Illuminated Vessel Accessory Mounting With Integrated Wire Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminated accessory assemblies for motorized vessels face challenges in installation complexity and cost due to the need for additional drilling to route electrical connectors and wire harnesses, which are hindered by size constraints of conventional attachment points.
Innovation Solution
A method and fastener system that allows direct routing of wire harnesses through a channel in a fastener or post, eliminating the need for additional drilling, and integrates with onboard electronics without new wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional attachment points are used on the handle escutcheon, then the attachment points can be securely mounted, but the size constraints of these anchors make it difficult to run electrical connectors through additional openings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by creating a passage through the mounting surface itself, allowing electrical connectors to route through the thickness of the mounting surface rather than requiring additional openings in the escutcheon plane. This resolves the contradiction by providing both secure attachment and electrical connectivity without compromising either.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting surface is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides secure mechanical attachment through anchors while also incorporating integrated passages for electrical connector routing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate wiring holes and reduces installation complexity.
2Ease of operation
If an additional hole is drilled in the installation mount to feed the wire harness through, then the wire harness can be connected, but this adds both cost and complexity to the installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical mounting function and electrical wiring function into a single integrated structure. The mounting surface incorporates passages that serve both as attachment points and as routes for electrical connectors, eliminating the need for separate wiring holes and reducing installation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting surface is pre-formed with integrated passages during manufacturing, so that electrical connectors can be routed through these pre-prepared channels without requiring additional drilling or modification during installation. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces installation complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional mounting methods are used, then the accessory device can be mounted, but separate wiring holes must be drilled adding cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting surface is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical attachment through anchors and electrical connectivity through integrated passages. This eliminates the need for separate wiring holes, reducing both manufacturing steps and material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting surface is segmented into functional zones: anchor receptacles for mechanical attachment and integrated passages for electrical routing. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently while being part of a unified structure, reducing the need for additional drilling operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated accessory device and method for mounting the same on a surface of a motorized vessel. A fastener or post is integral with or connected to a mounting surface of the accessory device having an opening therein, wherein the fastener or post has a channel extending along a length thereof and wherein the channel is aligned with an enclosed channel of the accessory device terminating at one end at the mounting surface opening. A wire harness extends within the accessory device enclosed channel and through the fastener or post channel, wherein the wire harness is electrically connected at a first end to a light source disposed within or secured to the accessory device and has a terminal end extending beyond a distal end of the fastener or post. The method comprises connecting the terminal end of the wire harness to an electrical power source of the motorized vessel, and engaging the fastener or post with an opening in an installation surface of the motorized vessel.