Overhead Boat Storage Grid Track System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional boat storage methods are inefficient in maximizing storage capacity and are costly due to the need for internal aisles and machinery, exposing boats to adverse weather and vandalism, and limiting accessibility.
Innovation Solution
An overhead storage system with vertical storage cells and a grid track system allows boats to be stacked and maneuvered using automated transfer vehicles, eliminating the need for internal aisles and machinery, and includes a cleaning/spraying area for boat preparation before storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional forklifts and traveling cranes are used to elevate boats into storage racks, then boats can be stored in enclosed facilities, but the storage capacity is limited by the size and vertical reach of the machinery and internal aisles are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-level horizontal storage to overhead vertical storage by implementing a storage rack system that utilizes the vertical dimension of the facility. Boats are elevated and stored in overhead racks, allowing multiple levels of storage without requiring additional horizontal space or internal aisles for machinery movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the need for conventional ground-based machinery (forklifts, traveling cranes) and internal aisles by extracting the boat handling function to an overhead system. Boats are directly elevated from the water to overhead storage positions, eliminating the intermediary ground-level machinery and aisle space requirements.
2Quantity of substance
If more vertical storage racks are installed to increase storage capacity, then more boats can be stored, but the facility requires more land area and internal aisles for machinery access
Solution Approach 1:
The system maximizes vertical space utilization by implementing multi-level overhead storage racks that extend upward from the facility floor. This allows storing multiple boats in the same horizontal footprint by stacking them vertically, dramatically increasing storage capacity without expanding land area.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead storage system allows boats to be nested vertically one above another in stacked configurations. Multiple storage levels are arranged in a nested vertical pattern, enabling the facility to store many more boats within the same ground footprint by utilizing the vertical dimension.
3Ease of operation
If conventional ground-level storage is used, then boats are easily accessible, but they are exposed to adverse weather conditions and vandalism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent elevates boats from ground level to overhead storage positions, moving them out of direct exposure to weather elements. The overhead racks are positioned within the enclosed facility structure, providing protection from rain, sun, and other environmental factors while maintaining organized accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead storage system acts as an intermediary between the water and the enclosed facility interior. Boats are elevated through the facility roof or walls and stored in protected overhead positions, serving as a transition that shields them from external weather conditions while keeping them accessible when needed.
4Productivity
If automated overhead transfer vehicles are implemented, then storage capacity is maximized and land area is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead transfer vehicles are designed to automatically navigate the grid track system and perform boat transfer operations without requiring complex external control mechanisms. The system uses simple automated navigation and positioning capabilities that allow the vehicles to service themselves through the storage facility, reducing the need for elaborate control 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
The system maximizes storage capacity, reduces land area requirements, minimizes damage to boats, facilitates easy access, and allows for automated operation, providing secure and cost-effective storage while protecting boats from the elements.
Implementation Method 1
overhead transfer units that can lift or elevate the boats and maneuver them into vertically oriented storage cells
Implementation Method 2
an overhead track system along which at least one transfer vehicle is movably powered
Implementation Method 3
vertical storage cells in which a plurality of boat storage units may be selectively stacked in predetermined positions
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for the safe storage of boats wherein a storage structure is provided having a first section in which boats are stored in vertically oriented cells with each boat being carried within a boat storage unit such that the units may be stacked one upon another and wherein at least one transfer vehicle is provided for selectively engaging and conveying the boat storage units along an overhead grid track system between the first section and a second section wherein the grid track system is at least partially oriented over a body of water such that the at least one transfer vehicle may be used to either lift or lower a boat contained within a boat storage unit relative to the body of water and move the storage unit to and from a storage position in one of the vertical storage cells of the first section of the storage structure.