Watercraft Drain Plug Actuation With Locking and Tandem Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watercraft drain plug systems face limitations in actuator placement due to accidental movement concerns and require multiple actuators for multiple drain points, leading to inconvenient installation and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A watercraft drain plug system featuring a locking mechanism for the actuator to prevent accidental movement and a common actuator for multiple drain plugs, allowing for simplified tandem operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuator is located in a convenient location for operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the probability of accidental movement increases, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is engaged by default (latching action) requiring a deliberate unlocking action before the actuator can move. This preliminary locking action prevents accidental movement while allowing convenient operation when intentionally unlocked.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latching mechanism applies a preliminary counter-force that prevents unintended actuator movement. The user must overcome this latching force deliberately to move the actuator, thus preventing accidental activation while maintaining operational convenience.
2Productivity
If multiple drain plug systems are installed for multiple drain points, then drainage effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single actuator is designed to control multiple drain plugs simultaneously through a common cable system. This multi-functional actuator reduces the total number of actuators needed while maintaining the ability to drain multiple points effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple drain plug control functions are merged into a single actuator-cable system. The cable interconnects the actuator with multiple drain plugs, allowing simultaneous operation and reducing component count while achieving effective multi-point drainage.
Data Source
AI summary
The specification discloses a watercraft drain plug system that includes two or more drain plugs, an actuator, and a cable assembly interconnecting the drain plugs and the actuator. The actuator may be operated to move the drain plugs between open and closed positions. The actuator includes a locking mechanism for securing the actuator in the closed position to prevent inadvertent opening of the drain plugs.