounted on the first and second guide rails by means of rollers, such that the first carriage can be displaced along the first and second guide rails

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4035987B1Storage device for storing a sports rowing boat, arrangement comprising several storage devices and method for storing a sports rowing boat
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 STEVILA UAB
  • EP4035987B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4035987B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4035987B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a storage device (15) for storing a sports rowing boat (11), comprising: a first and a second guide rail (4) which are spaced apart from one another and arranged parallel to one another in a horizontal plane; a first support device which is designed to support a first boat section of a sports rowing boat (11) with a first carriage (16, 16a), wherein the first carriage (16, 16a) is mounted in a rolling manner on the first and second guide rails (4) by means of rollers (7) in such a way that the first carriage (16, 16a) is displaceable along the first and second guide rails (4) with and without the sports rowing boat (11) supported thereon; and outer sections (14) which are assigned to the first and second guide rails (4) and are connected to one another via a web (13a, 13b) on which the first boat section rests after being placed thereon;and a second support device designed to support a second boat section of the sports rowing boat (11), which is different from the first boat section, and which is designed according to one of the following: a second carriage (16, 16b) which is displaceable independently of the first carriage (16, 16a) along the first and second guide rails (4); and a support which is arranged stationary with respect to the first and second guide rails (4) and has a convex support section. Furthermore, an arrangement (1) with a plurality of storage devices (15) and a method for storing a sports rowing boat (11) are provided.