Fishing Boat Tower Load Relief Torsion Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding and restoring a foldable fishing boat tower is cumbersome and requires significant manual effort, often necessitating two strong people due to its weight and height, posing challenges during transportation under low-clearance obstacles like power lines and bridges.
Innovation Solution
A load relief system utilizing a double-wound torsion spring mechanism that assists in folding the tower and aids in restoring it to its upright position, reducing the manual effort required by distributing the load through a hinge system with a central bend and support plates, allowing for easier handling by one person.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the tower is made tall to improve visibility, then the viewing distance and water depth vision are improved, but the height causes problems when trailering under power lines and bridges
Solution Approach 1:
The tower is divided into multiple sections that can be folded relative to each other. The top section can be folded down at the hinge joint, transforming the tower from an extended vertical structure into a compact configuration that reduces overall height while maintaining the viewing platform functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The tower transitions from a static fixed-height structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The hinge mechanism allows the tower to change its configuration between an extended position for optimal visibility and a folded position for transportation, enabling the structure to adapt to different operational requirements.
2Length of moving object
If the top section of the tower is made foldable to reduce height, then the height is reduced for trailering, but moving the top section into the folded position is awkward and requires two strong people
Solution Approach 1:
A spring mechanism is incorporated into the hinge assembly that provides a counterbalancing force to offset the weight of the top tower section. This spring-loaded system stores potential energy when the tower is folded and releases it to assist in lifting the heavy section, reducing the manual effort required from operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically engages and disengages during the folding operation without requiring external assistance. The stored energy in the spring self-activates to assist the folding motion, and the system naturally maintains the tower in both folded and extended positions without continuous manual input.
3Length of moving object
If the top section of the tower is made foldable to reduce height, then the height is reduced for trailering, but restoring the top section to its operating position is even harder due to the weight
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is positioned and configured to provide assistive force during both folding and restoring operations. When the tower section is lowered into the folded position, the spring compresses and stores energy. During restoration, this stored energy is released to lift the heavy section back to the operating position, making the otherwise difficult task much easier.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism performs preliminary work by pre-loading during the folding operation. The energy stored in the compressed spring during folding is then utilized during the restoring operation, effectively performing part of the work that would otherwise require significant manual effort.
4Ease of operation
If a spring mechanism is added to assist folding, then the effort required is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is integrated into the existing hinge structure of the tower rather than being added as a separate external component. The spring is positioned within the hinge assembly and works in conjunction with the existing joints and support structures, combining multiple functions into a unified mechanism that minimizes additional parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded hinge assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the structural hinge joint for folding, incorporates the spring mechanism for weight compensation, and includes mounting features for the tower sections. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall structure.
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
The system significantly reduces the effort needed to fold and unfold the tower, enabling safer and more manageable transportation by allowing a single person to handle the structure, thus overcoming the height-related obstacles encountered during trailering.
Implementation Method 1
A load relief system utilizing a double-wound torsion spring mechanism that assists in folding the tower and aids in restoring it to its upright position
Data Source
AI summary
An application for a boat tower load relief system includes a boat tower support post connected to a receptacle for the boat tower support post by a hinge. The boat tower load relief system includes a torsion spring with a first end, a first winding, a central bend, a second winding and a second end. The central bend pushes on a boat tower support post section of the hinge and the first end and the second end of the torsion spring push on a support plate which is attached to the receptacle for the boat tower post.