Rotatable Support Member for Adaptable Floating Dock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular floating docks are not versatile enough to accommodate various types and sizes of watercraft, particularly those with keels, leading to increased manufacturing costs and safety concerns due to instability during use.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates adjustable rotatable support members that can be varied in height and angle, allowing the floating dock elements to adapt to different watercraft shapes and sizes, ensuring secure positioning and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-position support members are used in modular floating docks, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the dock cannot accommodate various types and sizes of watercraft including those with keels
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed with rotatable and adjustable components that allow dynamic reconfiguration. The rotatable support member can change its orientation and position to accommodate different watercraft types, sizes, and keel configurations, transforming a static structure into an adaptable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is divided into multiple separable components including a rotatable section, an adjustable section, and a support element. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and configured to match the specific requirements of different watercraft.
2Reliability
If specialized designs are created for each watercraft size and type, then the dock can provide precise support, but manufacturing costs increase due to the need to develop and manufacture a wide range of products
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized support member design incorporates multiple functions through its rotatable and adjustable mechanisms. This universal component can serve different watercraft types (with or without keels, various sizes) by reconfiguration, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple specialized support member variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member's operational parameters (orientation angle, position height, rotational direction) can be changed to adapt to different watercraft requirements. This allows one physical component to provide precise support for various watercraft by adjusting its configuration rather than requiring different components for each case.
3Ease of operation
If fixed support members are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the dock cannot securely hold watercraft in position, creating potential safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable and rotatable mechanisms enable the support member to dynamically adapt its position and orientation to securely match the specific geometry of different watercraft, providing stable holding capability that fixed support members cannot achieve.
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
This solution enhances the versatility and safety of floating docks by securely accommodating a range of watercraft, including those with keels, while reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first rotatable support member; wherein the first rotatable support member is mounted on the element such that the position of the first rotatable support member relative to the element can be varied
Data Source
AI summary
An element for use in a watercraft is provided comprising a first rotatable support member mounted on the element such that the position of the first rotatable support member relative to the element can be varied by a user. A floating dock comprising at least one element is also provided.