Modular Boat Swim Platform With Nested Submersible Deck
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swim platform assemblies for boats lack a modular design that allows for efficient retraction and extension while providing a safe and ergonomic transition from the boat to the water, with limited options for submersible platforms that can be deployed below the base platform.
Innovation Solution
A modular swim platform assembly with a deck that is movable between a retracted and extended position, featuring a base platform and a submersible platform that can pivot into a deployed position below the base platform, utilizing hydraulically-actuated linear actuators and a pivot linkage for automated movement, allowing for a compact and ergonomic configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a swim platform assembly is designed to be modular with movable deck, then the space-saving and compact configuration is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The swim platform assembly is divided into separate modular components including a base platform, a submersible platform, a deck, and mounting brackets. These segments can be independently manufactured and assembled, allowing the platform to achieve compact storage when retracted while providing functional complexity only when deployed. The segmentation enables the deck to be moved relative to the boat and the submersible platform to be positioned below the base platform without requiring a completely complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The submersible platform is positioned below and nested within the space occupied by the base platform when in the retracted position. The deck can be moved into and between retracted and extended positions, nesting within the boat's stern area when not in use. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall volume occupied by the swim platform assembly while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
2Ease of operation
If the deck is made movable between retracted and extended positions, then the ease of operation and compact configuration are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deck is designed with movable connections to the base platform, allowing it to transition dynamically between retracted and extended positions. The mounting brackets incorporate movable elements that enable the deck to be positioned as needed and then locked or held in place. This dynamic design provides ease of operation for deploying and stowing the platform while the movable mechanisms are integrated into the overall structure rather than adding excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The swim platform assembly incorporates automated actuation mechanisms that can move the deck between retracted and extended positions without requiring manual intervention. The system includes actuators that automatically deploy the deck when needed and retract it when not in use, providing ease of operation while the automation handles the complexity of the moving mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the submersible platform is made movable to deployed position below base platform, then the ergonomic configuration and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The submersible platform is connected to the base platform through movable linkages and pivot points that allow it to be positioned below the base platform when deployed. The dynamic connections enable smooth transitions between retracted and deployed positions while maintaining structural integrity. The movable design provides ergonomic configuration for users entering the water while the linkage mechanisms are integrated into the mounting structure rather than adding excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting brackets serve as intermediary components that connect the submersible platform to the base platform and the boat. These brackets incorporate pivot points and linkage mechanisms that enable the submersible platform to be positioned below the base platform while distributing loads and providing structural support. The intermediary mounting structure handles the complexity of positioning the submersible platform while maintaining safety and reliability.
4Ease of operation
If automated actuation is used for platform movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated actuation system includes motors or actuators that automatically move the deck and submersible platform without requiring manual intervention. The system can be controlled through simple user inputs or automatic sensors that detect when the platform needs to be deployed or retracted, providing ease of operation while the automation handles the energy consumption of moving the heavy platform components.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular swim platform assembly is for a boat. The assembly has a deck that is movable relative to the boat into and between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the deck is located closer to the boat in the retracted position than the extended position. The deck has a base platform and a submersible platform, the submersible platform being movable out of the extended position while the base platform remains in the extended position, and particularly wherein the submersible platform is movable out of the extended position to a deployed position that is below the base platform.