Modular Accessory Attachment Interface for Versatile Surface Mounting

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies lack a standardized and versatile method for securely attaching various accessories to features adjacent to bodies of water, such as boats and seawalls, which limits flexibility and compatibility with different types of accessories and mounting surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A modular accessory attachment system comprising a tubular portion and a flange portion, which defines a bore and a substantially planar surface, respectively, allowing for the secure mounting of a variety of accessories to different objects through a common interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a standardized common interface is implemented for mounting accessories, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple components (tubular portion, flange portion, bore definition)

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system employs a universal interface design where the tubular portion with bore and flange portion can accommodate multiple types of accessories (seawalls, docks, boats, piers) through a single standardized mounting mechanism, eliminating the need for different attachment systems for different applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system is divided into distinct functional segments: the tubular portion that defines the bore for receiving mounting objects, the flange portion that provides the mounting surface, and the connection interface that secures accessories. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a modular attachment system with multiple components is used, then ease of operation is improved for interchanging accessories, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into distinct functional segments: the tubular portion that defines the bore for receiving mounting objects, the flange portion that provides the mounting surface, and the connection interface that secures accessories. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system employs a universal interface design where the tubular portion with bore and flange portion can accommodate multiple types of accessories (seawalls, docks, boats, piers) through a single standardized mounting mechanism, eliminating the need for different attachment systems for different applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12203593B2Accessory attachment system and method

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 REDBURN KEITH

AI summary

An accessory attachment interface includes a member having a tubular portion and a flange portion. The tubular portion defines a bore and the flange portion defines first and second flanges. The first and second flanges are coplanar with each other and with a plane that is tangential to the tubular portion. The first and second flanges cooperate with each other to define a substantially planar surface at which the accessory attachment interface is mountable to various objects. The accessory attachment interface provides a common interface for mounting a variety of hardware and accessories to objects.