Retractable Crane Tender Boat Storage System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large watercraft owners face issues with the aesthetic, space, and safety concerns due to the presence of chocks and cranes on the forward deck when a tender boat is not in use, as they create tripping hazards, increase wind resistance, and occupy valuable deck space.
Innovation Solution
A retractable crane system with a cradle cavity in the front upper deck that conforms to the hull of the tender boat, allowing it to be stored and deployed seamlessly, and an optional cover for the cradle and crane when not in use, hiding the equipment from view and optimizing deck space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chocks and crane are permanently mounted on the forward deck for tender boat storage and deployment, then the tender boat can be securely stored and deployed, but the deck space is occupied, creating tripping hazards and increasing wind resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The crane is designed to be retractable rather than fixed, allowing it to be stored within a cavity in the forward deck when not in use. This dynamic configuration enables the crane to be deployed only when needed, freeing up deck space during normal operation and eliminating the tripping hazard and wind resistance associated with permanent mounts.
Solution Approach 2:
The crane mechanism is nested within a cavity formed in the forward deck. When retracted, the crane occupies minimal space within this cavity, allowing the deck surface to remain clear and unobtrusive. This nesting approach resolves the contradiction by providing secure storage capability while maintaining clean deck aesthetics and maximizing usable space.
2Reliability
If chocks and crane are mounted on the forward deck for tender boat operations, then the tender boat can be securely stored and deployed, but wind resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable crane design allows the structure to adapt to wind conditions by being stowed within the deck cavity when not in use, presenting a low-profile surface that minimizes wind resistance. This dynamic configuration eliminates the permanent obstruction to wind flow that would be caused by a fixed crane mount.
3Reliability
If chocks and crane are permanently mounted on the forward deck, then the tender boat can be securely stored and deployed, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The crane is nested within a cavity in the forward deck, allowing it to be concealed when retracted. This nesting approach maintains the clean lines and aesthetic appearance of the deck surface, eliminating the visual clutter associated with permanently mounted cranes while preserving the functionality when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A watercraft includes a cavity on the front upper deck for storage and transport of a tender boat. The cavity conforms to a hull of the tender boat, accepting the tender boat such that the tender boat shifts minimally with movement of the watercraft. In some embodiments, a retractable crane deploys from beneath the front upper deck for deploying and retrieving the tender boat. When the tender boat is absent, optionally, a solid cover is placed over the cavity. When the crane is retracted, a cover covers the crane boom and crane mast.