Rigid-Inflatable Watercraft Hull With Locking Tube Pocket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recreational watercraft, such as kayaks and paddle boards, face challenges with weight, size, and storage due to their rigid construction, while inflatable watercraft suffer from poor performance.
Innovation Solution
A watercraft design featuring a central platform with a bow and stern portion that are removably connectable to form a rigid hull, combined with an air-inflatable tube fitted around the perimeter, which is received within a recessed pocket when inflated, and secured by locking elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a one-piece rigid plastic construction is used, then the watercraft maintains its shape and performance, but it becomes heavy and requires substantial storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The watercraft is divided into multiple segments: a rigid central platform and separate inflatable portions. The rigid platform provides structural stability and shape retention, while the inflatable portions can be deflated for compact storage and reduced weight during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable portions use flexible fabric materials that can be inflated to provide buoyancy and structural support when needed, then deflated for compact storage. This replaces the need for entirely rigid construction while maintaining performance characteristics.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a one-piece rigid plastic construction is used, then the watercraft maintains its shape and performance, but it requires substantial storage space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The watercraft is divided into multiple segments: a rigid central platform and separate inflatable portions. The rigid platform provides structural stability and shape retention, while the inflatable portions can be deflated for compact storage and reduced weight during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable portions use flexible fabric materials that can be inflated to provide buoyancy and structural support when needed, then deflated for compact storage. This replaces the need for entirely rigid construction while maintaining performance characteristics.
3Ease of operation
If an inflatable watercraft is used, then the watercraft is easier to transport and store, but it has poor performance compared to rigid watercraft
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the watercraft have different properties: the central platform is rigid to provide structural stability and performance characteristics, while the peripheral portions are inflatable to provide ease of transport and storage. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between performance and convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The watercraft uses a composite construction combining rigid plastic material for the central platform and flexible fabric material for the inflatable portions. This hybrid approach integrates the advantages of both rigid and inflatable constructions, providing both performance and transport convenience.
4Ease of operation
If an inflatable watercraft is used, then the watercraft is easier to transport and store, but it lacks the structural integrity of rigid watercraft
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the watercraft have different properties: the central platform is rigid to provide structural stability and performance characteristics, while the peripheral portions are inflatable to provide ease of transport and storage. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between performance and convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The watercraft uses a composite construction combining rigid plastic material for the central platform and flexible fabric material for the inflatable portions. This hybrid approach integrates the advantages of both rigid and inflatable constructions, providing both performance and transport convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
A watercraft includes a central platform having a bow portion and a stern portion removably connectable to each other to define a rigid hull. The central platform further includes an upper flange and a lower flange each extending around at least a portion of an outer perimeter of the central platform. The upper flange and the lower flange are separated by a recessed pocket. The watercraft further includes an air-inflatable tube fitted around at least a portion of an outer perimeter of the central platform. When inflated, the air-inflatable tube is at least partially received within the recessed pocket. At least one first locking element is provided on the central platform and at least one second locking element is provided on the air-inflatable tube. The at least one first locking element and the at least one second locking element are configured for locking engagement with each other.