Power Cleat System with Pneumatic Actuation and Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power cleat systems for docks and vessels lack remote actuation, safety features, and efficient water drainage, often presenting as trip hazards and requiring manual operation, while also not providing adequate illumination for safety and alignment.
Innovation Solution
A power cleat system comprising a cleat assembly, actuating system with a bladder assembly for remote elevation and retraction, an electrical assembly for illumination, and a bezel gasket assembly for water drainage, designed to default to a retracted position and be manually lifted, with remote control and timeout features to reduce hazards and enhance safety and style.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the cleat is designed as a fixed manual cleat, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it presents a trip hazard and requires manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The cleat assembly is designed to be dynamically movable between a retracted position (reducing trip hazard) and an extended operational position (providing cleat function). The actuating system enables this dynamic repositioning, transforming a static hazardous object into a dynamic safe one.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleat assembly is extracted from its traditional fixed position and separated into a movable component that can be retracted into the cleat base assembly. This extraction removes the harmful tripping hazard while preserving the functional need when the cleat is extended.
2Ease of operation
If the cleat assembly is automatically retracted, then safety is improved, but manual operation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate both automatic remote actuation and manual operation. The actuating system can be controlled remotely for automated retraction, while the cleat assembly can also be manually lifted and positioned by users when needed, providing versatile operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleat assembly incorporates springs that provide automatic retraction force, enabling the system to service itself by returning to the retracted position without power consumption. This self-service mechanism complements both remote and manual operation modes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If water pools on the cleat base assembly, then the structure remains simple, but safety and hygiene are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cleat base assembly is segmented with multiple drain grooves that divide and channel water flow across the base. This segmentation of the drainage function allows water to be efficiently directed away from the assembly without requiring a complex external drainage system.
4Illumination intensity
If the cleat assembly is illuminated, then safety and alignment are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical assembly incorporates an automatic sensor system that detects ambient light conditions and automatically activates or deactivates the illumination. This self-service control eliminates the need for manual switching and ensures the lights are only consumed when naturally needed (dark conditions), optimizing energy usage.
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 system provides a safe, stylish, and efficient solution by reducing trip hazards, shedding water, and offering remote operation, illumination for safety, and alignment assistance, while being durable, reliable, and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
The bladder assembly comprises a bladder to elevate the cleat assembly from the cleat base assembly
Implementation Method 2
whereby springs retract the cleat assembly onto the cleat base assembly
Implementation Method 3
The power cleat system further comprises an electrical assembly that has a light source to illuminate the cleat assembly and/or the cleat base assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A power cleat system having a cleat assembly, a cleat base assembly, a backer plate assembly, a guide assembly, and an actuating system to elevate and retract the cleat assembly from the cleat base assembly. The cleat assembly has a top end, a base, and guide shafts. The guide shafts have flat sides and ends. The cleat base assembly has a drain groove, a base, threaded sections protruding from the base, and linear bearings. The backer plate assembly has a backer plate, backer plate holes, and a backer plate housing hole. The actuating system has a bladder assembly, which includes a bladder cradle, a coupler bolt, a base with a hole, and a fill/discharge stem. The power cleat system further has a bezel gasket assembly, and an electrical assembly that has a light source to illuminate the cleat assembly and/or the cleat base assembly.