Dual Folding Boat Tower Hinge Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hinged folding ski towers on boats tend to wobble or shift at the hinges when raised, and are difficult to lock and unlock, making it challenging to efficiently transition between storage and operational positions.
Innovation Solution
A dual folding boat tower system with paired hinge assemblies and actuators that mount to a boat's gunwales, featuring polymer locking mechanisms to stabilize the tower in an upright position and allow seamless folding and unfolding, using electric motors to drive screw shafts for precise movement and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hinged folding ski towers are used to allow folding for storage, then storage capability is improved, but the tower becomes unstable and wobbles at the hinges when raised
Solution Approach 1:
A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the hinge and the tower arm, providing a stable connection when the tower is in the raised position. The locking mechanism includes a locking member that engages with a locking surface to prevent lateral movement and wobbling of the tower arm relative to the hinge assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate component from the hinge assembly itself. The locking mechanism can be engaged or disengaged independently, allowing the tower to be stable when locked and movable when unlocked, without compromising the hinge's primary function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hinged folding ski towers are used to allow folding for storage, then storage capability is improved, but locking and unlocking becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator automatically performs the locking and unlocking operations without requiring manual intervention. The actuator is operably connected to the locking mechanism and automatically engages or disengages the locking member with the locking surface when the tower transitions between folded and raised positions, eliminating the difficulty of manual locking and unlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical locking operation is replaced with an automated actuator system. The actuator can be electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic, converting electrical or fluid energy into mechanical motion to operate the locking mechanism, thereby simplifying user interaction.
3Ease of operation
If actuators are added to drive the tower folding mechanism, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is integrated into the existing hinge assembly structure rather than being a completely separate component. The actuator is positioned within the hinge assembly and shares mounting points and structural elements with the hinge, reducing the overall number of discrete parts and simplifying installation and maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a dual folding boat tower and especially to a boat tower and boat tower top assembly for folding the boat tower and tower top from a storage or down position to an erect or running position.