Electrically Actuated Watersports Board Rack for Damage-Free Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional watersports board racks face issues such as cumbersome bungie cords, potential damage from excessive clamping force, difficulty in operation for small individuals, and the need for multiple clamping mechanisms, necessitating an improved solution for secure and easy board retention.
Innovation Solution
Electrically actuated watersports board racks with a retention structure that can be selectively actuated between retained and released configurations using an electrical actuator, employing engagement pad biasing mechanisms to apply controlled retention forces independently of board thickness and shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manually clamped watersports board racks are used, then board retention is improved, but the risk of board damage from excessive clamping force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical clamping mechanisms with an electrically actuated system that uses a motor-driven screw mechanism. This substitution allows for controlled, adjustable clamping force that can be precisely regulated to prevent board damage while maintaining secure retention. The electrical actuation enables fine-tuned control compared to purely manual systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements adjustable clamping force parameters through the electrical actuation system. The motor-driven mechanism allows the clamping force to be varied and optimized based on board type and thickness, transforming the fixed-force manual system into a variable-force system that adapts to different conditions, thereby preventing both insufficient retention and excessive damage.
2Reliability
If multiple clamping mechanisms are used, then board retention security is improved, but the complexity of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple clamping functions into a single integrated electrical actuator. Instead of requiring separate manual operations on multiple independent clamping mechanisms, the electrically actuated system consolidates these functions, allowing all clamping actions to be controlled through one unified interface, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining retention security.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical actuator serves multiple functions simultaneously - it can apply clamping force, adjust retention levels, and accommodate different board types through a single device. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple specialized clamping mechanisms, simplifying the overall system operation while maintaining comprehensive board retention capabilities.
3Device complexity
If manually operated clamping mechanisms are used, then device simplicity is improved, but the difficulty of operation for small individuals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electrical actuation system. The motor-driven mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually apply force to tighten or loosen clamps, making the system accessible to individuals of all strengths. The electrical motor provides the necessary mechanical advantage, transforming a physically demanding manual system into an easily operated electrical system.
4Ease of operation
If bungie cords are used for board retention, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability and security of retention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the elastic, passive bungie cord system with an active electrical actuation system. While bungie cords provide easy operation through simple attachment, they lack controlled retention force and reliability. The electrical actuator provides both ease of operation (through electrical control) and reliable, consistent clamping force, eliminating the uncertainties of elastic material degradation and inconsistent tension that plague bungie cord systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides secure and damage-free board retention with ease of use, allowing single-action operation and adjustable force application, reducing the risk of board deformation and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The retention structure includes an electrical actuator configured to selectively actuate the retention structure between the retained configuration and the released configuration
Implementation Method 2
The retention force is generated solely by the engagement pad biasing mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Electrically actuated watersports board racks and related methods are disclosed herein. The board racks include a board-receiving region configured to receive a watersports board and a retention structure. The retention structure is configured to be selectively actuated between a retained configuration, in which the retention structure is configured to apply a retention force to the watersports board to retain the watersports board within the board-receiving region, and a released configuration, in which the retention structure is configured to release the retention force. The retention structure includes an electrical actuator configured to selectively actuate the retention structure between the retained configuration and the released configuration.