Telescopic Boat Connector With Lockable Suction Cups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat connection methods require excessive storage space, are time-consuming to set up and take down, and can damage boat surfaces due to the use of multiple flexible elongated members and impact receiving devices, which are not suitable for non-parallel surfaces and moving boats.
Innovation Solution
A compact connecting/separating apparatus with a connecting assembly, first and second engaging mechanisms, and a length adjusting mechanism that uses lockable suction cups or clips to securely attach to boat surfaces, maintaining a spaced separation to prevent contact and accommodate rocking motion in the water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flexible elongated members and impact receiving devices are used to connect boats, then boats are prevented from drifting apart, but excessive storage space is required and setup time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single rigid connecting member: connection function (replacing flexible elongated members), spacing function (integrating spacing members), and protection function (incorporating impact receiving devices). This merging eliminates the need for separate ropes, buoys, and impact absorbers, thereby reducing storage space while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid connecting member is segmented into multiple functional components: connection members for attachment, spacing members for maintaining distance, and impact receiving devices for protection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while being part of an integrated system that requires minimal storage space.
2Reliability
If multiple flexible elongated members and impact receiving devices are used to connect boats, then boats are prevented from drifting apart, but setup and teardown time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
By merging connection members, spacing members, and impact receiving devices into a single integrated rigid connecting member, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be assembled and disassembled. This significantly reduces setup and teardown time while maintaining the reliability of boat connection through the combined functions of the integrated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid connecting member is designed with pre-positioned spacing members and impact receiving devices already attached, eliminating the need to assemble these components during setup. The connection members are also pre-configured for quick attachment, allowing rapid deployment without compromising connection stability.
3Reliability
If flexible elongated members and impact receiving devices are used to connect boats, then boats are prevented from drifting apart, but boat surfaces can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid connecting member acts as an intermediary structure between boats, with integrated spacing members that maintain a protective distance between boat surfaces. This prevents direct contact and potential damage while the impact receiving devices absorb any residual impact forces, thereby protecting boat surfaces while maintaining connection stability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If rigid connecting members are used to maintain spacing between boats, then boat surfaces are protected from contact, but adaptability to non-parallel surfaces and moving boats is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid connecting member incorporates movable and adjustable components, including telescopic sections that allow length adjustment and pivot joints that enable angular adaptation. This dynamic design allows the rigid structure to adapt to non-parallel boat surfaces and accommodate boat movement while maintaining the protective spacing between surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting member allows for parameter changes in length and angle through its adjustable and telescopic components. This enables the rigid structure to adapt to varying boat positions and non-parallel surfaces, maintaining effective spacing and protection while accommodating the dynamic nature of boats on water.
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 apparatus effectively prevents boat contact while being easy to use, compact for storage, and adaptable to various boat shapes, reducing setup and teardown time, and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
The cup locking mechanism is configured to place the suction cup in a locked condition with the engaging surface securely attached to the surface of the boat
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus that is configured to connect a first boat to second boat or to an object, such as a dock, in a manner that prevents the surface of the first boat from contacting the surface of the second boat or the object. The apparatus comprises a connecting assembly having a first engaging mechanism at its first end and a second engaging mechanism at its second end. The connecting assembly comprises a pair of connecting members that are telescopically configured and a length adjusting mechanism that adjusts the length of the connecting assembly and the spacing provided by the apparatus. The length adjusting mechanism can include a locking mechanism that locks the connecting members or a biasing mechanism that biases the two members apart. The engaging members can be suction cups that have cup locking mechanisms that allow the user to lock the suction cups to a surface.