Removable Inflatable Boat Cabin with U-Shaped Flange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat shelters are cumbersome, difficult to install, and do not provide adequate protection from the elements, as they are either rigid and bulky or require specific configurations that limit their adaptability to different boat sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A removable inflatable cabin structure with a 'U'-shaped flange that contacts the boat floor and arches supporting a protective canvas, allowing easy installation and storage, and adapting to various boat widths and shapes without the need for specific fixing elements, featuring a single inflation valve for simplicity and a removable mattress for comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If rigid cabins are permanently mounted on the boat, then protection from elements and sleeping capability are improved, but the boat becomes bulky and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the cabin structure removable and inflatable rather than permanently fixed. The inflatable cabin can be deployed when protection is needed and deflated/stored when maneuverability is prioritized, allowing the system to dynamically adapt between protected and open configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cabin into a separate removable inflatable module that can be independently deployed and stored. This segmentation allows the cabin functionality to be separated from the boat's permanent structure, enabling users to have protection only when needed without permanently altering the boat's handling characteristics.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If removable tarpaulin shelters with metal hoops are used, then protection from elements is provided, but installation becomes laborious and the structure is rigid and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatics by replacing rigid metal hoops with inflatable tubes that can be easily deployed and deflated. The inflatable structure provides the necessary support and shape for the tarpaulin without requiring complex metal framework assembly, significantly simplifying installation and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies flexible shells by using inflatable tubes instead of rigid metal hoops to support the protective canvas. This flexible approach allows the structure to be easily collapsed and stored, and adapts more easily to different boat configurations without requiring precise metal fabrication and assembly.
3Stability of the object's composition
If inflatable structures with closed polygonal base tubes are used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different boat configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the base tube dynamic by using an inflatable structure rather than a rigid closed polygonal tube. The inflatable base can be adjusted in size and shape to fit different boat floor configurations, providing structural stability when deployed while maintaining adaptability across various boat models.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by using an inflatable base tube whose dimensions can be adjusted through inflation pressure and volume. This allows the same structure to adapt to different boat floor sizes and shapes while maintaining sufficient structural stability to support the protective canvas and occupants.
4Strength
If arches are fixed on the upper part of side walls requiring specific attachment members, then structural support is improved, but universality across different boat models is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by using inflatable tubes that can be deployed on various boat configurations without requiring boat-specific attachment members. The inflatable structure derives its strength from internal pressure rather than fixed attachments, making it adaptable to different boat models while maintaining structural support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure within the inflatable tubes to provide structural support instead of relying on fixed attachment members to the boat's side walls. This internal pressure-based support system is universally applicable to different boat configurations without requiring custom mounting hardware for each boat model.
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 solution provides a lightweight, easy-to-install, and space-efficient shelter that can be used on a wide range of boats, offering optimal comfort and protection from the elements while minimizing storage space when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
The removable cabin is formed by an inflatable structure comprising a first tube intended to be in contact with the floor of the boat, second tubes fixed to said first tube and arranged in the form of arches
Implementation Method 2
once the structure is inflated, the external spacing between the lateral branches of the first tube is greater than or equal to the spacing between the internal side walls of the boat, so that said lateral branches are pressed against said internal side walls
Data Source
Figure 1a~3
Figure 4a~5b
Figure 6a~6b
AI summary
The device has a flange (1) that is in contact with a deck (30) of a boat (3), where the flange is positioned between internal side walls (31a, 31b) of the boat. Other flanges (2a, 2b, 2c) are fixed at the flange (1) and arranged under an arc shape supporting a protection canvas (4). A removable tarpaulin is fixed on the flange (2c) by a hook e.g. Velcro(RTM: Hook and loop fastener) type removable fixing unit. An external axle spreading between side branches (10a, 10b) of the flange (1) is higher than or equal to internal side walls of the boat.