Articulated Stern Platform With Screw Actuation for Low Encumbrance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat platforms are bulky when not in use, prone to mechanical failures due to environmental conditions, and rely on unreliable hydraulic systems, causing maintenance issues and environmental pollution.
Innovation Solution
A stern platform with a handling system using an articulated quadrilateral mechanism and screw-type actuators, protected by a watertight enclosure, allowing easy extension and retraction with minimal encumbrance and reduced environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hydraulic actuators and mechanical handling systems are used to move the platform, then the platform can be extended and retracted, but the system becomes complex, unreliable, and prone to mechanical failures in aggressive marine environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic actuators and mechanical handling systems with a simple articulated quadrilateral mechanism that uses only pivots and the natural geometry of linked bars. This substitution eliminates hydraulic fluid, seals, and complex mechanical transmissions, thereby improving reliability while reducing device complexity in marine environments
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated quadrilateral mechanism is designed to move the platform automatically through its own geometric properties when a single pivot point is actuated. The system serves itself by using the interconnected rigid bars and pivots to distribute motion and forces throughout the structure, eliminating the need for multiple actuators and complex control systems
2Area of moving object
If the platform size is increased to provide more walkable space, then passenger capacity and usability improve, but the encumbrance and obstruction caused by the platform increases when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable platform that can transition between extended and retracted configurations. The articulated quadrilateral mechanism allows the platform to change its position and orientation on demand, providing large walkable space when needed and minimizing encumbrance when not in use, thus resolving the contradiction between platform size and storage compactness
3Ease of operation
If hydraulic devices and lubricating products are used in the handling system, then smooth movement is achieved, but environmental pollution and maintenance issues increase due to oil leakage in marine environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates hydraulic devices and lubricating products by replacing them with a dry-friction pivot system in the articulated quadrilateral mechanism. The simple pivot connections require no lubrication and produce no harmful emissions, thereby eliminating environmental pollution while maintaining smooth platform movement through proper pivot design and geometry
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 platform provides a reliable, low-encumbrance, and environmentally friendly solution with reduced maintenance needs, ensuring smooth operation and minimal environmental pollution.
Implementation Method 1
said actuator being of screw-type
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A movable platform (100) intended to be attached to a surface (11) of a boat, comprising a bracket (1) configured to be coupled to the surface (11) of the boat, a first, second and third rocker arms (4, 21, 22,) each rotatably connected to the bracket (11, a support member (3) for a walking surface rotatably connected to the first, second and third rocker arms (4, 21, 22) to form an articulated quadrilateral, characterized in that it includes an actuator (5) rotatably connected to the bracket (1) and the first rocker arm (4) such that, when the actuator (5) is operated in extension, the platform (100) transitions into an extended configuration by a rotation of the first rocker arm (4) and a movement of the support member (3) away from the bracket (1), whereas, when the actuator (5) is actuated in contraction, the platform (100) steps into a retracted configuration by a rotation of the first rocker arm (4) and an approach of the support member (3) to the bracket (1).