Pivoting Support Arms for Balanced Kayak Portage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Kayaks and similar boats are cumbersome to carry over land, especially when there is no second person available to assist, leading to unstable and tiring portaging due to uneven weight distribution.
Innovation Solution
A personal boat carrying apparatus with collapsible support arms that pivot to engage the boat's gunwale, allowing the user to distribute the weight across their shoulders or upper back, providing balanced support and comfort during portage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a kayaker carries the kayak on one shoulder without assistance, then the kayaker can portage alone, but the weight distribution becomes uneven causing instability and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying apparatus divides the single load into two separate support points (first support arm and second support arm) that engage different locations on the kayak, transforming the unstable single-shoulder carry into a balanced dual-point support system
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus introduces intermediate support structures (support arms with engagement members) between the kayaker and the kayak, mediating the weight transfer to achieve even distribution across the shoulders while maintaining solo portaging capability
2Ease of operation
If wheeled trolleys are used to transport the kayak, then the transport is easier on paved surfaces, but the device becomes unsuitable for rough terrain requiring portage
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms are designed to pivot between a closed position for compact storage and open positions for engaging the kayak, allowing the apparatus to adapt to different transport scenarios and terrain types
3Adaptability or versatility
If the kayak is carried on one shoulder without assistance, then no second person is needed, but the carrying becomes tiring and uncomfortable over long durations
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus creates equipotential weight distribution by positioning support arms to engage the kayak at locations that balance the load evenly across both shoulders, eliminating the uneven weight distribution that causes fatigue during extended portaging
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 easier and less tiring portage of kayaks by distributing the weight evenly, reducing discomfort and allowing solo users to carry boats over various terrains with reduced risk of damage.
Implementation Method 1
a first support arm which pivots about a first hinge proximate to the first body end, the first support arm pivoting between a closed position and one or more open positions
Data Source
AI summary
A personal boat carrying apparatus is provided for supporting a kayak or similar boat on a user during a portage to make portaging a kayak easier and less uncomfortable. The apparatus is lightweight but durable and has a body with a curved and arched center portion for resting on the shoulders of a user carrying the kayak, and two opposite body ends. Each body end has a support arm which pivots from a closed position to one or more open positions. The pivoting support arm provides multiple open positions to allow the apparatus to support kayaks and similar boats of different widths and configurations. Each support may have a swiveling bracket for engaging the gunwale of the cockpit of the kayak or similar boat. When the support arms are in the closed position, the apparatus may be compactly stored in the boat or elsewhere.