Suction Cup Mooring Device with Rotating Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat tethering and mooring devices face issues such as weak holding power, requirement of tools for assembly, inability to float in water, likelihood of disengagement, lack of two-axis rotation for independent movement, non-durability, and potential for cosmetic damage during high-wave conditions.
Innovation Solution
A suction cup mooring device with a strut and pivotally coupled heads, featuring rotatable suction cups and a flotation cover sleeve for positive buoyancy, allowing secure attachment and rotation of boats while preventing direct contact and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If suction cups are used for attachment, then tool-free installation is achieved, but holding power is weak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple suction cups (first suction cup on first boat, second suction cup on second boat) with a rigid connecting strut to create a distributed attachment system. This merging of multiple attachment points compensates for the individual weakness of each suction cup while maintaining tool-free installation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cups are designed to be pre-installed on the boats before the mooring operation. This preliminary attachment allows the boats to be secured without requiring tools during the actual mooring process, while the pre-positioned cups provide sufficient holding power when combined with the strut structure.
2Strength
If rigid connection is used between boats, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility for independent boat movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rotational joints at the connection points between the strut and each boat. These joints allow the rigid strut to dynamically adapt to independent boat movements while maintaining structural strength. The first connection allows rotation about a first axis, and the second connection allows rotation about a second axis, enabling the system to accommodate wave action and boat heaving without breaking the rigid connection.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed orientation attachment is used, then structural stability is improved, but ability to accommodate wave motion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational joints enable the strut to dynamically adjust its orientation in response to wave motion while maintaining structural stability. The first connection permits rotation about a first axis to accommodate rolling, and the second connection permits rotation about a second axis to accommodate pitching, allowing the fixed-length strut to remain stable while adapting to environmental conditions.
4Ease of operation
If direct boat-to-structure contact is allowed, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of cosmetic damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the strut as an intermediary element between the two boats. This rigid connector maintains a predetermined distance between the boats, preventing direct contact that could cause cosmetic damage, while still providing secure attachment through the suction cups. The strut acts as a mediator that enables the mooring function without creating harmful contact.
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 device provides a durable, flexible, and high-holding-power solution that maintains boat separation and stability, reducing disengagement and cosmetic damage, while allowing for independent movement and rotation.
Implementation Method 1
a flotation cover sleeve coupled about the strut, the flotation cover sleeve having a buoyancy sufficient to render the entire apparatus positively buoyant in water
Implementation Method 2
a first suction cup that is rotatably coupled to the first head and adapted to be secured to a first boat, a second suction cup that is rotatably coupled to the second head and adapted to be secured to a second boat
Data Source
AI summary
A mooring device including: a strut with a first end and a second end; a first head; a pivot mount; a first suction cup; a rotating mount; a second head; a second suction cup; a rod; and a flotation cover sleeve. The pivot mount allows the first head to pivot about a first head axis and therefore to rotate relative to the strut. The rotating mount allows the suction cup to rotate about a second axis relative to the strut. The flotation cover sleeve having a buoyancy sufficient to render the entire apparatus positively buoyant in water.