Folding Cleat with Rotating Handle and Elastic Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional boat cleats occupy space and pose safety concerns due to their exposed handle components, which can cause tripping hazards and are aesthetically unpleasing, while also risking sliding or falling off during navigation, especially in limited boat spaces.
Innovation Solution
A folding cleat design with a rotating handle component and elastic positioning elements that allow for secure folding and unfolding, ensuring the handle component is fixed and positioned, preventing sliding or falling and optimizing storage in limited spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle component is extended outwardly to provide enough operating space for fixing ropes, then the rope fixing function is improved, but the cleat occupies more space and creates safety hazards by tripping people on the boat
Solution Approach 1:
The handle component is designed to be rotatable relative to the base, allowing it to switch between an extended position for rope fixing and a retracted position for safety. This dynamic transformation enables the cleat to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, eliminating the permanent tripping hazard while maintaining rope fixing capability when required
Solution Approach 2:
When folded, the handle component is received within the base structure, creating a compact nested configuration. This nesting minimizes the space occupied by the cleat and eliminates the protruding handle that causes tripping hazards, while still allowing the handle to be deployed when rope fixing is needed
2Ease of operation
If the handle component remains exposed and extended outwardly, then the rope fixing function is maintained, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates and safety concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handle component transitions from a static extended state to a dynamic reconfigurable element that can be folded into the base. This dynamic capability allows the cleat to present a clean, aesthetic appearance when rope fixing is not needed, while maintaining full functionality when required
Solution Approach 2:
The handle component is extracted from the base and made independently rotatable, allowing it to be separated visually when folded. This extraction enables the handle to be hidden within the base structure, improving aesthetic appearance while preserving the rope fixing function when deployed
3Ease of operation
If the handle component is extended outwardly, then the rope fixing function is provided, but the handle component may slide or fall off during navigation due to limited space and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable connection between the handle component and base provides a secure mechanical joint that resists sliding and falling. The rotational capability allows the handle to be firmly positioned when extended for rope fixing, while the same joint mechanism enables controlled folding to a retracted position, ensuring stability in both configurations during boat navigation
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating shaft connecting the handle component to the base creates a spherical joint mechanism that provides stable positioning in multiple orientations. This curved rotational connection prevents linear sliding while allowing controlled angular movement, ensuring the handle remains securely attached whether extended or folded
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
The folding cleat provides a safe, aesthetically pleasing, and space-efficient solution for rope fixation, ensuring the handle component remains secure and does not obstruct navigation, while allowing for easy assembly and storage when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic component is pushed against a first positioning element or a second positioning element of a rotating shaft of the handle component, so that the handle component is positioned at a first position or a second position, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a folding cleat. The folding cleat includes a base, a handle component and an elastic component. The base includes a pivot slot and an accommodation space connected with each other. The handle component includes a supporting portion and a handle portion. The supporting portion includes a rotating shaft disposed at an end of the supporting portion and is pivotally connected to the base. The handle portion extends outward from the other end of the supporting portion. The rotating shaft includes a first positioning element and a second positioning element disposed on an outer peripheral edge of the rotating shaft, respectively. The elastic component is fixed to the base and includes a pushing portion. The pushing portion spatially corresponds to the first positioning element and the second positioning element.