Convertible Boat Tower Shade With Horizontal Folding Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Boat towers with integrated shades can interfere with transportation and storage when in a raised position, necessitating a design that allows for easy conversion between raised and lowered positions while maintaining the shade's horizontal orientation.
Innovation Solution
A convertible top shade assembly for a boat that includes a tower and shade assembly with pivotable legs and a linkage system, allowing the top shade to remain horizontal as the legs rotate between raised and lowered positions, facilitated by a dual-folding motion triggered by a single action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the tower and shade assembly is positioned in a raised position to provide shade coverage, then the shade protection function is improved, but the interference with boat transportation and storage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tower and shade assembly is designed with dynamic convertibility, allowing it to switch between a raised position for shade provision and a lowered position for storage and transportation. The linkage system enables the assembly to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between providing shade protection and facilitating easy transportation.
2Ease of operation
If the top shade is converted from a fixed to a convertible design, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage system merges multiple functions into a single mechanism: it connects the top shade to the leg, enables rotational movement, maintains horizontal orientation during conversion, and provides structural support. This integration allows the complex functionality to be achieved through a unified mechanism rather than separate components, improving ease of operation while managing device complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the top shade maintains horizontal orientation during leg rotation, then the shade coverage quality is improved, but the linkage mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage acts as an intermediary mechanism between the rotating leg and the top shade. It mediates the rotational movement of the leg while maintaining the horizontal orientation of the top shade through its geometric configuration. This intermediary function allows the top shade to remain stable and horizontal during leg rotation without requiring complex active control systems.
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
Enables seamless conversion of the tower and shade assembly between raised and lowered positions, minimizing interference with boat transportation and storage while providing continuous shade coverage.
Implementation Method 1
The linkage is pivotably connected to the base at a linkage base pivot and pivotably connected to the top shade at a linkage top shade pivot to connect the top shade with the base and rotate the top shade about the shade pivot to maintain the top shade in a generally horizontal orientation as the leg rotates between the raised position and the lowered position.
Data Source
AI summary
A top shade assembly for a boat. The top shade assembly can be a convertible top shade assembly and/or part of a tower and shade assembly. The top shade assembly includes a top shade, and the top shade can be moved between a raised position and a lowered position with the top shade maintaining a generally horizontal orientation as the leg rotates between the raised position and the lowered position. The top shade can be supported by one or more legs, and the legs can be part of a tower, such as a tower equipped with a towline attachment structure for watersports.