Spring-Loaded Latch for Foldable Wakeboard Tower
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wakeboard towers are rigid and undesirable for towing and storage, as they do not easily convert between elevated and lowered configurations, and existing folding mechanisms often require tools and removable pins that can be lost.
Innovation Solution
A foldable wakeboard tower with a spring-loaded latch assembly and lock pin system that allows the tower to be easily locked and unlocked without tools, enabling conversion between elevated and lowered positions using a cam surface and handle mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid unitary tower structure is used, then the tower can maintain structural strength and stability during wakeboarding, but the tower cannot be folded for towing and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The tower structure is divided into multiple leg sections (first and second sections) that can pivot relative to each other, allowing the tower to be segmented into foldable components while maintaining overall structural integrity when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The tower legs are designed with pivotal connections that allow dynamic movement between elevated and lowered configurations, transforming the rigid structure into a dynamic system that can adapt between different states for operation and storage
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing folding mechanisms are used, then the tower can be folded for storage, but the mechanisms require tools and removable pins that are difficult to remove and often lost
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is designed to automatically engage with the lock pin when the leg sections are in the elevated position, and can be easily disengaged by applying force to the handle, making the system self-servicing without requiring external tools or removable pins
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates rotational motion of the handle into linear motion of the latch assembly, providing a simple tool-free interface for locking and unlocking the tower legs
3Ease of operation
If a spring loaded latch assembly with cam surface is used, then tool-free locking and unlocking is achieved, but the spring force must be overcome to unlock the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is designed with rotational freedom that allows the user to apply dynamic force to overcome the spring bias, transforming the static spring force into a manageable dynamic interaction during the unlocking process
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
Enables convenient and tool-free locking and unlocking of the tower legs, facilitating easy conversion between elevated and lowered configurations for use and storage, reducing the risk of lost components.
Implementation Method 1
a spring operable to bias the cam surface in a direction away from the handle
Data Source
AI summary
A wakeboard tower having a foldable tower leg having a spring loaded latch assembly mounted to the first section of the leg and a lock pin mounted to the second section of the leg, with the spring loaded latch assembly including a handle rotatably mounted to an exterior portion of the first section of the leg and having a rod including a protruding cam surface located on the rod and a spring operable to bias the cam surface in a direction away from the handle.