Sectional Watercraft Nesting and Sealing for Compact Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional watercrafts are often heavy and long, making them impractical for transportation, especially inside vehicles, and existing sectional designs do not effectively compact into smaller sizes for easy carrying.
Innovation Solution
A watercraft composed of separable body sections with a locking assembly and sealing parts that allow the sections to be assembled and disassembled for forming a compact structure, enabling easier transportation by fitting smaller sections inside larger ones or sliding them together, thereby reducing the overall length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a watercraft is constructed as a single body, then it provides structural integrity and stability, but it becomes heavy and long making it impractical for transportation inside automobiles
Solution Approach 1:
The watercraft is divided into multiple detachable sections (e.g., cockpit section, mid-section, bow section) that can be separated for transportation. Each section maintains structural integrity independently while allowing the complete watercraft to be broken down into manageable pieces that fit within vehicle trunks or cargo areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The smaller watercraft sections are designed to nest within larger sections when disassembled. For example, the bow section can be inserted into the mid-section, and the cockpit section can be placed within or alongside other sections, creating a compact packed configuration that minimizes transportation space requirements.
2Reliability
If a watercraft is constructed as a single body, then it maintains watertightness, but it becomes inconvenient for an individual to move over a certain distance
Solution Approach 1:
The watercraft is divided into multiple detachable sections connected by coupling mechanisms that maintain watertight seals. Each section can be easily handled by one or two persons, improving maneuverability while the sealing mechanisms ensure watertightness when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The watercraft sections are designed with three-dimensional coupling interfaces that engage in multiple directions, providing both mechanical strength and watertight sealing. The coupling mechanisms extend vertically and horizontally to create robust connections that maintain integrity during use.
3Length of moving object
If sectional watercraft designs are used, then transportability is improved, but water leakage between sections becomes a problem
Solution Approach 1:
Flexible sealing gaskets or membranes are installed at the coupling interfaces between watercraft sections. These flexible seals conform to the coupling surfaces and maintain watertightness even when sections are assembled or disassembled, preventing water leakage while allowing for the segmented design.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanisms incorporate composite structures combining rigid connection elements with flexible sealing materials. This composite approach provides both the mechanical strength needed for structural integrity and the flexibility required for effective water sealing at the joints between sections.
4Stability of the object's composition
If locking assemblies are added to secure sections together, then structural integrity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated directly into the coupling interface between sections, combining the structural connection and locking functions into a single unified component. This eliminates separate locking devices and reduces overall complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism incorporates self-latching or automatic locking features that engage when sections are brought together, reducing the need for manual operation. The design allows sections to lock themselves into place through simple alignment and engagement actions, minimizing the complexity of the assembly process.
Data Source
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Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
A full-length watercraft has two or more separable body sections which can be taken apart and packed into a single packed structure having a smaller length. The present invention provides two ways in packing two adjacent body sections. One way is to take apart the two adjacent body sections and turn one of the sections around so that the smaller section can be put inside the larger section. The other way is to release the securing mechanism between the adjacent body sections so that the smaller section can be slid into the larger section. With a packed structure of a smaller length, the watercraft can be put in an automobile or on a cart to be transported.