Modular Boat Steering Console With Adjustable Gunwale Brackets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular console units for watercraft are large and obtrusive, obstructing significant portions of the floor and limiting flexibility in mounting options.
Innovation Solution
A modular steering console with adjustable brackets that can be secured to the boat's gunwale using thru-bolting, allowing lateral adjustment and a tight fit around the hull, utilizing angled slots and holes for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If modular console units are added to basic watercraft for navigation controls, then steering and throttle controls are provided, but the console units become large and obtrusive, obstructing large portions of the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The console is divided into separate functional modules: a main console portion and adjustable brackets. The brackets can be detached and repositioned, allowing the console to be segmented into smaller functional units that provide navigation controls without obstructing large portions of the floor space.
Solution Approach 2:
The brackets are designed to be adjustable and repositionable along the gunwale, transforming the static console structure into a dynamic one. This allows the console to adapt its position and size configuration, providing necessary controls while minimizing floor space obstruction through flexible positioning.
2Ease of operation
If conventional modular consoles are used, then steering controls are provided, but mounting flexibility is limited and excessive stress is placed on the boat's hull
Solution Approach 1:
The brackets are designed with universal mounting capability that can accommodate various hull thicknesses and configurations. The adjustable design provides multiple mounting positions and angles, allowing the same bracket system to be adapted to different boat types and hull conditions, thereby enhancing mounting flexibility without requiring specialized components for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket system allows for parameter changes in position, angle, and orientation to accommodate different hull thicknesses. By adjusting these parameters, the mounting system can adapt to various hull configurations, providing steering controls with flexibility and reducing stress concentration on specific hull areas through optimized mounting parameters.
3Ease of operation
If fixed-size console units are installed, then navigation controls are provided, but adaptability to different hull thicknesses is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system transitions from a fixed-size design to a dynamic, adjustable design that can change its dimensions and positioning to match different hull thicknesses. The adjustable brackets can be repositioned along the gunwale and at various angles, allowing the same console unit to adapt to a range of hull thicknesses while maintaining proper navigation control positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the console into a main portion and separate adjustable brackets, the system allows the brackets to be independently positioned and sized to match the specific hull thickness. This segmentation enables the console to be customized to different hull dimensions while maintaining the same basic navigation control functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular steering console. The modular steering console has a main console portion having a top side and a side. The top side includes holes for receiving bolts. The side of the main console portion has holes for receiving bolts. The modular steering console has one or more brackets having slots in a top side configured to be fastened to the main console top side by bolts through the slots to allow lateral adjustment of the brackets while allowing a side of the brackets and the side of the main console portion to sandwich a side of a boat.