Folding Boat Internal Frame Assembly Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding boats require complex assembly and disassembly processes, often necessitating tools and skill, resulting in lengthy setup times and a risk of lost components.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight portable folding boat design with an internal rigid frame that assembles and disassembles quickly, featuring a waterproof skin containing all components, including inflatable tubes and multiple hinges, allowing for easy folding without tools and rapid setup within minutes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a complex arrangement of stringers and formers joined with latches and clamps is used, then the boat framework can be formed, but the assembly requires tools, skill, and considerable time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the framework components (stringers and formers) into an integrated collapsible structure where all parts are contained within the boat skin. The framework is designed to collapse into a compact configuration that fits within the skin, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing the number of discrete components to manage during assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The boat is divided into collapsible sections that can be folded into thirds, with the framework segmented into manageable portions that collapse within the skin. This segmentation allows the complex framework to be broken down into simpler, more manageable segments that can be quickly assembled and disassembled without requiring tools or specialized skill.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the framework is made up of disconnected pieces, then the boat can be folded, but a large number of pieces require considerable time to reassemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple framework pieces into an integrated collapsible structure where all components are contained within the boat skin. This merging reduces the number of discrete pieces that need to be reassembled, allowing the framework to be quickly reconstructed without requiring users to handle and reassemble a large number of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework is pre-configured to collapse into a specific compact configuration that fits within the boat skin. This preliminary arrangement of components during collapse ensures that when assembling, the pieces are already in the correct relative positions, eliminating the need for time-consuming alignment and reassembly operations.
3Strength
If traditional latches and clamps are used to join framework pieces, then the structure can be assembled, but tools and skill are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for traditional latches and clamps by designing a framework that collapses and assembles through the boat skin itself. The skin acts as both the hull and the assembly mechanism, allowing the framework to be joined and secured without requiring separate fastening components or tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework is designed to self-assemble and self-secure within the boat skin through its collapsible geometry and the way the skin conforms to the framework shape. The structure serves its own assembly function, eliminating the need for external tools or specialized assembly skill while maintaining structural integrity.
4Weight of moving object
If the boat is made light and portable, then it is easy to carry, but the structure must be compact when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the collapsible framework is contained within the boat skin when folded. The stringers and formers nest within the skin's volume, creating a compact package that is easy to carry and store. This nesting arrangement maximizes the use of available space within the skin, ensuring the boat folds into a small, manageable configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding boat includes a pair of stringer tube assemblies arranged for extending longitudinally when assembled and the stringer tubes of each pair of the assemblies connected by hinges to respective adjacent stringer tubes at the hinges. The stringer tubes assemblies are received within a waterproof skin. Frame members or butterfly frame members serve to connect to the assemblies of the stringer tubes within the skin to provide a frame for the waterproof skin. Fabric inflatable tubes are located within the skin, each having a seam for having the assembled stringer tubes assemblies nestled within when assembled in the frame.