Flexible Boat Dock Backstop for Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Larger boats entering a boat slip often cause damage to both the boat and the dock due to the lack of effective shock absorption mechanisms, as existing devices are primarily designed for side protection or front-end reception.
Innovation Solution
A backstop device with angled, flexible arms that attach to the center of a boat dock, capable of flexing rearward to slow and stop the boat as it enters, constructed from materials like high-density polyethylene pipe that can absorb impact without breaking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If rigid docking structures are used to stop the boat, then the boat can be stopped effectively, but damage occurs to both the boat and the dock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating flexible arms made of elastomeric material that are pre-positioned to absorb impact energy when the boat contacts them. These arms are designed to flex and deform during impact, cushioning the shock before it can transmit damaging forces to either the boat or the dock structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by employing material with varying durometer (hardness) values in different zones of the flexible arm. The elastomeric material has different hardness parameters at different locations, allowing the arm to be sufficiently rigid to stop the boat while simultaneously being flexible enough to absorb impact energy and prevent damage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If flexible materials are used for shock absorption, then damage is prevented, but the stopping effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through parameter changes by using elastomeric material with controlled durometer values. The material hardness is specifically selected and varied throughout the flexible arm structure to provide both the flexibility needed for damage prevention and the rigidity required for effective boat stopping. This parameter optimization allows the same material to exhibit both compliant and structurally sound properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining the flexible elastomeric arm with a rigid mounting structure attached to the dock. This composite construction allows the flexible portion to absorb impact energy and prevent damage while the rigid mounting provides structural support and ensures the device can effectively stop the boat without being displaced during impact.
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
Prevents damage to both the boat and the dock by effectively slowing and stopping the boat's rear-end entry, ensuring safe docking while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
Each leg is capable of flexing slightly rearward toward the vertical member when engaged by the rear end of a boat, thereby slowing and stopping the boat as the boat enters the boat slip
Implementation Method 2
serves as a shock absorber to slow and cushion a boat as the boat is backed into a boat slip
Data Source
AI summary
A device that attaches to the center of a boat slip so a boat entering the slip will engage the device. The device consist of a central vertical member having a horizontal support bar on one end so that the horizontal support bar is approximately centered with respect to the vertical member and is approximately perpendicular thereto. Each end of the horizontal support bar is provided with a forwardly inclined leg that engages the rear end of an approaching boat as the boat backs into the boat slip. Each leg is capable of flexing slightly rearward when engaged by the boat to slow and stop the boat, preventing damage to both the boat and the dock. An alternate embodiment eliminates the vertical member.