Tube Guide Assembly with Spring Lock for Mooring Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mooring line cross tie assemblies do not effectively prevent mooring lines from rubbing against outboard motor cowlings and fail to securely engage with rod holders during vessel movement due to tidal, wave, and wind actions.
Innovation Solution
A tube guide assembly with a spring-loaded lock mechanism and J-shaped slots is designed to securely mount in a rod holder, raising mooring lines above outboard motor cowlings and featuring a cleat for line securing, with a Delrin sleeve for minimal clearance and a locking collar to prevent disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a portable cleat is positioned to engage the cross member at the bottom of the rod holder, then sufficient length is provided to engage the cross member, but clearance is not provided for mooring lines from outboard motor housings and lines rub on the cowling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the rod member vertically upward from the rod holder, creating additional height dimension to raise the cleat above the outboard motor housing. This dimensional extension allows the mooring line to clear the cowling while maintaining engagement with the cross member at the bottom of the rod holder.
2Reliability
If inverted L-shaped cutouts are used to engage the cross-member, then the cleat can be secured in the rod holder, but the cutouts can become disengaged due to vessel movement from tidal action, wave action and wind
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a spring-loaded locking mechanism that applies continuous counteracting force to prevent disengagement. The spring plunger engages with a retaining ridge on the cross member, creating a preliminary locking action that resists the forces of tidal action, wave action, and wind before disengagement can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static L-shaped cutout engagement to a dynamic spring-loaded plunger system. The spring mechanism allows for controlled movement and maintains constant contact force, adapting to vessel movement while preventing disengagement through the retaining ridge interaction.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the tube is extended to raise the cleat above the cowling, then mooring lines are prevented from damaging the engine cowling, but the assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tube extension, spring-loaded locking mechanism, and cleat into a single integrated assembly. The rod member serves multiple functions: providing structural support, engaging the cross member, and extending upward to position the cleat above the cowling. This merging reduces overall system complexity despite the added functionality.
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 assembly effectively prevents mooring line damage to outboard motor cowlings and securely maintains the mooring lines during vessel movement, ensuring the lines are held above the engine cowling and remain engaged with the rod holder.
Implementation Method 1
A spring-loaded lock assembly is disposed in the tube. The lock assembly has a plunger to press against the cross member and lock the cross member in the J-shaped slots.
Data Source
AI summary
A tube guide assembly for mounting in a rod holder of a vessel. The rod holder has a depth from a cross member to a top surface. The assembly secures a mooring line to the vessel. The assembly includes a tube having a longitudinal axis and a base end dimensioned to be disposed in the rod holder to engage the cross member. The tube has a second end opposite the base end. The second end has a cleat to secure the mooring line. The tube has inverted J-shaped slots opposite one another to receive the cross member therein. A spring-loaded lock assembly is disposed in the tube. The lock assembly has a plunger to press against the cross member and lock the cross member in the J-shaped slots.