Rotatable Dock Line Management Device with Gas Spring Damping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dock line systems are inconvenient and pose safety risks as they often require individuals to climb onto a dock without the boat being secured, lacking flexibility for different mooring points or boat sizes.
Innovation Solution
A dock line management device featuring a rotatable base, adjustable length tube, and strut with gas spring damping, allowing for secure and adjustable positioning of dock lines for easy access and secure boat mooring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If dock lines are merely lying on a dock or a hook is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dock line management device as an intermediary mechanism between the boat and dock. This device includes a rotatable base mounted on the dock, a tube that can rotate and extend vertically, and a dock line that passes through the tube. The intermediary device guides the dock line to the boat, eliminating the need for people to climb onto the dock while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dock line management device incorporates dynamic components including a rotatable base that can rotate horizontally and a tube that can rotate and extend vertically. These dynamic elements allow the device to adapt to different boat positions and sizes, providing flexible access to the dock line without requiring complex manual handling procedures.
2Reliability
If dock lines are merely lying on a dock or a hook is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The dock line management device serves as a reliable intermediary that eliminates direct human contact between the boat and dock during docking operations. The device securely holds and guides the dock line through a controlled path, preventing accidental release or entanglement that could compromise safety, while the rotatable components ensure reliable operation across various docking scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed dock line system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates for different mooring points or boat sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The dock line management device employs dynamic components including a rotatable base for horizontal adjustment and a vertically extendable tube for height adjustment. These dynamic elements enable the system to adapt to different boat sizes, mooring points, and docking angles, providing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dock line management device is designed as a universal system that can accommodate various boat types and sizes. The rotatable base and extendable tube provide multi-functional capability to serve different mooring points and docking scenarios, replacing the need for multiple fixed dock line configurations.
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 system provides a safe and flexible method for securing watercraft to docks, ensuring easy access and secure mooring, even for varying boat sizes and mooring points, with durable components ensuring long-lasting performance.
Implementation Method 1
The tube is movable vertically with respect to the base and movable rotationally about a vertical axis. A strut extends between the base and the tube and includes a gas spring.
Data Source
AI summary
A dock line management device is provided. The dock line management device includes a tube which is rotatable about at least one axis and which is hollow for receiving a dock line.