Ski Line Bracket Mounting With Friction Pivot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ski line brackets fail to maintain a horizontal position effectively, especially when using heavier outboard engines, as they can disturb water skiing and tilt with the boat, and existing solutions do not allow for easy adjustment and frictionless operation.

Innovation Solution

A ski line bracket mounting system that uses a transom mounting device with adjustable and frictional elements, allowing the bracket to pivot up to 25 degrees while maintaining a horizontal position, and can be set and fixed to accommodate the boat's angle and prevent interference with the outboard engine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the ski line bracket is mounted to the outboard engine, then the bracket position can be adjusted, but the bracket tilts with the boat and disturbs water skiing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebracket position adjustmentVSAvoidwater skiing disturbance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A transom mounting device with a friction disc is introduced as an intermediary between the bracket and the boat transom. The friction disc allows the bracket to pivot smoothly while maintaining a horizontal position, preventing the bracket from tilting with the boat and thus eliminating water skiing disturbance while preserving adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is designed with a friction pivot that allows dynamic adjustment to different positions while in use. The friction disc enables smooth pivoting motion, allowing the bracket to be repositioned easily during operation to maintain optimal horizontal alignment regardless of boat movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the ski line bracket is completely pivotable around a cross axis, then the bracket can accommodate boat tilts, but the bracket cannot maintain a horizontal position effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveboat tilt accommodationVSAvoidhorizontal position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting device provides different pivot characteristics at different locations and orientations. The friction disc allows pivoting primarily in the vertical plane (up to 25 degrees) to accommodate boat tilts, while the bracket structure maintains horizontal stability through its mounting geometry and friction characteristics, creating localized pivot freedom where needed while preserving horizontal stability where required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If friction is introduced to fix the bracket position, then the bracket can be held in place, but the bracket operation becomes less smooth

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebracket position fixationVSAvoidbracket pivoting smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The friction characteristics of the pivot are carefully controlled by selecting appropriate friction material for the disc and adjusting the pivot geometry. The friction is sufficient to hold the bracket securely in adjusted positions (providing reliable fixation) but low enough to allow smooth pivoting during adjustment (maintaining ease of operation). The friction coefficient can be modified by changing the friction material or pivot surface properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system ensures smooth operation by maintaining a horizontal ski line position, reducing disturbance during water skiing and accommodating boat tilts, while allowing for easy adjustment and secure mounting without sharp protrusions.

Implementation Method 1

Between base plate (2) and pivoting plate (8) is at (5) a disc (9) of friction material. Opening (6) makes it possible to pivot the ski line bracket under friction for about 25 degrees.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP1993904B1Attachment of waterski tow bracket to towing vessel
Publication Date: 2012.04.11 TURBOSWING
  • EP1993904B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1993904B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention comprises the attachment of a ski line bracket (1) of the type whereby the ski line can roll along a circular tube by means of a pulley. The invention comprises an attachment of the bracket using the attachment device of the outboard engine to the transom of the boat. The attachment comprises that the operating position of the bracket can be set and fixed whilst the bracket can be lifted with some friction. The mounting elements have flanges (4) with holes which correspond to those of the outboard engine attachment device.