Sliding Stern Platform Gate for Water Tank Sealing and Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stern platforms on vessels lack robust, low-cost, and efficient sliding gates for water tanks that completely open or close, offering poor user comfort and convenience, and are difficult to install and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A stern platform with a sliding gate that slides on rails, allowing it to open and close a water tank, featuring a water reservoir for user support, and includes backrest elements that can pivot or slide, with manual or motorized traction, and integrated features like hydromassage and lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sliding gate is implemented for complete closure of the water tank, then sealing efficiency and user comfort are improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sealing mechanisms with a simplified sliding gate system that uses the water pressure differential and basic friction-based sealing. The gate slides along simple guide rails rather than requiring complex hinges or multi-component sealing systems, achieving effective closure through straightforward mechanical motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible sealing elements such as gaskets or seals made from elastic materials that conform to the gate and tank opening surfaces. These thin film elements provide effective sealing without requiring complex mechanical structures, allowing the gate to achieve water-tight closure through simple sliding motion while accommodating manufacturing tolerances.
2Ease of operation
If backrest elements are added to enhance user comfort, then user comfort and recreational functionality are improved, but device complexity and material consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest elements are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide user support during recreation, act as structural reinforcement for the tank walls, and can potentially serve as mounting surfaces for additional accessories. This multi-functionality justifies the material usage by delivering multiple benefits from a single structural feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest elements are made movable or adjustable rather than fixed, allowing them to adapt to different user positions and preferences. This dynamic capability enhances comfort while using minimal material, as the elements can be positioned only where and when needed rather than requiring permanent structural support throughout.
3Ease of operation
If manual or motorized traction systems are implemented for gate operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding gate system is designed to be operable by users through simple manual sliding actions without requiring external power sources or complex actuation mechanisms. The low-friction guide rails and balanced design allow users to easily open and close the gate themselves, eliminating the need for motors, winches, or other automated traction systems while maintaining ease of operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the platform is designed for complete submersion, then versatility and space efficiency are improved, but manufacturing precision and reliability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into modular sections with standardized connection interfaces, allowing for easier assembly and disassembly. The sliding gate system is segmented into the gate itself, guide rails, and sealing elements that can be manufactured separately and assembled with tolerances suitable for marine environments, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining submersion capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a stern platform (100) comprising at least one sliding gate (300), at least two rails (110), at least one central recess (220), at least two side recesses (210), wherein the sliding gate (300) can be slid on the rails (110) into the side recesses (210) during its opening. Additionally, the stern platform (100) comprising a sliding gate (300) further comprises backrest elements (400) having a sliding movement enabled via traction devices.