Hinged Stabilizing Device for Watercraft Boarding Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for boarding and exiting small, narrow watercraft, such as kayaks, fail to stabilize both the individual and the watercraft simultaneously, are often cumbersome, costly, and do not address the safety concerns of first-time users or those with disabilities, leading to difficulties in gaining initial stability and risking injury or overturning of the watercraft.
Innovation Solution
A personal and watercraft stabilizing device with a pier/land hinge mount, adjustable frame, and optional features like adjustable feet and a knee pad, which allows for safe and confident boarding and exiting by stabilizing both the user and the watercraft through a hinging mechanism that rotates from a stowed to full use position, accommodating varying watercraft sizes and heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional boarding methods are used for small watercraft, then the device complexity is low, but the safety and stability for users are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stabilizing device as an intermediary element between the dock and the watercraft. This device includes a frame structure with contact points that engage both the dock and the watercraft, providing a stable platform for users during boarding and exiting operations. The intermediary device transfers and distributes forces between the user, dock, and watercraft, improving safety without requiring complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing device is designed to be self-stabilizing through its geometric structure and contact point arrangement. The frame structure naturally maintains stability through its configuration, with contact points positioned to create inherent structural rigidity. The device requires minimal active control or complex mechanisms, relying instead on its passive structural properties to provide stabilization during user interaction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If larger stabilizing structures are used, then the stability is improved, but the device becomes more cumbersome and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing device is segmented into distinct functional components: a frame structure, multiple contact points (including watercraft contact points and dock contact points), and connection elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall stability. The modular nature reduces complexity compared to monolithic structures by distributing stabilization functions across separate elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions to achieve stability. Contact points are positioned at specific locations in three-dimensional space, creating a stable geometric configuration. The frame structure extends in multiple directions, utilizing spatial distribution rather than simply increasing size in one dimension. This dimensional approach provides stability while maintaining a compact, non-cumbersome form factor.
3Stability of the object's composition
If modifications are made to existing watercraft designs, then stability can be improved, but the original use is restricted and area is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing device serves as a temporary intermediary structure during boarding operations only. It does not permanently modify the watercraft design or restrict its original use. The device can be deployed and removed as needed, allowing the watercraft to return to its original configuration and functionality. This mediator approach provides stability without compromising adaptability or versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing device is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to be deployed when needed and removed when not needed. The device can be attached to and detached from the watercraft and dock, providing stability during boarding operations while maintaining the watercraft's original versatility for other uses. This dynamic capability ensures the watercraft is not permanently restricted or modified.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device that engages and stabilizes a personal watercraft for boarding or exiting. The device simultaneously engages upper surface elements of the watercraft whilst also providing firm land/pier engaged support to the user. A user's weight is able to bear against the inherent buoyancy of the watercraft through a structure rotated downwardly to the watercraft; the rotated structure is hinged and fixed to the land/pier. During entry, the upwardly urging buoyancy of the watercraft stabilizes the watercraft against the downwardly rotated structure while a user steps from the land/pier to the watercraft and fully transfers weight to the watercraft. Exit is the reverse. A method of associated use is also disclosed.