Cleat Attachment Device with Adjustable Lateral Posts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleat attachment devices are not suitable for easily attaching a docking line with a looped end, as they do not facilitate smooth placement around the horns of the cleat and are difficult to assemble.
Innovation Solution
A cleat attachable device with a frame having lateral posts, mounting plates, and a stud plate that securely attaches to the cleat, featuring slots and shoulders to guide the line and accommodate different cleat sizes, allowing easy assembly and secure attachment of the line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional horn cleat is used for attaching docking lines, then the cleat provides basic line attachment capability, but the looped end of the line cannot be easily placed around the horns and the device is difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modular components: a frame structure with lateral posts, mounting plates, and a stud plate. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall assembly process and enabling easy attachment of the looped docking line.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure with lateral posts acts as an intermediary between the docking line and the horn cleat. The lateral posts provide a guided path for the looped line to follow, making it easier to attach the line around the horns of the cleat without direct manual manipulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-distance cleat attachable device is used, then the lateral posts are positioned at a set distance, but the device cannot accommodate different cleat sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The distance between lateral posts is made dynamic rather than fixed. The mounting plates with slots allow the lateral posts to be positioned at different distances from one another, enabling the device to adapt to various cleat sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal mounting capabilities that allow it to attach to different sizes and types of horn cleats. The combination of adjustable lateral post spacing and multiple mounting configurations enables a single device to serve multiple cleat sizes without requiring different specialized attachments.
3Reliability
If the lateral posts are positioned close to the horns, then the line attachment is secure, but the line may be snagged on the mounting structure
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral posts are designed with smooth curved surfaces rather than sharp edges or angular protrusions. This curvature allows the docking line to pass smoothly around the posts without catching or snagging on the mounting structure, while still maintaining secure attachment when the line is properly positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the mounting structure have different surface qualities optimized for their specific functions. The areas where the line contacts the lateral posts have smooth curved surfaces for easy passage, while other areas may have different surface characteristics for secure attachment and structural stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleat attachable device for attaching to a cleat having horns. The device includes a frame having a base end, a distal end opposite the base end, and lateral posts. The lateral posts are disposed opposite one another and are connected to one another at the distal end. The lateral posts each have a respective mounting plate with a longitudinal slot formed therein. A stud plate has an underside for resting on the cleat. The stud plate has two studs opposite the underside for receiving the mounting plates thereon and securing the frame to the cleat.