Motorized Bimini Top Frame with Pulley Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bimini tops on watercraft are cumbersome and time-consuming to deploy and stow, often requiring multiple users and posing difficulties due to their high location on the vessel.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible bimini top frame with a base assembly, forward assembly, and aft assembly, utilizing a system of pulleys and belts actuated by a motor or manually, allowing for easy deployment and stowing by rotating and sliding mechanisms, with a latch for control and limit switches for position detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional manual bimini top deployment and stowing methods are used, then the structure remains simple, but the operation becomes time-consuming and requires multiple users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated motor-driven system. A motor (210) connected to a drive shaft (212) and pulley system (204, 206) automates the deployment and stowing of the bimini top frame, eliminating the need for multiple users and significantly reducing the time required for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables single-user operation where one person can deploy and stow the bimini top independently using the automated motorized mechanism, eliminating the need for assistance from multiple users and making the system self-sufficient in terms of operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If existing bimini tops are manually collapsed and stowed, then no additional mechanical components are needed, but the process becomes difficult and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual mechanical folding and collapsing operations with an automated motor-driven pulley system. The motor (210) rotates a drive shaft (212) that drives pulleys (204, 206) to tension belts (202), which automatically collapse the frame members, replacing complex manual manipulation with a simplified automated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces belts (202) as intermediary elements that transmit force from the motor-driven pulleys to the frame members. These belts act as mediators that convert rotational motor motion into linear collapsing motion of the frame, simplifying the overall mechanical operation while adding controlled complexity through the belt-pulley interface.
3Area of stationary object
If bimini top is located high on watercraft, then it provides adequate shade coverage, but deployment and stowing becomes difficult due to inaccessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations at height with an automated motor-driven system positioned on the deck. The motor (210) and control system allow operation from ground level, eliminating the need for users to stand on seats or reach high locations, while still achieving full deployment of the shade coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses belts (202) and pulleys (204, 206) as intermediary mechanical elements that transmit force from the motor positioned on the accessible deck to the frame members located at height. This intermediary mechanism allows operators to control deployment and stowing from ground level while the bimini top maintains its high position for adequate shade coverage.
4Productivity
If multiple users are required for bimini top operation, then manual mechanical systems suffice, but the system becomes less efficient and more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations requiring multiple users with an automated motor-driven system. The motor (210) performs all collapsing and stowing operations that previously required coordinated effort from multiple users, significantly improving productivity by enabling single-user operation and eliminating the coordination overhead of multi-user manual systems.
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 easy and efficient deployment and stowing of the bimini top, reducing the need for multiple users and improving accessibility, allowing for quick transitions between positions without requiring excessive effort or assistance.
Implementation Method 1
The base assembly includes a drive assembly having a forward pulley, an aft pulley, and a belt extending between the forward pulley and aft pulley
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include a frame for supporting a bimini top. The frame includes base, forward, and aft assemblies. The forward assembly has a first portion and a second portion rotatably coupled to a forward portion of the base assembly. The aft assembly has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the aft assembly is slidably coupled to an aft portion of the base assembly. The forward and aft assemblies are movable between collapsed and extended positions. The forward or aft assembly is operatively coupled to a drive assembly such that rotation of a pulley of the drive assembly relative to the base assembly causes the forward or aft assembly to move between the collapsed and extended positions. Movement of the forward assembly from the collapsed position to the extended position causes the aft assembly to move from the collapsed position to the extended position.