Dual-Axis Mast Navigation Light for Bridge-Safe Stowage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marine vessel mast navigation lights are prone to damage from low bridges and are cumbersome to secure, as they are typically static and vertically mounted, limiting their adjustability and protection during use.
Innovation Solution
A mast navigation light that is pivotable about two axes, incorporating a T-post with swivel and cylindrical pivot mechanisms for yaw and pitch rotation, and a flexible section to absorb impacts, along with anti-rotation features and wire routing options, allowing for stowage in a horizontal position within a Bimini cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mast navigation light is mounted vertically and statically, then it provides stable light emission, but it is prone to damage from low bridges and is cumbersome to secure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static mast into a dynamic structure capable of pivoting about two axes (azimuth and elevation). The mast can rotate horizontally and tilt vertically, allowing it to adapt its position dynamically. This dynamic capability enables the mast to be lowered or positioned horizontally to avoid bridges and to be stowed within Bimini covers, thereby reducing vulnerability to impact damage while maintaining stable light emission when positioned vertically for navigation.
2Illumination intensity
If the mast is made static and vertically mounted, then it provides optimal light visibility, but it is difficult to stow and protect during non-use
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-axis pivot mechanism enables the mast to dynamically adjust its position. For optimal light visibility during navigation, the mast can be positioned vertically. When not in use, the mast can be pivoted horizontally and stowed within the Bimini cover, making it easy to protect and store. This dynamic positioning capability resolves the contradiction between maintaining optimal light visibility and enabling convenient stowage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the mast navigation light is made adjustable and pivotable, then it can be stowed horizontally for protection, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-axis pivot mechanism that, while adding structural complexity, provides significant protective benefits. The mechanism includes an azimuth axis for horizontal rotation and an elevation axis for vertical tilting, allowing the mast to be positioned horizontally for stowage within Bimini covers and vertically for navigation. The added complexity is justified by the enhanced protection from damage and the ability to adapt to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism is segmented into two independent axes: the azimuth axis for horizontal rotation and the elevation axis for vertical tilting. This segmentation allows each axis to be controlled and adjusted independently, simplifying the overall design and operation. The segmented structure enables flexible positioning of the mast while managing the complexity through modular design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the mast navigation light is made pivotable about two axes, then it can be selectively positioned for visibility and stowage, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-axis pivot mechanism provides exceptional positioning flexibility, allowing the mast to be oriented in multiple directions. The azimuth axis enables horizontal rotation, while the elevation axis allows vertical tilting, creating a versatile mounting system that can adapt to various navigation and stowage requirements. This dynamic positioning capability significantly enhances adaptability while the modular design manages the inherent structural complexity.
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 enables the mast navigation light to be selectively positioned for optimal visibility, minimize damage, and be easily enclosed, providing enhanced protection and usability by allowing forward and aft, as well as lateral pivoting, with secure mounting and flexible impact absorption.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible section may be an elastomeric tube, a coil spring, or the like, allowing the mast to flex at a specific spring rate to avoid damage in the event of impact
Implementation Method 2
The flexible section may be an elastomeric tube, a coil spring, or the like, allowing the mast to flex at a specific spring rate to avoid damage in the event of impact
Data Source
AI summary
A mast navigation light includes a base assembly affixable to a surface, a pivot mechanism secured to the base assembly, a mast coupled at a proximal end with the pivot mechanism, and a light secured to a distal end of the mast. The pivot mechanism is configured to effect pivoting of the mast about at least two axes.