Floating Decoy Base Coupling for Land-to-Water Versatility

Solution Overview

Problem

Hunters need to own separate decoys for land-based and water-based environments, which is costly and requires significant storage space.

Innovation Solution

A floating decoy base that includes buoyant float members and a coupling mechanism to convert land decoys into floating decoys, allowing them to be used in both environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hunters own separate decoys for land-based and water-based environments, then the decoys can be optimized for specific environments, but the cost and storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental adaptability of decoysVSAvoidnumber of decoy sets required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single decoy system that can function in both land-based and water-based environments. The floating base with adjustable positioning mechanisms allows the same decoy to be deployed on land or water, eliminating the need for separate decoy sets for different environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamics through adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the decoy to adapt its configuration based on the environment. The base can be positioned at various heights and angles using adjustable legs and floating elements, enabling the same decoy to optimize its posture for both land and water settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If hunters own separate decoys for land-based and water-based environments, then the decoys can be optimized for specific environments, but the storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental adaptability of decoysVSAvoidstorage space for decoys

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single decoy system that can function in both land-based and water-based environments. The floating base with adjustable positioning mechanisms allows the same decoy to be deployed on land or water, eliminating the need for separate decoy sets for different environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs segmentation by dividing the decoy system into modular components including a floating base, adjustable legs, and the decoy body itself. This modular design allows for compact storage when components are disassembled and enables easy adaptation between different hunting environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If a single decoy system is used for both land and water, then cost and storage space are reduced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of decoy sets requiredVSAvoidcomplexity of multi-environment decoy system

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamics through adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the decoy to adapt its configuration based on the environment. The base can be positioned at various heights and angles using adjustable legs and floating elements, enabling the same decoy to optimize its posture for both land and water settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary floating base as a mediator between the decoy body and the environment. This base provides the necessary adaptation mechanisms (adjustable legs, buoyancy control) that enable the decoy to function in both land and water environments without requiring complex modifications to the decoy body itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Reduces the need for multiple decoy sets by enabling land decoys to be used on water, saving money and storage space while attracting animals effectively.

Implementation Method 1

a buoyant first float member, a buoyant second float member... With the floating decoy base positioned in a body of water, the mounting feature of the first float member and the mounting feature of the second float member are positioned at least partially above a surface of the body of water, and the keel of the first float member and the keel of the second float member are positioned below the surface of the body of water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS12514246B2Floating decoy base

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 SCRIBNER CHRISTOPHER

AI summary

A floating decoy base for a land decoy includes a buoyant first float member, a buoyant second float member, and a coupling member. The first float member and the second float member each include a cooperating wall, a keel coupled to the cooperating wall, and a mounting feature. The coupling member is engaged with the first float member and second float member to selectively couple the first float member to the second float member with the cooperating wall of the first float member adjacent the cooperating wall of the second float member. At least one mounting feature of the first and second float members is configured to engage with at least a portion of a land decoy to couple a land decoy to the floating decoy base.