Configurable Kayak Wheel Set for Tool-Free Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kayak transport solutions require tools or modifications to the kayak for installation of wheeled devices, and they often need to be removed when reaching the water's edge, complicating the transportation process.
Innovation Solution
A kayak wheel set that includes a base with prongs inserted through drain holes, a shaft assembly coupled with the prongs, and wheel assemblies that can be configured to extend below or above the kayak's hull, allowing for tool-free installation and stowage without modifying the kayak, enabling easy transport and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wheeled device is attached to a kayak for ground transport, then transport ease is improved, but device complexity increases due to installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The kayak wheel set is designed to be self-installing by utilizing the kayak's existing drain holes. The prongs insert through these holes and are secured with simple caps that snap onto the prongs, eliminating the need for tools or complex installation procedures. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by making the device easy to install while maintaining transport functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel set is designed to be universally compatible with various kayak types by utilizing standard drain hole locations. The base plate accommodates different kayak hull shapes while the prong insertion method remains consistent across kayak models. This universality reduces installation complexity while preserving the transport ease benefit.
2Ease of operation
If a wheeled device is permanently attached to a kayak, then transport ease is improved, but adaptability worsens due to removal requirements at water's edge
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel set incorporates a dynamic configuration system where the shaft assembly can be positioned in different states. The shaft holder allows the shaft to be inserted or removed from the wheel assemblies, enabling the system to transition between a configured state (wheels attached for transport) and an unconfigured state (wheels detached for water use). This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing easy transport while maintaining versatility for different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel set is segmented into separable components: the base plate with prongs, the shaft assembly, and the wheel assemblies. This segmentation allows the wheel assemblies to be independently attached or detached from the shaft, enabling flexible configuration changes without removing the entire wheel set from the kayak. The segmented design maintains transport ease while improving adaptability for different water conditions.
3Ease of operation
If wheel assemblies are positioned below the kayak hull for transport, then transport ease is improved, but device complexity increases due to stowage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assemblies are extracted from the transport configuration and completely removed from the shaft assembly for stowage. The shaft holder is designed to accommodate the shaft being inserted or removed, allowing the wheel assemblies to be easily detached and stored separately. This extraction approach resolves the contradiction by simplifying stowage (removing wheels entirely) while maintaining transport ease when wheels are installed.
Data Source
AI summary
A kayak wheel set that installs on a kayak and is configurable to provide rear wheels for transport. The kayak wheel set includes (1) a base with two prongs that insert into and protrude through two kayak drain holes, (2) a shaft assembly that couples to the protruding prongs, and (3) two wheel assemblies that couple to the shaft assembly in a first configuration or a second configuration. In the first configuration the two wheel assemblies are coupled with the shaft assembly with wheels extending below a lower hull surface of the kayak for use in ground transport of the kayak. When in the second configuration the two wheel assemblies are coupled with the shaft assembly with the wheels positioned on or above an upper hull surface of the kayak for stowage while the kayak is in use on water.