Triangular Steel Mooring Device with Self-Closing Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mooring systems for watercraft are prone to failures due to rope, lashing, and tether failures, inadequate lateral restraint in adverse conditions, tripping hazards, and difficulty in use by novice operators, and do not effectively prevent theft or account for natural conditions like wind and rolling water.
Innovation Solution
A steel-based, triangular mooring system with hinged connection points at the dock and a solid steel connection at the craft, featuring a self-closing latch and optional locking mechanism, which pivots vertically for secure and easy operation, eliminating the need for ropes and other soft components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mooring systems use ropes, lashings, and tethers with soft components, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to rotting, breaking, and cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental material parameter from soft, organic materials (ropes, lashings) to hard, inorganic materials (metal arms, springs, latches). This transformation eliminates the degradation issues of soft components while maintaining operational simplicity through the spring-loaded self-activating mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining metal arms with spring elements and latch mechanisms. The spring provides elastic energy storage and release, while the metal components provide structural strength, creating a system that is both reliable and easy to operate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mooring systems use ropes and soft components, then adaptability is improved, but strength deteriorates in adverse conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the material parameter from soft to hard, providing the strength necessary to resist adverse conditions while maintaining adaptability through the pivoting capability and spring-loaded activation mechanism that works in various environmental conditions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If mooring devices are installed on the dock surface, then lateral restraint is improved, but pedestrian safety deteriorates due to tripping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the mooring device from the horizontal dock surface to the vertical dock face. The arms pivot vertically against the dock surface, maintaining lateral restraint while eliminating protrusions into the pedestrian walkway area.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the mooring device protrude outward from the dock surface, the invention inverts the arrangement by having the arms pivot against the dock face, with the operational movement occurring in the opposite direction from traditional designs.
4Device complexity
If manual mooring operations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming knot tying and securing
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded latch mechanism automatically activates upon contact with the craft, eliminating the need for manual knot-tying or securing operations. The system serves itself by using the contact force to trigger the latching action, significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded during installation, storing elastic energy that is automatically released when the arm contacts the craft. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual operation during the mooring process.
5Ease of repair
If traditional mooring systems use separate components, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity deteriorates due to multiple parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lateral restraint function, vertical pivoting capability, and self-latching mechanism into an integrated arm assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate components compared to traditional systems using multiple ropes, knots, and separate securing devices.
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
Provides secure, easy, and theft-resistant mooring with minimal effort, preventing forward and backward movement of the craft, while being corrosion-resistant and avoiding tripping hazards, thus reducing damage to the craft and dockage.
Implementation Method 1
The self closing spring loaded latch instantly opens upon contact grasping the u-bolt, cleat, bow eye or other tie down device on the watercraft
Implementation Method 2
After release gravity pivots the devices down to a vertical position against the dock where they remain hanging until needed
Data Source
AI summary
A rigid mooring system that instantly secures pontoons, float planes, boats, and other forms of craft to a variety of dockage types and consists of two identical, yet separately positioned devices which together moor a craft safely away from the dockage. Barrel plate hinges permanently secure the two devices to the dockage allowing both the devices and the attached craft vertical motion but prohibit parallel or lateral movement. Each device has two reinforced arms coming together to form a right triangle shaped rigid body with one arm projecting further, bending into a curved attaching end. This attaching end is integrated with a self closing latch. The latch opens when pressed against the craft's mooring fixture then automatically snaps back into place capturing the craft. Pressing the release button opens the latch, freeing the craft. Each device also provides a place for a separate lock to be installed preventing theft or unauthorized use of the craft.