Deployable Watercraft Swim Platform Steps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional boat platforms are stationary and above the waterline, making it difficult for swimmers to access the boat from the water, and they cannot be easily integrated with various types of boats or used as a side-entry door without compromising the boat's functionality or safety.
Innovation Solution
A deployable step system that includes a first and second platform connected by a linkage, allowing the system to transition from a retracted configuration above the waterline to a deployed configuration below the waterline, enhancing accessibility and usability, and can be integrated into a swim platform or as a side-entry door with actuation by linear actuators for reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional stationary swim platform is used above the waterline, then the platform provides stable support and easy access to the boat deck, but it makes it difficult for swimmers to access the boat from the water
Solution Approach 1:
The swim platform is transformed from a stationary structure to a dynamic deployable system. The platform can be selectively deployed below the waterline or retracted to a stationary position, allowing it to adapt between providing swimmer access and maintaining structural simplicity based on operational needs
Solution Approach 2:
The platform system is divided into multiple segments including a main swim platform and separate deployable steps. This segmentation allows the steps to be independently deployed below the waterline while the main platform remains stationary above the waterline, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and structural complexity
2Ease of operation
If deployable steps are added below the waterline, then swimmer access to the boat is improved, but the system complexity and potential interference with boat operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable steps are nested within or integrated with the swim platform structure. When retracted, the steps are contained within the platform's footprint, minimizing visual and physical complexity. When deployed, they extend below the waterline to provide swimmer access without requiring separate external structures
Solution Approach 2:
The deployable step system serves multiple functions: providing swimmer access below the waterline, forming a seating area when partially deployed, and integrating with the swim platform for docking operations. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by eliminating the need for separate systems
3Ease of operation
If the platform is made movable and deployable, then accessibility from water is enhanced, but the structural strength and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The platform utilizes controlled dynamic movement through hydraulic or mechanical actuation systems. The movement is precisely controlled to deploy and retract along defined paths, ensuring structural loads are managed within design parameters while maintaining strength and stability during both deployed and retracted states
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates built-in structural reinforcement and load distribution mechanisms that prepare the platform for the stresses of deployment and operation. The structure is pre-engineered to withstand the forces encountered during deployment, retraction, and use in both positions, preventing strength compromises
4Stability of the object's composition
If the step system is integrated into the swim platform, then the platform surface remains continuous when retracted, but the integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The step system is merged with the swim platform as an integrated assembly. The steps are structurally connected to the platform in a way that allows them to be part of the platform's footprint when retracted, maintaining a continuous surface. The integration is achieved through shared mounting structures and alignment features that simplify the overall design
Data Source
AI summary
Boats can include a swim platform with an integrated system of steps that can be selectively deployed and retracted. Such platforms can be attached to a transom of a boat or can be fabricated as an extended portion of the boat's hull. In another embodiment, deployable steps can be integrated with a boat's hull as a side-entry door. In order to reconfigure the step system into a deployed configuration, a linkage is actuated that causes the step system to unfold, forming steps (or a seating configuration) at least partially below the water line. Since the steps can be deployed below the water line, a swimmer can more easily get on board the boat.