Modular Boat Launch Vehicle With Tracked Soft-Terrain Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional boat trailers and self-propelled systems face challenges such as high storage costs, inconvenient launch locations, susceptibility to soft waterbeds, and maintenance issues like track clogging and misalignment, which hinder efficient and reliable boat launching and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled boat launch vehicle with a modular carriage frame, hydraulic track system, and integrated track cleaner and tensioner, allowing for operation on uneven terrain, reducing foreign objects in the track assembly, maintaining tension, and accommodating various boat sizes with interchangeable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional boat trailers are used, then boats can be transported and launched, but storage costs increase and launch locations become inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The boat launch system is designed to be self-propelled, allowing users to independently launch and retrieve boats without requiring towing vehicles or external assistance. The system includes its own propulsion mechanism (wheel or track assembly with motor) enabling it to travel to and from water bodies autonomously, eliminating the need for storage and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static trailer design to a dynamic, self-propelled platform that can actively navigate to water bodies. The propulsion system allows the launch device to move under its own power, adapting to different locations and eliminating the fixed storage requirement of conventional trailers.
2Ease of operation
If self-propelled wheeled systems are used, then boats can be launched, but wheels become lodged in soft waterbeds
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows switching between different propulsion configurations (wheels or tracks) based on terrain conditions. When soft terrain is detected or anticipated, the system can transition from wheeled to tracked configuration, changing the contact parameters with the ground to distribute weight and prevent lodging in soft waterbeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion system is designed to be adaptable, allowing dynamic selection between wheel and track configurations based on environmental conditions. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to maintain reliable operation across varying terrain types without compromising launching capability.
3Reliability
If self-propelled tracked systems are used, then pressure on waterbed is reduced, but tracks become clogged and misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The track assembly is designed as a removable and replaceable component that can be easily extracted from the main body of the launch system. This modular design allows tracks to be quickly removed for cleaning or replacement without requiring complex disassembly, significantly reducing maintenance time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes preliminary design features such as easy-access track removal mechanisms and protective coverings that prevent debris accumulation during normal operation. These preliminary actions reduce the frequency and complexity of maintenance required, addressing the clogging and misalignment issues before they become serious problems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular carriage frame with interchangeable components is used, then various boat sizes can be accommodated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage frame is divided into modular sections with standardized interfaces, allowing different components (cribs, supports, propulsion units) to be easily attached and detached. This segmentation enables the system to accommodate various boat sizes by simply reconfiguring existing modules rather than requiring completely different systems, making the complexity manageable through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed with universal interfaces and standardized dimensions that allow the same set of parts to serve multiple functions and accommodate different boat types. This universality reduces the overall number of unique components needed, balancing versatility with manageable system 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
Enables efficient, reliable, and versatile boat launching and retrieval on uneven terrain, reducing maintenance needs and storage costs, while accommodating different boat sizes with a modular design.
Implementation Method 1
The launch vehicle is self-propelled with the track assemblies driven by a hydraulic system which is powered by an engine assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is to a self-propelled boat launch and methods of operating components of the boat launch a launch vehicle. The launch vehicle includes a partially submersible generally frame. The frame comprises a front frame unit and a modular carriage frame section, comprising at least one modular carnage frame. The boat launch is self-propelled with track assemblies driven by a hydraulic system powered by an engine assembly. The engine assembly is preferably mounted on top of the front frame unit. At least two track assemblies are in removable communication with a modular carriage frame. A track tensioner is provided for increased tension on a continuous track of the track assembly. A track cleaner is described for removal of foreign objects from at least one track assembly. Further, a method of operating the track tensioner is described. A method of operating the track cleaner is described.