Modular Marine Storage Rack via Rod Holder

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Marine vehicles often lack sufficient storage space for recreational equipment, and existing storage solutions are often bulky, permanent, and inconvenient to use.

Innovation Solution

A modular storage system that converts fishing rod holders into a support rack, allowing for easy installation and removal, and featuring adjustable components and hinges to accommodate different marine vehicles and equipment sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If permanent storage racks are installed on marine vehicles, then storage capacity is improved, but adaptability and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is divided into modular components (vertical bars, horizontal bars, connectors) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each component serves a specific function and can be reconfigured for different storage needs or removed entirely to restore the vehicle to its original state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The storage rack transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. The use of removable connectors and adjustable bars allows the system to adapt its configuration based on different marine activities and equipment storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If permanent storage racks are installed on marine vehicles, then storage capacity is improved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the storage rack into standardized modular components, the system reduces overall complexity. Each module can be manufactured independently using simple processes, and assembly is facilitated by standardized connection interfaces between bars and connectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular components are designed with universal connection features that allow the same basic elements to serve multiple functions and be configured in various arrangements, reducing the total number of unique parts needed and simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If storage equipment is carried in the marine vehicle, then storage capacity is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to reduced passenger space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system utilizes the vertical dimension by mounting racks on the exterior perimeter of the vessel, leveraging unused vertical and external space. This dimensional transition allows storage capacity to increase without encroaching on the horizontal passenger space inside the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Quantity of substance

If storage equipment is carried in the marine vehicle, then storage capacity is improved, but adaptability worsens due to reduced space for other equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The modular segmented design allows users to install only the storage modules needed for specific activities. When tubing equipment needs to be stored externally, only those specific rack modules are installed, leaving other areas of the vessel available for passengers and other equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The storage system dynamically adapts to different operational requirements by allowing selective installation and removal of rack modules based on the intended marine activity, maintaining versatility while providing storage when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12312046B2System and method for creating storage on a marine vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.05.27 MALEC RONALD C
  • US12312046B2 patent drawing
  • US12312046B2 patent drawing
  • US12312046B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for creating additional storage on a marine vehicle is provided. The system of the present disclosure is generally designed to secure to a marine vehicle via a rod holder, wherein parallel bars provide additional storage area for marine equipment, such as innertubes. To this end, the system of the present disclosure may comprise supports and support braces. Straps may be used to attach the marine equipment to the supports. To ensure that the supports are properly secured within the rod holders, a sleeve may be used to increase friction and change size. Board arms may be attached to the supports in order to increase storage area.