Mooring Device Suction Cup Lateral Rotational Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mooring devices for floating vessels face challenges such as weak holding power, difficulty in maintaining spacing, inability to rotate for independent movement, and susceptibility to disengagement, especially when dealing with irregularly shaped objects or in high-wave conditions, leading to potential damage and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A mooring device featuring a rod with suction cups that allow for lateral and rotational movement, coupled with a fluid pathway system and a pump for creating suction, which can be adapted to various shapes and surfaces, ensuring secure attachment and maintaining spacing between objects while accommodating movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tethering devices are used to connect boats, then boats can be moored to fixed structures or other boats, but the devices are difficult to install and fail to securely hold boats
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the complex assembly mechanisms from the mooring device itself and replaces them with simple suction cup attachment. The suction cups are designed to be easily applied to smooth surfaces without requiring tools or complex assembly, thereby improving ease of installation while maintaining reliable holding power through the suction mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical connection systems (bolts, clips, complex fasteners) with a pneumatic suction system. The suction cups create a vacuum seal that securely holds boats without requiring mechanical assembly, thereby improving both ease of installation and holding reliability simultaneously.
2Reliability
If rigid connection means are used to maintain spacing between moving items, then spacing is maintained, but the connection is prone to breakage during high-wave circumstances
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic elements through the suction cup mounting system, which allows for controlled movement and flexibility. The suction cups can accommodate wave-induced motions while maintaining the spacing between boats, preventing connection breakage during high-wave circumstances while still maintaining stable spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cup mechanism acts as a flexible connection that maintains spacing between boats while accommodating dynamic movements from waves. The flexible nature of the suction cup seal allows the connection to remain durable under varying conditions without breaking, unlike rigid connection means.
3Adaptability or versatility
If suction cups are used to attach to rounded surfaces, then attachment is possible, but conventional suction cups cannot adhere to irregular shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by designing suction cups with specific geometric features (such as conical or rounded shapes) that are optimized for attaching to curved and irregular surfaces. Each suction cup is locally adapted to conform to the specific surface geometry it contacts, thereby achieving both versatility across different surface shapes and reliable attachment security.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If boats are allowed to move independently, then each boat can respond to waves and wakes, but contact between boats may occur causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a physical intermediary (the mooring device with suction cups and connecting rod) between the two boats. This intermediary maintains a fixed spacing that prevents direct contact and potential damage between boats, while still allowing each boat to move independently within the constraints of the mooring connection, thereby protecting against damage while preserving operational freedom.
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 mooring device provides a durable and flexible solution that maintains a secure hold on floating vessels, prevents contact between connected objects, and withstands movement and wave disturbances, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
A pump may be used to remove air from within the cup body. The pump may be attached to the suction cup apparatus. Any pump known to persons having skill in the art may be used. In embodiments, the pump may be a manual pump, a hand operated pump, or a battery-operated or powered pump.
Implementation Method 2
A fluid pathway may be included leading from the interior of the cup body to the exterior of the cup body. This may be a simple hole to aid air in egressing the cup body when the suction cup is compressed onto a surface with a plug or flap valve to maintain the seal.
Data Source
AI summary
A mooring device with a rod having a first rod end and a second rod end. There is a suction cup assembly having a first suction cup mount with a first mount end and a second mount end. The first mount end is coupled with the first rod end. The assembly also has a first suction cup coupled with the second mount end. The mooring device includes a coupler engaged with the rod. The coupler is configured for at least one of lateral movement with respect to the rod, rotational movement with respect to the rod, and combinations thereof.