Convertible Canoe Backrest with Pivot Yoke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solo canoe transport devices are heavy, time-consuming to mount and dismount, prone to loss during capsize, and fail to provide adequate lumbar support while paddling or carrying the canoe.
Innovation Solution
A convertible ergonomic backrest for canoe bench seats that pivots between a seated configuration for back support, a portage configuration for carrying the canoe, and a storage configuration, secured with lower and upper pivot brackets, elastomeric cording, and adjustable shoulder pads, allowing quick deployment and secure storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a portable portage device is used, then the canoe can be transported, but the device is heavy (nearly 4 lbs.) and time-consuming to mount and dismount (~30 seconds)
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is merged with the portage device functionality, combining two separate functions (seating support and portage assistance) into a single integrated structure. The backrest frame serves as both a lumbar support when seated and a portage yoke when folded down, eliminating the need for separate portage equipment and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides lumbar support during paddling, transforms into a portage yoke for carrying the canoe, and can be quickly folded into a compact storage position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated portage devices, significantly reducing weight and deployment time.
2Reliability
If a removable portage device is used, then the device can be stored, but it is lost in the water during a capsize event
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is permanently mounted to the canoe seat, merging the seating function with the portage function. This permanent attachment ensures the device cannot be lost during a capsize, while the quick-fold mechanism maintains ease of deployment and storage operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest incorporates a dynamic folding mechanism with pivot brackets and elastomeric cording that allows quick transition between deployed and stored positions. The elastomeric cording provides automatic tension to hold the backrest in the folded position, enabling rapid deployment without complex fastening operations.
3Reliability
If the backrest is permanently mounted, then it remains secure during capsize, but it cannot be stored or folded out of the way
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest uses a dynamic folding mechanism with pivot brackets at the base and elastomeric cording for tension. This allows the permanently mounted structure to be quickly folded down against the seat during transport or storage, while remaining securely attached to prevent loss during capsize events.
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest employs flexible elastomeric cording instead of rigid fasteners to maintain the folded position. This flexible connection allows the backrest to be easily folded flat against the seat for storage while maintaining secure attachment, providing both reliability and adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional portage devices are used, then the canoe can be carried, but they lack lumbar support functionality while paddling
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest combines lumbar support functionality with portage yoke functionality in a single integrated structure. The vertical backrest frame provides lumbar support when seated, while the same frame folds down to create the portage carrying structure, achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest structure is designed to universally serve both as a lumbar support during paddling and as a portage yoke for carrying the canoe. The pivot brackets and foldable design enable the same structure to adapt to different functional requirements, eliminating device complexity through consolidation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a convertible ergonomic backrest and portage yoke for use on a solo canoe bench seat. In preferred embodiments, the device comprises a U-shaped back tube that is pivotably connected to the bench seat. Extending from the upper back part of the back tube are a pair of spaced upper pivot brackets that hold a pivot axle substantially horizontal between them. Coupled to the pivot axle is a pair of spaced shoulder pads. In a seated configuration, the back tube is pivoted to an upright position. In a storage configuration, the back tube pivots downward to the canoe bench seat with shoulder pads positioned between the spaced tube legs of the back tube. In a portage configuration, the shoulder pad assembly is pivoted so that the shoulder pads extend outward from the back tube for ergonomic portage of the solo canoe above the user's shoulders.