Pole-less Boat Cover with Integrated Gutter Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat covers rely on cumbersome and unreliable tent poles for installation, which complicate the process and do not ensure secure fitting, especially during trailering.
Innovation Solution
A pole-less boat cover with an integrated gutter system that allows water to drain through a porous material section into a U-shaped channel gutter, eliminating the need for tent poles and ensuring secure installation without additional supporting structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If tent poles are used to create a convex exterior surface for water runoff, then water drainage is improved, but installation complexity and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes tent poles and supporting structures from the boat cover system entirely. The convex surface for water runoff is achieved through the natural shape of the boat itself, eliminating the need for additional supporting elements and simplifying installation while maintaining effective water drainage.
Solution Approach 2:
The boat's existing structure serves multiple functions: it provides the framework for the cover and simultaneously creates the convex exterior surface needed for water runoff. The cover material itself forms the waterproof barrier while conforming to the boat's shape to enable drainage, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system.
2Strength
If tent poles are used to support the cover, then structural support is improved, but reliability and security decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By removing tent poles and supporting structures, the patent eliminates components that can become loose or fail during trailering. The cover is secured directly to the boat's permanent structure through straps and fastening points, creating a more reliable and secure system that cannot suffer from pole-related failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover uses flexible material that conforms to the boat's shape and is secured with straps and fastening points, creating a secure fit without rigid supporting structures. This flexible approach allows the cover to adapt to the boat's contours while maintaining security during transport.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a porous material section is added for water drainage, then water drainage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gutter system with the cover material itself, integrating drainage functionality into the existing cover structure. The porous section is incorporated directly into the cover fabric, and the gutter channels are formed as part of the cover assembly, eliminating the need for separate, complex drainage components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a porous material section within the cover that allows water to pass through by capillary action or gravity. This simple porous layer, combined with the gutter channels, provides effective water drainage and puddle prevention without requiring complex mechanical drainage 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
Facilitates easier and more secure installation, reduces wind resistance, and prevents water puddling, allowing for quick and reliable coverage of boats without the issues associated with traditional pole-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
a material section coupled with the cover member and formed of a porous material
Data Source
AI summary
A pole-less cover assembly includes a cover member positionable over a structure and formed of an essentially impermeable material, and an integrated gutter system including a material section coupled with the cover member and formed of a porous material and a gutter disposed below the material section. Among other advantages, the pole-less cover assembly eliminates conventional tent poles required for existing boat covers, thereby reducing cost and facilitating installation.