Movable Wind Block Seat Assembly for Watercraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seating arrangements in open bow watercraft do not allow passengers to sit at the walk-through area due to the location of the walk-through precluding seating, and existing wind screens do not enable passengers to sit in front of them.
Innovation Solution
A movable seat assembly with a backrest that can be deployed upright across the walk-through area to provide additional seating while allowing easy access, featuring guide pins and track assemblies for smooth movement between deployed and stowed positions, enabling the backrest to block wind and serve as a step when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a wind screen is installed at the walk-through area to block wind, then wind protection is improved, but passenger seating at the walk-through area is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is designed to be movable between a deployed position (providing wind protection and seating) and a stowed position (allowing passenger passage). This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by allowing the structure to adapt its function based on operational needs - when deployed it blocks wind for seating comfort, when stowed it enables walk-through access.
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a wind screen when deployed, provides seating support when deployed, and becomes part of the walk-through pathway when stowed. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for separate wind protection and seating structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed seat back is installed across the walk-through to provide seating, then seating capability is improved, but walk-through access is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is designed to be movable between a deployed position (providing wind protection and seating) and a stowed position (allowing passenger passage). This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by allowing the structure to adapt its function based on operational needs - when deployed it blocks wind for seating comfort, when stowed it enables walk-through access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the backrest is made movable to allow both seating and walk-through access, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to track assemblies and guide pins
Solution Approach 1:
The movement mechanism is segmented into discrete components: track assemblies mounted on the watercraft and guide pins attached to the backrest. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while achieving the desired movable functionality. The guide pins simply follow the track paths, creating a relatively simple movement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The track assemblies act as intermediaries between the fixed watercraft structure and the movable backrest. They provide a defined path for movement while requiring minimal complex mechanisms, simply guiding the backrest between deployed and stowed positions through the guide pins.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly includes: a backrest having a cushion surface formed on a first side of the backrest and support surface formed on a second side of the backrest; a first track assembly located along a first side of the backrest and a second track assembly located along a second side of the backrest; and a plurality of guide pins extending from the backrest into the first track assembly and the second track assembly such that the backrest is movable along the first track assembly and the second track assembly on the plurality of guide pins between a stowed position and a deployed position.