Watercraft Seat Retention Mechanism With Manual Slide Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watercraft seating systems lack a secure and tool-free mechanism for adjusting seat height and removing seats, which is cumbersome and difficult to implement on the fly, especially in kayaks where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A seat retention mechanism featuring a first member mounted to the watercraft with an attachment element and receiver, a slide that moves between locked and unlocked positions to constrain the seat against longitudinal motion, and a manual actuator for easy adjustment and removal of the seat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secure attachment mechanism is used to hold the seat firmly to the watercraft, then the seat retention reliability is improved, but the ease of removal without tools deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism transitions from a static attachment state to a dynamic adjustable state. The slide member can move between positions to lock the seat securely during use, then be easily repositioned to release the seat for removal, combining secure retention with easy detachability through dynamic positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The slide member acts as an intermediary element between the attachment element and the seat. It provides a simple manual interface that allows the user to control the retention state without tools, mediating between the secure attachment requirement and the easy removal requirement through straightforward manual operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment features are added to allow on-the-fly height changes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The slide member serves multiple functions: it acts as a retention control element, a height adjustment mechanism, and a positioning device. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent achieves on-the-fly adjustment capability without adding separate complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is merged with the retention mechanism into a single integrated system. The slide member combines the functions of securing the seat and adjusting its position, eliminating the need for separate adjustment devices and reducing overall system complexity
3Ease of operation
If the seat is made detachable for transporting and storing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security during use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism provides dynamic control over the seat's attachment state. During use, the slide member can be positioned to lock the seat securely; for transport or storage, it can be repositioned to release the seat, allowing easy detachment while maintaining security when needed
Data Source
AI summary
A retention mechanism is provided for mounting the seat to a watercraft. The retention mechanism may comprise a receiver for receiving a graspable member of the seat therein. The receiver is upwardly open to receive the graspable member. A slide moves horizontally to partially obstruct the receiver so that the graspable member cannot escape from the receiver. A manual lever moves the slide between a locked for constraining the graspable member and an unlocked position for allowing the graspable member to be received by and removed from the receiver.