Portable Inflatable Boat With Self-Securing Hard Shell Mount
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inflatable fishing boats face issues with stability, especially when users sit or stand, due to the weight distribution, and lack secure mounting of rigid frames, which can lead to capsizing. They also lack effective storage solutions and are cumbersome to transport.
Innovation Solution
A portable inflatable boat design featuring a self-secure mechanism where the inflatable floating body and hard shell body engage automatically upon inflation, with a U-shaped mounting slot and convex ridge ensuring stability, and a detachable seat unit for balanced sitting and standing. The design includes a storage cavity and wheels for easy transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid frame is mounted between two opposing sides of the inflatable buoy to allow motor mounting, then the boat can accommodate powered propulsion, but the user's weight applied to one side may cause the boat to capsize or overturn
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid frame is divided into two separate sideboards instead of a single central structure, allowing the user to sit centrally while distributing weight evenly across both sides of the inflatable buoy, thus maintaining stability while enabling motor mounting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sideboards are extended in the longitudinal direction of the boat, creating additional standing/standing space on the sides while maintaining central seating position, effectively adding dimensional space without compromising stability
2Ease of operation
If the rigid frame provides side panels extended from two sides for user sitting or standing, then the user can have sitting or standing posture, but if a chair is put on the two side panels, then the user has no where to stand
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented into central and lateral zones, with the central area reserved for seating and the extended side panels providing standing space, allowing both functions to coexist without interference
Solution Approach 2:
The side panels are extended in the longitudinal dimension, creating additional standing space without encroaching on the central seating area, effectively adding vertical and longitudinal space for standing while preserving sitting capability
3Strength
If the inflatable buoy is made of PVC or Hypalon in hollow ring shape without fastening means, then the material is durable and lightweight, but it is hard to secure the rigid frame in position
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable buoy automatically secures the rigid frame through air pressure when inflated, with the frame's weight and the buoy's internal pressure working together to create a self-locking mechanism that eliminates the need for additional fastening means
Solution Approach 2:
The inflation system uses pneumatic pressure from the air pump to expand the buoy, which in turn applies radial inward pressure against the frame, creating a secure mechanical connection without fasteners
4Ease of operation
If the user sits on the sideboard extended on top of the inflatable buoy, then the user can operate the control unit, but the weight of the user applied to one side may cause the fishing boat to capsize or overturning
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is positioned on the central seating area rather than on the extended sideboards, allowing the user to operate controls while maintaining central weight distribution, thus preserving boat stability while enabling ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is integrated into the central longitudinal axis of the boat, creating a balanced operational position that maintains stability while providing adequate access to controls
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 design provides enhanced stability, allows for secure and balanced sitting and standing, integrates storage, and facilitates easy transportation, making it safer and more convenient for fishing and recreational use.
Implementation Method 1
after the inflatable floating body is inflated with air to a standard pressure, the air compress in the inflatable floating body applies a radial and inward pressure against the hard shell body to securely mount the hard shell body in position
Data Source
AI summary
A portable and inflatable boat with self-secure and storage arrangement includes a hard shell body and an inflatable floating platform. The hard shell body includes a container unit, made of rigid material, having a concave engaging surface extended between an upper surface and a lower surface to define a concave engagement groove. The inflatable floating platform includes an inflatable floating body which has a circular outer side and a U-shape inner side which defines a U-shape mounting slot forming a convex engagement ridge along the U-shape mounting slot. After inflation, the U-shape mounting slot is configured to fittingly receive the hard shell body therein and the convex engagement ridge presses against the concave engaging surface so as to engage the hard shell body with the inflated inflatable floating body securely.