Collapsible Boat Cover with Integrated Retaining Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat covers lack reliability and durability when exposed to severe weather conditions over extended periods, are often costly and complex to install/remove, and may be too large or heavy for single-person handling.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible and lightweight boat cover system featuring a waterproof cover member and a support frame with flexible, collapsible rods, secured by retainers with elongated slots and locking mechanisms, allowing easy assembly/disassembly and connection to a boat by a single person.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional securing means (ropes, clips, rails) are used to reliably protect boats from weather, then protection reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cover member, support frame, and retaining mechanism into a single integrated unit. The support frame is permanently attached to the cover member, and the retaining mechanism is built into the support frame structure, eliminating the need for separate securing components and simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the cover, acts as the retaining mechanism for securing to the boat, and integrates the connection points for both functions into a single component system, reducing the number of separate parts needed.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional boat covers are made sturdy and secure for long-term protection, then durability is improved, but weight and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member is constructed as a thin, flexible waterproof material that conformally follows the boat's shape when supported by the frame. This eliminates the need for heavy rigid structure while maintaining durability and protection over extended periods, as the flexible material can accommodate boat movement and wave action without adding significant weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame uses flexible rods that can dynamically adapt to boat movement and wave action rather than rigidly resisting it. This dynamic flexibility allows the cover system to maintain secure attachment and protection during prolonged exposure to weather conditions without requiring excessive structural weight.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional boat covers are designed for secure attachment, then protection stability is improved, but ease of installation and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system is segmented into modular components: the cover member, the support frame with integrated retaining mechanisms, and the boat attachment points. This segmentation allows the cover to be quickly assembled and disassembled as a complete unit while maintaining stable attachment when installed, as each segment is optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining mechanism is self-contained within the support frame structure, requiring no additional tools or complex operations for attachment and removal. The integrated design allows the cover to be securely attached and easily removed by simple manual manipulation of the retaining mechanisms built into the frame itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible and removable cover for an object, including a collapsible, lightweight, waterproof cover member configured to cover a portion of the object, a lightweight support frame which is configured to be manipulated by a user between an expanded operative shape and a collapsed storage shape, and which connects to the cover member in the expanded operative shape such that the support frame and the cover member jointly form a self-supporting cover unit having a stable configuration, and retainers which are configured to secure parts of the support frame to the object. The retainers include first portions which are configured to be secured to the object and second portions which securely connect to the parts of the support frame, and the retainers function as a sole source of connection between the cover unit and the object.