Segmented Support Pad for Watercraft Hull Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support systems for carrying watercraft and recreational equipment on vehicles often fail to provide sufficient contact and protection, leading to 'hot spots' of pressure that can cause damage due to the curved nature of watercraft hulls and differences in hull shapes.
Innovation Solution
The support pads and adjustable supports feature a base layer, contact layer, and ribs that define hollow cells, allowing for three-dimensional movement and independent cell movement to conform to various shapes, along with rotatable arms for customizable support and cushioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid support structure is used, then structural strength is improved, but contact adaptability to curved watercraft hulls deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support pad is divided into multiple independent hollow cells that can move and deform independently. Each cell acts as a separate support element, allowing the pad to conform to curved surfaces while maintaining overall structural integrity through the collective action of all cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The support pad uses a flexible cellular structure with hollow cells that can deform and flex to adapt to the curved geometry of watercraft hulls. This flexible cellular design allows the rigid-looking pad to actually conform to various hull shapes while maintaining strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single solid support pad is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but pressure distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pad is segmented into multiple hollow cells that can independently deform to distribute pressure evenly across the contact surface. This segmentation prevents pressure hot spots by allowing localized compression in each cell while maintaining support across the entire pad area.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow cellular structure functions similarly to porous materials, providing multiple voids that can compress and deform to distribute applied loads. This cellular architecture allows the pad to conform to pressure variations in the load while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through integral molding.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support pad structure is made complex to adapt to different shapes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base layer, contact layer, and ribs are merged into a single integral structure that is molded as one piece. This combining of multiple functional elements into a unified cellular structure achieves shape adaptability without requiring separate components, fasteners, or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow cellular structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, distributes pressure, adapts to various shapes, and absorbs shocks. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single cellular design that eliminates the need for separate components for each function.
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 configuration reduces pressure hot spots, providing superior protection and support for a wide range of watercraft and equipment shapes by ensuring consistent contact and adaptability to different contours.
Implementation Method 1
The support pad can be configured to flex in multiple directions to support the load disposed on the support pad
Data Source
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AI summary
A support pad (100) for a vehicle roof load support system is disclosed where the support pad (100) includes a base layer (110), a contact layer (130) for contacting a load disposed on the support pad (100), and ribs (140) extending between the base layer and the contact layer (130) such that the contact layer (130) is spaced from the base layer (110). The support pad is configured to flex in multiple directions to support the load disposed on the support pad (100).