Resilient Clamp Head for Watersports Board Storage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing watersports board storage solutions for marine vessels are inefficient in accommodating boards of varying thicknesses, requiring complex mechanical assemblies that are costly and require frequent maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A watersports board storage rack featuring an adjustable clamp head with a resilient structure that automatically accommodates boards of different thicknesses, using a bungee system and compliant clamping hinges made from materials like thermoplastic elastomers, allowing for secure holding of both thin and thick boards without the need for complex mechanical adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex mechanical assembly is used to accommodate boards of varying thicknesses, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of varying board thicknessesVSAvoidmechanical assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp head incorporates a resilient structure that automatically adjusts its clamping force and geometry based on the board thickness. The resilient material allows the clamp to deform elastically, changing its effective parameters to accommodate different board sizes without requiring complex mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a resilient structure made of elastomeric material. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple mechanical components, screws, and adjustment mechanisms while maintaining the ability to accommodate varying board thicknesses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex mechanical assembly is used to accommodate boards of varying thicknesses, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of varying board thicknessesVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient clamp head structure is designed to automatically adapt to different board thicknesses without requiring user intervention for adjustment. When a board is placed in the rack, the resilient material naturally deforms to match the board's dimensions, providing a self-adjusting mechanism that simplifies operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex mechanical assemblies are used, then adaptability is improved, but maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of varying board thicknessesVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient clamp head is made from elastomeric material that can be easily replaced if worn or damaged. Rather than maintaining complex mechanical assemblies with multiple moving parts, the patent uses a simple, inexpensive resilient structure that can be quickly swapped out, reducing maintenance overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 solution simplifies operation, reduces maintenance, and effectively secures boards of varying sizes, enhancing storage efficiency and reducing costs by using a single resilient structure that adapts to different board thicknesses.

Implementation Method 1

a single resilient structure is able to automatically accommodate boards of varying thicknesses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

using a bungee system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic potential energy storage: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS12122487B2Watersports board storage rack

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 ROSWELL CANADA INC

AI summary

An apparatus (100), including: a lower support structure (102) configured to support a bottom side of a board disposed thereon, wherein the board can be any one of a variety of various sized boards; and an adjustable clamp head (104) including a resilient structure (122) that defines a recess (124) configured to capture therein a top side of the board and thereby hold the board between the clamp head and the lower support structure when the clamp head is lowered onto the top side of the board. The resilient structure is configured to narrow the recess when the clamp head is lowered against a resilience of the resilient structure onto a relatively thin board sized to contact the resilient structure at an apex (130) of the recess without fully filling an opening (132) of the recess.