Telescoping GPS Sonar Mount with Folding Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing GPS/sonar device stands on boats are typically too tall, making it difficult for fishermen to see and operate the devices safely, as they require bending down to adjust settings, and there is a need for a solution that allows for adjustable height and easier access.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping and folding mounting stand apparatus that includes a base plate, outer and inner tubing, a board connected to a rod, and a knob system, allowing the GPS/sonar device to be adjusted in height from 20 to 30 inches and easily folded down for storage or high-speed travel, with optional features like hook and loop fasteners for secure attachment to the deck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the GPS/sonar stand is made taller to bring the device closer to the fisherman, then the device becomes easier to see and operate, but the stand occupies more vertical space and may interfere with high-speed travel or storage
Solution Approach 1:
The stand incorporates a telescoping mechanism with inner and outer tubes that allow the height to be dynamically adjusted. The inner tube can slide within the outer tube to change the vertical position of the GPS/sonar device, enabling the stand to adapt between a taller position for easier viewing and a shorter position for storage or high-speed travel.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand is divided into multiple segments including a base plate, outer tube, inner tube, and top tube assembly. These segmented components can be independently adjusted and positioned, allowing the height to be modified by extending or retracting the inner tube relative to the outer tube, thus resolving the contradiction between needing height for visibility and minimizing height for storage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the GPS/sonar stand is made foldable to enable storage during high-speed travel, then the stand becomes more versatile, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The stand uses a nested tube structure where the inner tube is inserted within the outer tube. This nesting arrangement allows the stand to be collapsed to a minimal height for storage while maintaining structural integrity. The knurled knobs provide simple locking and unlocking mechanisms that minimize operational complexity despite the multi-component design.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping mechanism allows the stand to dynamically transition between extended and retracted positions. The knurled knobs enable easy locking at desired heights and simple unlocking for collapse, making the complex mechanism user-friendly and maintaining low operational complexity despite the versatile functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the stand height is reduced to improve safety and ease of operation, then the fisherman can safely adjust settings without bending, but the device is farther from the fisherman's view
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping mechanism enables the stand height to be dynamically adjusted to match the fisherman's preferred viewing position. By extending the inner tube, the GPS/sonar device can be positioned at an optimal height that is close enough for easy viewing and safe operation without requiring the fisherman to bend down, thus resolving the contradiction between proximity and operational safety.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a folding and telescoping mounting stand apparatus for mounting a Global Positioning System (GPS)/sonar device on a boat, comprising a first outer tubing attached to a base plate which is secured to a deck of a boat, a first inner tubing having a bottom end and a top end, wherein the bottom end is placed in and attached to the first outer tubing by a pin and a first knob and the top end is placed in and attached to a second outer tubing by an intermediate tubing, a second inner tubing attached to a top tube by a second knob, wherein the combination of the second inner tubing and the top tube are placed in the second outer tubing and held in place with a spring plunger, a board connected to a rod and wherein the rod is secured to the top tube and the second inner tubing with the second knob, wherein the inner tubing is raised to a desired height when the spring plunger is pulled and the board is lifted upward; and the apparatus having an upper body above the first outer tubing that is folded down by releasing the first knob and pulling upward on the board until the upper body is 1″ above the first outer tubing and then folding the upper body forward to the deck.