Boat Trailer Loop Gripping Mechanism for Secure Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat trailer systems lack an efficient and easy-to-use mechanism for securely attaching and detaching boats, often requiring cumbersome methods that can be time-consuming and prone to misalignment.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus featuring a hull contact structure with a releasable gripping mechanism, comprising movable jaws and a lock tongue, that engages and secures the boat's trailer loop, allowing for easy locking and unlocking by pivoting jaws and a release lever, ensuring secure attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional trailer securing methods are used, then the boat can be attached to the trailer, but the process is time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping structure automatically engages with the boat loop when the boat is rolled forward onto the trailer. The jaws close and lock onto the loop without requiring manual intervention, and the release mechanism automatically disengages when the release lever is actuated. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual securing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping structure uses movable jaws that can transition between open and closed positions to accommodate the boat loop during attachment and detachment. The dynamic movement of the jaws allows for quick engagement and release operations, significantly improving attachment speed while maintaining ease of operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual securing methods are used, then the boat can be attached to the trailer, but misalignment is common and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hull contact structure serves as an intermediary element that guides the boat loop into the correct position for engagement with the gripping structure. This intermediary mechanism ensures proper alignment between the boat and trailer securing points, eliminating misalignment issues while reducing the time required for secure attachment.
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then the boat attachment reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, dedicated feature within the gripping structure. The lock tongue and release lever are distinct components that provide secure locking without requiring a complex overall mechanism. This extraction approach maintains high attachment security while avoiding unnecessary complexity in the complete securing 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
Facilitates quick and secure attachment of boats to trailers, reducing the risk of misalignment and improving the overall efficiency of boat hauling by providing a reliable and user-friendly locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
movement of the jaws into the lock position permits the lock tongue to move into the lock space and block movement of the jaws from the lock position toward the release position
Implementation Method 2
The lock tongue may be biased toward the lock orientation so that movement of the jaws into the lock position permits the lock tongue to move into the lock space
Implementation Method 3
Each jaw may have an actuator tab positioned adjacent to the notch such that movement of the securing loop between the jaws contacts the actuator tab to move the jaws from the release position toward the lock position
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for selectively securing a boat to a trailer may include a hull contact structure for abutting against the boat hull, and a releasable gripping structure positioned adjacent the hull contact structure to engage the boat's securing loop and selectively lock onto the loop to hold the boat to the trailer.