Sliding Power Lift and Locking System for Boat Hatches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power operating systems for hinged windows or hatch assemblies on boats are difficult to operate and secure, requiring manual effort and posing vulnerabilities to the elements and unauthorized access due to their height and position, making it challenging to open, close, and lock them efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A sliding power lift and locking assembly that uses a motor-driven system with a first drive shaft, drive block assembly, and link arm to automate the opening and closing of hinged windows or hatch assemblies, incorporating a latch dog and slider latch mechanism for secure locking and a drive synchronizer for synchronized motion, allowing for easy operation and secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual hatch system is used, then the structure is simple, but it requires significant manual effort and is difficult to operate due to height and position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical hatch operation system with an automated power operating system. A motor assembly (202) drives a drive shaft (204) that rotates drive blocks (206, 208) within tracks (214, 216), automatically moving the hatch cover (104) between open and closed positions without requiring manual lifting or positioning effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The power operating system enables the hatch to operate itself automatically. The motor-driven mechanism self-actuates the hatch cover movement, positioning, and locking without human intervention, except for initiating the operation through a switch or control system.
2Reliability
If a secured manual hatch system is used, then the locking mechanism is simple, but it is vulnerable to unauthorized access and inadvertent opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking functions into an integrated power-operated system. The drive blocks (206, 208) simultaneously perform positioning and locking functions, engaging with latch dogs (116, 118) and dog catches (120, 122) to secure the hatch cover in both open and closed positions, providing reliable security through automated multi-point engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through limit switches (220, 222) that detect the hatch cover's position and automatically control the motor to stop at the correct positions. This ensures the hatch is properly secured when closed and prevents inadvertent opening, while the control system provides automated feedback-based positioning.
3Area of stationary object
If the hatch is positioned high on the roof, then it provides good coverage, but it becomes difficult to reach and open
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated power system that eliminates the need for physical reaching and lifting. The motor assembly (202) and drive mechanism automatically move the hatch cover (104) along tracks (214, 216), allowing operation from a distance or by individuals with limited physical capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary between the operator and the hatch mechanism. A switch or electronic control system activates the motor assembly (202), which then mediates the physical movement of the hatch cover, allowing operation without direct physical contact or reaching to the high-positioned hatch.
4Productivity
If a traditional manual hatch system is used, then the components are few, but it requires coordinated manual actions that are time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The power operating system enables continuous automated action from opening to closing and locking. The motor-driven drive shaft (204) continuously rotates the drive blocks (206, 208) through the entire hatch movement cycle, maintaining useful action throughout without the interruptions and coordinated manual actions required by traditional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning and preparation actions automatically. The drive blocks (206, 208) are pre-positioned in the tracks (214, 216) and the latch dogs (116, 118) are pre-aligned, so that when the motor activates, the hatch cover (104) moves directly to the correct position and locks automatically, eliminating the sequential manual actions of traditional systems.
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 enables effortless operation and secure locking of hinged windows or hatch assemblies, reducing manual effort and enhancing security by automating the opening and closing process while ensuring the assembly is securely latched when closed, thus protecting against environmental and unauthorized access.
Implementation Method 1
a motor; a first drive shaft, wherein the first drive shaft has a body and a cylindrical axis and the first drive shaft is rotationally driven by the motor
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding power lift and locking assembly for lifting and locking an object includes a motor, a first drive shaft, a first drive block assembly, a first drive housing, and a link arm. The first drive shaft has a body and a cylindrical axis and is rotationally driven by the motor. The first drive block assembly includes an aperture configured to engage the body of the first drive shaft, a latch dog with a first slot configured to engage a dog catch pin associated with the object, and a slider. A portion of the first drive housing and a portion of the first drive block assembly are provided in a track of the first drive housing, and the track of the first drive housing is configured such that the first drive block assembly is configured to move in a path relative to the first drive housing. The link arm includes a first end and second end. The first end of the link arm is configured to move with the slider of the first drive block assembly, and the second end of the link arm is configured to connect to the object.