Dinghy Lifting Frame for Outboard Motor Stowage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deploying and stowing small water-borne vessels, such as dinghies, on boats with outboard motors is challenging due to obstructed access and space constraints, particularly in emergency situations, as existing methods require manual handling and can compromise safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A lifting frame system with rotating side members and cross members, secured by mounting brackets, allows the dinghy to be lifted over the outboard motor and stowed above it, using a winch and snap davits to rotate the dinghy onto a horizontal orientation, enabling secure storage without obstructing passenger space or visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the dinghy is stowed in the cockpit or other areas normally occupied by passengers, then the dinghy can be stored on board the boat, but the available passenger space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the dinghy storage location from the horizontal plane (cockpit) to the vertical dimension (cabin roof), allowing both passenger space in the cockpit and dinghy storage to coexist without conflict
2Area of stationary object
If the dinghy is moved onto the cabin roof, then storage space is available in the cockpit, but safety hazards increase and deployment time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the outboard motor from its traditional stern position and relocates it to the cabin roof, separating the motor's weight and bulk from the cockpit area while maintaining its functional position for waterborne operations
3Stability of the object's composition
If the outboard motor is mounted at the midpoint of the stern, then the motor is securely positioned, but access to the stern is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the outboard motor from the horizontal stern plane to the vertical cabin roof plane, allowing unobstructed access to the stern while maintaining the motor's operational position above the waterline
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for lifting and stowing water-borne vessels. The systems and methods can be used, for example, to lift a small vessel, such an inflatable dinghy, onto a larger water-borne vessel equipped with an outboard motor; and to stow the dinghy above the outboard motor. The systems and methods permit the dinghy to be lifted out of the water from a position behind the larger vessel, with any need to remove, disassemble, or move the outboard motor.