Floating Object Attachment System with Rotating Swivel Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors on floating docks or rafts attached to anchors cause rotation and loosening due to lateral and vertical forces from waves and tides, leading to disconnection from the floating object.
Innovation Solution
A rotating swivel arm mounted on a support pole extending from the bottom surface of the floating object, with a diagonal flange and grommet to connect the rope or cable, preventing rotation and securely attaching to the anchor without loosening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single cleat or ring is attached to the side or top surface of the floating object, then the floating object can be connected to an anchor, but the floating object rotates in the water causing the cleat or ring to loosen and disconnect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed cleat or ring with a rotating swivel mechanism. The swivel arm can rotate freely around the vertical axis, allowing the floating object to change orientation without causing stress on the connection. This dynamic element absorbs the rotational movement that would otherwise lead to loosening and disconnection, maintaining connection reliability while permitting orientation changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into multiple independent components: a mounting plate fixed to the floating object, a vertical support pole, and a rotating swivel arm with diagonal flange. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the mounting plate provides stable attachment, the support pole provides structural support, and the swivel arm provides rotational freedom - thereby resolving the contradiction between connection stability and orientation flexibility.
2Device complexity
If a fixed cleat or ring is used to attach the rope or cable, then the structure is simple, but the repetitive lateral and vertical forces cause the cleat or ring to loosen and eventually disconnect
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel mechanism introduces dynamic rotational freedom to the attachment system. The swivel arm can rotate to accommodate lateral forces from waves and tides, preventing these repetitive forces from causing loosening. While the structure is more complex than a simple cleat, the dynamic capability significantly improves attachment durability by allowing the connection to adapt to environmental forces without failing.
3Ease of operation
If the diagonal flange is angled downward, then the anchor rope or cable stays clear of the support pole, but the swivel arm must rotate freely around the support pole
Solution Approach 1:
The diagonal flange is positioned asymmetrically at a downward angle rather than horizontally or vertically. This asymmetric positioning achieves two goals: it keeps the rope or cable clear of the support pole by angling it away from the vertical axis, and it maintains adequate clearance for the swivel arm to rotate freely. The asymmetric design resolves the conflict between rope clearance and rotational freedom without requiring additional complex mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A floating object attachment system for attaching one end of a rope or cable attached at its opposite end to a submerged anchor. The attachment system includes a rigid support pole attached to a mounting plate attached to the bottom surface of a floating object. Attached to the support pole is a swivel arm adapted to rotate freely 360 degrees around the support pole. A plurality of radially aligned gussets hold the support arm perpendicular to the mounting plate. The swivel arm includes a horizontal flange with a center bore that receives the support pole and a lateral, downward extending diagonal arm with a grommet hole that connects to the rope or cable. The support pole includes a lower stop surface and an upper stop surface on the support pole. Disposed around the support pole and between the horizontal flange and the upper and lower stop surfaces are nylon washers.