Pontoon Boat Double-Webbed Cross Members and Shock Absorbers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pontoon boats experience torsional flexing and harsh rides due to their design, which can be disconcerting for passengers.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates double-webbed cross members and shock absorbers between the cross members and risers, along with lifting strakes, to enhance stability and reduce torsional flexing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional pontoon boat design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the boat experiences torsional flexing and harsh rides

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorsional rigidityVSAvoidcross member structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cross members are divided into multiple web sections (double-webbed design) rather than using single solid beams. This segmentation increases torsional rigidity by creating multiple load-bearing paths while maintaining manufacturability through modular construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cross members combine multiple materials including aluminum extrusions for the web structure, wood or composite materials for stringers, and rubber or foam for bump stops. This composite approach optimizes both structural performance and ride comfort while remaining practical to manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If conventional cross members are used, then the device complexity is low, but the ride quality is harsh

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveride qualityVSAvoidcross member structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Bump stops made of rubber or foam are pre-installed on the cross members to cushion impacts before they reach the deck and passengers. This beforehand cushioning reduces harshness in the ride while adding minimal structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows adjustment of stringer height and cross member spacing to optimize ride quality for different water conditions and loading scenarios. These parameter changes improve ease of operation without fundamentally altering the basic structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration improves the ride quality and stability of the pontoon boat, reducing the harshness of the ride and providing a more comfortable experience for passengers.

Implementation Method 1

a first lifting strake 30 attached to an outboard portion of the first pontoon 12, nearer the horizontal center of the first pontoon than to the bottom thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrodynamic lift: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 2

Each of the first, second, and third pontoons 12, 14, 16 also are interconnected by a plurality of cross members 20n

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS12252217B2Pontoon boat

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 BARLETTA BOAT CO LLC

AI summary

A pontoon boat includes port and starboard pontoons and cross members connecting the pontoons. A shock absorber may be installed at each point of connection of the pontoons to the cross members. A cross member may be embodied as a double-webbed beam having first and second parallel flanges and first and second webs disposed between and connected to the flanges. Each pontoon may include a two-stage lifting strake having a first surface and a second surface inclined from the first surface.