Handle Pad Recess for Portable GPS on Personal Watercraft

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing personal watercraft GPS systems are inefficient due to antennae obstructing the rider's view and failing to absorb shocks, increasing component count and manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A personal watercraft design featuring a handle pad with a concave portion to accommodate a portable GPS device, allowing for shock absorption and reducing visual obstruction, with the device being detachable and reducing the need for integrated GPS components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If GPS antennae are installed on the upper surface of the handle pad, then GPS functionality is achieved, but the handle pad is incapable of effectively serving as a shock absorbing member and the antennae obstruct the rider's view

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveGPS functionalityVSAvoidShock absorption capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The GPS antenna is nested within a recess formed in the handle pad surface, allowing the antenna to be positioned for GPS functionality while being contained within the handle pad structure. This nesting approach allows the handle pad to maintain its shock absorption capability while providing GPS functionality without view obstruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle pad is designed with a localized recess structure that provides a specific mounting area for the GPS antenna. This local modification allows the antenna to be positioned optimally for GPS reception while maintaining the overall shock absorption properties of the handle pad material and structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If GPS antennae and GPS main system are installed separately on the watercraft, then GPS functionality is achieved, but the number of components and manufacturing cost is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveGPS functionalityVSAvoidNumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The GPS antenna and handle pad are merged into a single integrated structure, where the antenna is embedded within the handle pad. This eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets, fasteners, and wiring harnesses, thereby reducing the number of components and simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle pad serves multiple functions: it provides shock absorption for the rider's hands, structures the handle assembly, and integrates the GPS antenna mounting. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If GPS antennae are installed on the upper surface of the handle pad, then GPS functionality is achieved, but the antennae tend to obstruct a view of the rider during driving

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveGPS functionalityVSAvoidRider's view clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The GPS antenna is nested within a recess in the handle pad surface, positioning it below the top surface level. This allows the antenna to function effectively for GPS reception while being recessed enough to not obstruct the rider's forward view during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of placing the antenna on top of the handle pad surface (which would obstruct view), the antenna is inverted by placing it within a recessed area, flipping the traditional mounting approach to achieve both functionality and clear visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enhances rider comfort by absorbing shocks and maintaining visibility, while reducing component count and manufacturing costs by allowing the portable GPS to be used independently of the watercraft.

Implementation Method 1

the shock generated when, for example, the rider bumps against the handle pad is effectively absorbed by the handle pad

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS8751158B2Personal watercraft

Publication Date: 2014.06.10 KAWASAKI MOTORS LTD

AI summary

A personal watercraft includes a handle having a pair of right and left grip portions, and a handle pad configured to cover a region of the handle, the region being located between the pair of grip portions. The handle pad is provided on a surface thereof with an accommodating concave portion configured to accommodate therein a portable information device.