Rotatable Flotation Device for Securing Boat Lines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine and recreational devices fail to keep non-buoyant boat/dock lines above water, and buoyant solutions are expensive and lose functionality when used both above and below water.
Innovation Solution
A flotation device with a rotatable mechanism that secures boat/dock lines above water, featuring a soft material construction, push-and-twist lock, and buoyant weight for enhanced throwing distance and accuracy, while minimizing damage and damage risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a buoyant material is used for the boat line, then the line can float above water, but the line becomes expensive and loses the ability to be used effectively both above and below water
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the system into two separate components: a separate flotation device that attaches to the boat line, rather than making the line itself buoyant. This allows the line to maintain its original non-buoyant properties while gaining the ability to float when the flotation device is attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The flotation device acts as an intermediary between the boat line and the water. It attaches to the line and provides the buoyancy function, allowing the line to be used effectively both above and below water without changing the line's material properties.
2Reliability
If a rotatable gripping mechanism is added to enhance grip of boat lines, then the grip is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates a rotatable head that can rotate relative to the body, allowing the gripping fingers to dynamically adjust their position and orientation. This rotational capability enhances the grip on boat lines of various sizes and shapes without requiring a completely complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable gripping mechanism is merged with the flotation device structure, combining the grip function and flotation function into a single integrated device. This reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate devices for each function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the flotation device is made of soft material to minimize damage, then safety is improved, but the durability and resistance to mechanical failures may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different material properties to different parts of the device: the outer surface is made of soft material to minimize damage to users and objects, while the internal structural components are designed to provide necessary strength and durability. This localized differentiation of material properties allows the device to meet both safety and strength requirements.
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 device effectively keeps boat/dock lines above water, enhances grip, and allows for accurate and distant throwing without losing the line in the water, while being safe, cost-effective, and durable.
Implementation Method 1
a flotation device that keeps a boat line above water
Implementation Method 2
provide a buoyant weight at the end of a boat and/or dock line to enhance the distance in which a boat/dock line can be thrown
Data Source
AI summary
A flotation device comprises a head having a lower, partially annular surface and a rectangular slot located at the front of the head. A body of the device comprises an upper partially annular surface proximate the lower partially annular surface, tapered fingers located at an end of the body opposite the upper partially annular surface, and angled channels on an inner surface of the body. An inner casing connects the rotatable head and the body. A boat line or dock line, such as a rope, can be placed into a central aperture that also serves as a central aperture for the head and the body. A helical ridge located on an outer, circumferential surface of the body can be rotated within the channel of the body until the channel terminates.