Double Seal Kayak Hatch With Mechanical Connectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sealing methods for kayak cargo areas, such as stretchable rubber-like designs and die-cut sealing materials, tend to shift and change shape, leading to inconsistent sealing performance, despite efforts to affix them to the deck using glue.
Innovation Solution
A sealing system featuring a main body with mechanically linked seals, where connectors extend through the body to maintain the position of outer and inner seals relative to each other and the main body, ensuring resistance to deformation and shifting, utilizing a stiffer material for the body and a less stiff material for the seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional stretchable rubber-like seals and die-cut sealing materials are used, then the sealing system can be manufactured at lower cost with simpler structure, but the seals tend to shift and change shape leading to inconsistent sealing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the seal elements with a rigid support structure to form an integrated sealing assembly. Multiple seal components (outer seal, inner seal, bridge seals) are combined with a rigid body that includes mounting features, creating a unified structure that prevents shifting while maintaining sealing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is divided into multiple segmented components including outer seal, inner seal, bridge seals, and a rigid support structure with separate mounting features. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while the rigid structure maintains their relative positions.
2Reliability
If seals are affixed to the deck using glue, then the seals can be attached to the hatch body, but seals can still move even when glue is used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical attachment (glue) with a mechanical attachment system featuring rigid support structures, mounting features, and physical connection points. This mechanical system provides more reliable position stability than adhesive alone.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid body structure is used to mechanically link seals, then dimensional stability and seal position are maintained, but manufacturing complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides dimensional stability, maintains seal positions, offers mounting features for attachment, and includes integrated sealing surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system combines rigid materials for the support structure with flexible materials for the seal elements, creating a composite assembly that leverages the advantages of both material types - rigidity for stability and flexibility for sealing.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a sealing device for an opening. The device includes a body that has a first side and a second side. A passageway is formed through the body such that the passageway has a first end adjacent to the first side and a second end that is adjacent to the second side. A sealing member is provided that includes an outer gasket and an inner gasket. The outer gasket is positioned adjacent the first side and the inner gasket is positioned adjacent the second side. A seal connector connects the inner gasket and the outer gasket and the seal connector passes through the passageway. In this way, the inner gasket and the outer gasket are mechanically attached to the ring. The sealing device is configured for use in such applications as sealing the cargo opening on the deck of a kayak.