Adjustable Marine Electronics Mount for Flush-to-Pivot Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine electronic unit mounting systems lack positional flexibility for improved ergonomics, visibility, and functionality, particularly for flush-mounted devices, which limits their usability and adaptability in marine applications.
Innovation Solution
A motorized mounting system comprising a base connected to the boat console, an actuator, a mounting plate, and pivot mounts that allow the marine electronics unit to be moved between a flush and an extended position, enabling adjustable positioning and pivoting for enhanced visibility and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If flush mounting is used for marine electronic units, then a clean console appearance is achieved, but positional flexibility and ergonomic adjustability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates an actuator that enables the electronic unit to dynamically transition between flush-mounted and extended positions. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining a clean appearance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism is nested within the console structure, with the actuator and mounting plate housed inside the console cavity. This allows the electronic unit to be flush-mounted when retracted, while the nested mechanism provides the capability to extend and adjust the unit's position when required.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed mounting is used for marine electronic units, then installation simplicity is maintained, but ergonomic adjustability and visibility optimization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms a static mounting arrangement into a dynamic one with adjustable positions. The actuator enables easy adjustment of the electronic unit's position and angle, allowing operators to optimize viewing angles and ergonomics without complex installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into modular components including a base, actuator, mounting plate, and pivot mounts. This segmentation allows for straightforward installation of each component while enabling independent adjustment of the electronic unit's position and orientation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable mounting mechanisms are added to provide positional flexibility, then ergonomic and functional adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system performs multiple functions through a single integrated mechanism: it provides flush mounting capability, extended positioning, angular adjustment via pivot mounts, and stable support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system despite its enhanced capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the actuator, mounting plate, and pivot mounts into an integrated assembly that works together to provide both linear extension and angular adjustment. This merging of functions into a unified mechanism reduces complexity compared to having separate adjustment systems for each degree of freedom.
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 system provides improved ergonomic and functional flexibility by allowing the marine electronics unit to be easily adjusted for optimal viewing angles and positions, enhancing usability and adaptability in marine environments.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator may comprise at least one lead screw connected between the base and a lead screw nut carried by the mounting plate, and a motor carried by the mounting plate and configured to rotate the at least one lead screw
Implementation Method 2
the mounting system may further include a belt connected between the motor and the lead screws. More particularly, the motor may be configured to turn the belt to simultaneously rotate the lead screws
Implementation Method 3
the actuator may comprise a scissor lift connected between the base and the mounting plate
Implementation Method 4
the at least one pivot mount may comprise a pair of spaced apart gimbal arms
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system for mounting a marine electronics unit to a boat console panel may include a base to be connected to the boat console panel and aligned with a mounting hole in the boat console panel, an actuator connected to the base, a mounting plate connected to the actuator, and at least one pivot mount connected to the mounting plate to be connected to the marine electronics unit. The actuator may be configured to move the mounting plate between a first position where the marine electronics unit is flush with a front side of the boat console panel, and a second position in which the marine electronics unit is spaced apart from the front side of the boat console panel and pivotable using the at least one pivot mount.