Pivotable Tow Pylon Assembly with Integrated Equipment Rack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Personal watercraft require additional accessories like tow pylons and equipment racks for wakeboarding, which occupy space and affect aesthetics, with existing tow eyes being too low for ideal towing and insufficient storage for large water sports equipment.
Innovation Solution
A tow pylon assembly that combines the functions of a tow pylon and an equipment rack, featuring a pivotable pylon with a bollard for rope attachment and a resilient member for holding equipment, allowing the pylon to switch between towing and stowed positions while securing equipment with a strap and cap system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tow pylon is mounted to the rear of the watercraft to provide a higher towing point, then the towing capability is improved, but the space occupation and aesthetic impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tow pylon and equipment rack into a single integrated assembly. The tow pylon provides the high towing point while the equipment rack attaches to the pylon to store water sports equipment, eliminating the need for separate accessories and reducing overall space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly serves multiple functions: the tow pylon enables high-point towing for wakeboarding and other water sports, while the attached equipment rack provides storage for skis, boards, and other gear. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate tow pylon and rack accessories.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate accessories like tow pylons and equipment racks are mounted to the watercraft, then the functionality is improved, but the aesthetic appearance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the tow pylon and equipment rack into a single integrated assembly, the patent reduces the number of separate components visible on the watercraft. The unified structure minimizes aesthetic disruption compared to having separate accessories mounted on different locations.
3Area of stationary object
If the pylon is made pivotable between towing and stowed positions, then the space utilization is improved, but the device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The pylon is designed with a pivot mechanism that allows it to rotate between a vertical towing position and a horizontal stowed position. This dynamic capability enables the pylon to occupy minimal space when not in use while providing the necessary height for towing when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable pylon assembly is designed as a separate, movable component that can be independently positioned. The segmentation allows the pylon to be detached from the equipment rack and repositioned, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining functionality.
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 integrated tow pylon assembly optimizes space usage, provides higher towing points, and securely stores water sports equipment, enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of personal watercraft without the need for separate accessories.
Implementation Method 1
The equipment holding assembly has a resilient member connected to the pylon. The resilient member is configured for holding equipment between the resilient member and the pylon.
Data Source
AI summary
A tow pylon assembly for a watercraft has a pylon, a base connected to a lower portion of the pylon, the base being configured for connecting the tow pylon assembly to the watercraft, a bollard connected to an upper portion of the pylon, the bollard being configured for attaching a tow rope to the tow pylon assembly, and an equipment holding assembly connected to the pylon. The equipment holding assembly has a resilient member connected to the pylon. The resilient member is configured for holding equipment between the resilient member and the pylon. A personal watercraft having a rear platform and the tow pylon assembly connected to the rear platform is also disclosed.