Human-Powered Catamaran with Slidable Pivot Frame for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing human-powered catamarans lack agility and storage efficiency due to inadequate slidable pivot relationships between hulls and frames, resulting in a large footprint and inability to fold completely for storage.
Innovation Solution
A human-powered catamaran with a folding collapsible frame that includes a central frame assembly, arms, and a center rack, allowing for articulation and folding configurations that reduce storage footprint, featuring a slidable relationship between the frame and hulls for maximized maneuverability and ease of storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If articulated hulls are used to improve agility, then turning capability is enhanced, but the storage footprint increases due to inability to fold completely
Solution Approach 1:
The catamaran frame is divided into multiple collapsible segments including front and rear sections that can be independently folded. The hulls are connected to the frame through pivot joints that allow each hull to be folded against its respective frame section, enabling complete collapse of the structure to minimize storage footprint while maintaining articulation capability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements dynamic positioning of hulls relative to the frame through slidable pivot relationships. The hulls can transition between operational positions for agility and folded positions for storage. The frame includes sliding mechanisms that allow the hulls to move along the frame length, enabling both articulation during use and compact folding for storage.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional rigid catamaran frames are used, then structural stability is maintained, but folding capability for compact storage is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid frame structure is segmented into collapsible sections connected by pivot joints and folding mechanisms. The frame includes front and rear sections that can be independently folded, with each section maintaining structural integrity during operation through rigid connections to hulls and through self-supporting geometry during folding for storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism allows inner frame sections to be nested within outer sections during collapse. The front and rear frame sections fold in a nested arrangement where smaller components are contained within larger structural elements, achieving compact storage while maintaining full structural capability during operational deployment.
3Volume of stationary object
If hulls are positioned far apart to maximize storage space, then storage capacity increases, but agility and turning radius are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hull spacing is made dynamic through slidable pivot relationships that allow adjustment of hull position relative to the frame. During operation, hulls can be positioned at optimal spacing for agility and maneuverability. During storage, the hulls fold against the frame, effectively reducing spacing to minimize footprint. The sliding mechanisms enable continuous adjustment of hull position along the frame length.
4Area of stationary object
If complete folding configuration is implemented, then storage footprint is minimized, but drive assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive assembly is segmented into modular components including the propeller, drive shaft, and motor that can be independently folded and stored. The drive shaft is configured to fold along with the frame sections, and the propeller can be positioned to align with folded structures. This segmentation allows complete folding of the catamaran while keeping drive components integrated and protected within the collapsed frame.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and methods according to the present invention provides a human powered catamaran-styled watercraft and methods of configuring and operating the watercraft. The watercraft generally comprises at least one hull in communication with a folding collapsible frame, wherein in the frame comprises a center rack pivotally joining hulls of hull sets to provide for common pivoting of the hulls during articulation of the watercraft, thereby the hulls and frame are in further communication through a at least one pivot pad which provides for slidable pivoting of the hulls during articulation of the watercraft. A method of folding and reversibly extending the watercraft to provide for optimized storage is provided. A method of operation of the watercraft to provide for articulation of the watercraft is provided.