Compactible Helm Station for Marine Vessels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevated helm stations on marine vessels increase maneuvering difficulties in rough seas due to extra weight and height, affecting structural integrity, speed, safety, fuel efficiency, and storage compatibility.

Innovation Solution

A compactible helm station assembly that can be raised for operation and stowed for storage, utilizing an actuator assembly with independent telescoping members and pivotally connected stiffening components to adjust height and fold into a compact configuration, allowing for flexible positioning and reduced height when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If an elevated helm station is installed to provide an elevated vantage point, then the operator's view and fishing participation are improved, but the vessel's maneuverability in rough seas deteriorates due to extra weight and height

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator's vantage point and viewVSAvoidvessel maneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The helm station is designed to be movable between an elevated operational position and a lowered stowed position. The actuator assembly with telescoping members enables dynamic adjustment of the helm station's height, allowing the system to adapt between providing an elevated vantage point and minimizing adverse effects on vessel maneuverability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The helm station is divided into separable components including the console, seat, and actuator assembly. This segmentation allows the helm station to be independently positioned and stowed, reducing its impact on vessel stability when not in use while maintaining full functionality when elevated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Illumination intensity

If an elevated helm station is installed to provide an elevated vantage point, then the operator's view is improved, but the structural integrity and speed in rough conditions deteriorate due to weight and height forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator's vantage pointVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The helm station transitions from a static elevated structure to a dynamic system that can be lowered to reduce structural stress. The actuator assembly enables controlled positioning, allowing the helm station to be elevated only when needed and lowered during rough conditions to minimize forces on the vessel structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator assembly provides counterbalancing force to support the helm station's weight, reducing the burden on the vessel's structural integrity. The hydraulic or electric actuators compensate for the weight of the elevated console and seat, allowing safe operation without compromising structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Illumination intensity

If an elevated helm station is installed to provide an elevated vantage point, then the operator's view is improved, but fuel efficiency deteriorates due to reduced aerodynamics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator's vantage pointVSAvoidfuel efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The helm station's height is dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. During fuel-efficient cruising, the helm station can be lowered to minimize aerodynamic drag. When elevated vantage is needed for operation or fishing, the system raises the helm station temporarily, reducing the overall time the vessel operates with increased drag.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Illumination intensity

If an elevated helm station is installed to provide an elevated vantage point, then the operator's view is improved, but storage space compatibility deteriorates due to increased vessel height

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator's vantage pointVSAvoidstorage space compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The helm station is designed with movable components that can be lowered to a compact stowed position. The actuator assembly retracts the console and seat to minimal height, allowing the vessel to pass under low-clearance bridges and fit into rack storage units with limited vertical space, while still providing full elevated functionality when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The helm station components are nested within each other when stowed. The console folds or retracts into a compact configuration, and the seat may fold or retract, creating a space-efficient stowed state that minimizes the vessel's overall height for storage and transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20230322329A1Compactible helm station for a marine vessel

Publication Date: 2023.10.12 ROSWELL CANADA INC

AI summary

An apparatus (100), including: a lower structure (122) configured to be a top of a lower area (102) of a marine vessel (130); and an upper structure (120) configured to be raised and lowered relative to the lower structure. When the apparatus is in a stowed configuration the lower structure and the upper structure combine to form an integrated top (124) for the lower area. When the apparatus is in a raised configuration the apparatus creates an occupant station (400) in which the lower structure is the top of the lower area and also a floor for an occupant station and the upper structure acts as a top for the occupant station.