Mooring Buoy with Elevated Lead Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mooring buoys pose difficulties for boaters as the rope loops or chains are submerged in water, making it hard to access the lead, which can be heavy and entangled with debris, and there's a risk of entanglement with passing boats or propellers.
Innovation Solution
A mooring buoy design with a physical extension that keeps the tie-up lead above water level, featuring a surface float and an optional signal light, ensuring easier access and visibility, using marine plastic materials and a weight to maintain the lead's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rope loops or chains are submerged in water, then the buoy provides a stable anchoring point, but the lead becomes difficult to access, soaked with water, and entangled with debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by extending the lead upward from the water surface using a pole or rod structure. This elevates the lead from the horizontal water plane to a vertical position above the surface, making it accessible to boaters without requiring them to reach into the water. The lead is positioned in the air space above the buoy rather than submerged in the water plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a pole or rod as an intermediary structure between the buoy body and the lead. This intermediary component holds the lead in an elevated position, separating it from direct contact with water while maintaining its connection to the anchoring system. The pole acts as a mediator that preserves the lead's functionality while protecting it from water-related problems.
2Reliability
If the rope loops or chains are submerged in water, then the buoy provides stable anchoring, but there is potential for entanglement with passing boats or propellers
Solution Approach 1:
By vertically elevating the lead above the water surface on a pole structure, the patent removes it from the horizontal plane where boat propellers and passing vessels operate. This dimensional separation eliminates the entanglement risk while preserving the anchoring function, as the elevated lead can still be retrieved and used for mooring without being in the path of boat traffic.
3Ease of operation
If the lead is kept above water surface, then access and visibility are improved, but additional structural components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The pole or rod structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the buoy, elevates the lead above water for accessibility, and can serve as a mounting point for additional equipment such as lights or markers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, offsetting the added complexity with operational benefits.
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
The solution provides a clean, easily accessible mooring lead, reducing entanglement risks and maintaining the lead's visibility, enhancing boater safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The anchoring assembly has a heavy weight located on the bottom to anchor the floating buoy in the water
Implementation Method 2
The disclosed buoy provides a surface float with a physical extension that maintains the tie up lead above the water's surface
Data Source
AI summary
A mooring buoy that has lower and upper surfaces and an opening positioned on a vertical centerline between the lower and upper surfaces. A raceway has a first portion that extends though the opening for predetermined a distance below the lower body surface and a predetermined distance above the upper body surface. The raceway has a portion that extends away from the centerline and over the upper surface.