Recessed Mooring Line Assembly with Flush Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleats for mooring boats present tripping hazards, occupy space, and degrade the structural integrity of docks and boats due to exposed fasteners and permanent installation, while mooring lines often degrade when not stored properly.
Innovation Solution
A recessed mooring line device with a flush design that includes a cylindrical mooring head, reel assembly, and line anchor, which stores and retrieves the mooring line, securing it with a pawl and ratchet mechanism, and is mounted to a substructure without penetrating fasteners, protecting the device from environmental damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional cleats are mounted to the dock or boat surface using penetrating fasteners, then the cleat is securely attached and can bear load, but the structural integrity and load carrying capacity of the mounting surface degrades from continuous exposure to the elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the penetrating fasteners from the mounting system. Instead of using screws or bolts that penetrate the deck surface, the cleat is mounted using non-penetrating fastening methods such as adhesive bonding or surface-mounted brackets that do not compromise the structural integrity of the mounting surface while still providing secure attachment and load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mounting mechanism between the cleat and the mounting surface. This intermediary system (such as a surface-mounted bracket or adhesive layer) transfers the load without requiring penetration of the mounting surface, thereby protecting the structural integrity while maintaining the load-carrying function of the cleat.
2Ease of operation
If conventional cleats project from the mounting surface, then the cleat is easily accessible for tying lines, but it constitutes a tripping hazard and permanently occupies space that cannot be used for other purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the cleat from a protruding three-dimensional object into a flush-mounted or recessed configuration. By changing the dimensional relationship between the cleat and the mounting surface (from projecting outward to being level with or recessed into the surface), the design maintains accessibility for line tying while eliminating the tripping hazard and freeing up the surface area for other uses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mooring line is removed from the cleat when not in use, then the line can be stored separately, but it may be misplaced or degrade from exposure to the elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mooring line storage function with the cleat structure itself. The cleat includes an integrated line storage mechanism such as a recess, compartment, or attached reel that holds the line when not in use. This merging of functions ensures the line remains organized, easily locatable, and protected from environmental degradation without requiring separate storage arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
A recessed and retractable mooring line device includes a housing having a mooring head that is configured for projecting through an opening or recess of a mounting structure so that an upper surface of the mooring head does not project from an outer surface of the mounting structure. A reel assembly is coupled to the housing and positioned below the mooring head to take up a flexible mooring line. The reel assembly includes a rotatable spool for winding the line. A ratchet wheel and spool that is engaged by a pawl prevents rotation of the ratchet wheel and spool when engaged. A moor head assembly that includes a pawl actuator actuates the pawl. An actuator lock of the moor head assembly engages the pawl actuator to keep it engaged with the pawl. A line anchor is used for securing to an end of the mooring line.