PWC Fender Anchor and Resilient Link for Secure Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fenders for personal watercraft (PWCs) are not securely attached, often detach and fall into the water, and are not versatile for use with a range of PWCs.
Innovation Solution
A fender system comprising a flexible fender body, a rigid anchor, and a resilient link, with a lock mechanism for secure attachment to the PWC, allowing easy installation and removal, and compatibility with various PWC models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fenders are tied to a tow eye or retained by closing a hatch on a strap, then the fender can be attached to the PWC, but the attachment is not secure and the fender detaches during use
Solution Approach 1:
The fender system is divided into separate components: a fender body, an anchor, and a link. This segmentation allows the anchor to be securely inserted into a dedicated aperture in the PWC hull while the fender body remains accessible for easy attachment and detachment by users.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor is designed to be inserted into and nested within an aperture in the PWC hull, creating a secure integrated connection. The fender body then attaches to the anchor through the link, creating a nested configuration that ensures reliable attachment while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If fenders are permanently installed on the watercraft, then the attachment is secure, but the fender cannot be easily removed or adapted to different PWC models
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is designed with a standardized configuration that can be inserted into apertures on various PWC models, providing universal compatibility. The separate anchor component can be transferred between different watercraft, allowing the same fender system to serve multiple PWC models while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a permanent fixed installation to a dynamic, removable configuration. The anchor can be inserted and removed from apertures as needed, and the link allows the fender body to be easily attached or detached from the anchor, providing adaptability while maintaining security during use.
3Strength
If fenders are made from rigid material, then the attachment structure is strong, but the fender cannot conform to the exterior surface of the PWC
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the fender system have different material properties optimized for their specific functions. The anchor is made from rigid material to provide strong attachment to the PWC hull, while the fender body is made from flexible material to conform to the exterior surface and absorb impact forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The fender system combines different materials with complementary properties: rigid material for the anchor to ensure strong attachment, and flexible material for the fender body to provide conformity and cushioning. This composite approach allows each component to optimize its material properties for its specific function.
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 secure, reliable attachment of fenders to PWCs, preventing detachment and enabling use across different PWC models, enhancing convenience and reducing replacement costs.
Implementation Method 1
a link distinct from the fender body and from the anchor, the link connecting the fender body to the anchor, the link being made from a resilient material
Data Source
AI summary
A fender for a watercraft having a watercraft body. The watercraft body defines an aperture. The fender has: a fender body; an anchor distinct from the fender body, the anchor being configured to be inserted in the aperture defined in the watercraft body and for selectively connecting the fender to the watercraft body; and a link distinct from the fender body and from the anchor, the link connecting the fender body to the anchor. The fender body is made from a flexible material. The anchor is made from a rigid material. The link is made from a resilient material. A watercraft having the fender is also disclosed.