Articulated Rope Tender Prevents Propeller Entanglement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mooring ropes tend to entangle with structural members and components of watercraft, such as outboard motors and propellers, and cause damage to painted surfaces due to frictional contact during mooring or anchoring.
Innovation Solution
A rope tender apparatus featuring an articulated rod with a partial labyrinth slot, mounted on a cylindrical shaft and base with a suction cup attachment, elevates and securely retains mooring ropes, preventing entanglement and protecting painted surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cleats are attached close to the watercraft surface for securing ropes, then the mooring function is achieved, but the ropes become entangled with structural members and components
Solution Approach 1:
The rope tender apparatus elevates the rope retention function from the horizontal plane (cleat on surface) to the vertical dimension (articulated rod extending upward), positioning the rope path above interfering components while maintaining mooring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated rod with labyrinth slot serves as an intermediary structure between the cleat and the rope, guiding and containing the rope through itsę§½ structure to prevent contact with interfering components while maintaining the mooring function
2Ease of operation
If cleats are attached close to the watercraft surface for securing ropes, then the mooring function is achieved, but the painted surfaces are marred by frictional contact
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus transitions the rope path from horizontal contact with the painted surface to a vertical elevation above the surface, eliminating frictional damage while preserving mooring functionality through the articulated rod's elevated position
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ropes are elevated to prevent entanglement and surface damage, then harmful factors are reduced, but the complexity of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated rod is designed to be movable and adjustable rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt to different watercraft configurations and rope tensions, simplifying installation and adjustment while maintaining the elevation benefit
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated rod with labyrinth slot serves multiple functions simultaneously: elevation, rope guidance, entanglement prevention, and surface protection, consolidating what could be multiple separate components into a single multi-functional element
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
Effectively prevents rope entanglement with watercraft components and reduces frictional damage to painted surfaces by maintaining ropes at an elevated position, allowing for easy retrieval and storage.
Implementation Method 1
the mount includes a suction cup, for removable attachment of the rope tender to a surface of the watercraft
Data Source
AI summary
A rope tender for a recreational watercraft is removably attached to the top of an outboard motor or a transom of the watercraft. The rope tender has a partial labyrinth slot which captively receive one or more anchor or mooring ropes to prevent entanglement of the ropes with the motor or propellers associated therewith. The rope tender may be conveniently removed and stowed when the watercraft is configured in an operational condition.