U-Bolt Connector Sleeve for Removable Boat Accessory Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching ladders, steps, and other apparatuses to boats require permanent hardware installation, which is undesirable due to safety hazards and the need for alterations, and lack the ability to be quickly repositioned for optimal use.
Innovation Solution
A U-bolt connector sleeve with adjustable contact points and a restraining device that securely attaches to U-bolts, allowing for temporary and removable attachment of ladders, steps, and shade structures without altering the boat, and enabling easy repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If permanent mounting hardware is used to attach ladders and steps to boats, then the attachment strength and stability are improved, but the safety hazards and need for boat alterations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a U-bolt connector sleeve as an intermediary component that connects the ladder to the existing U-bolt on the boat without requiring permanent alterations. The sleeve interfaces with the U-bolt through multiple contact points and uses a restraining device to create a secure yet removable attachment, eliminating the need to drill into or permanently modify the boat hull.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: the existing U-bolt on the boat, the U-bolt connector sleeve, and the ladder. This segmentation allows the ladder to be attached to the sleeve rather than permanently fixed to the boat, enabling easy removal and repositioning while maintaining secure attachment during use.
2Stability of the object's composition
If permanent mounting hardware is used to attach apparatuses to boats, then the attachment stability is improved, but the ease of repositioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic removable configuration. The U-bolt connector sleeve with its restraining device allows the ladder to be securely attached when needed and easily removed or repositioned when not in use, adapting to the user's needs without compromising attachment stability during operation.
3Reliability
If permanent hardware installation is used, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the device complexity and time required for installation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The U-bolt connector sleeve is pre-designed with multiple contact points and a restraining device mechanism that enables quick attachment. The sleeve is manufactured with specific geometric features that interface with the U-bolt, allowing for rapid installation without the need for drilling, bolting, or permanent modifications to the boat hull.
4Ease of operation
If contact points are minimized between connector sleeve and U-bolt, then the ease of removal is improved, but the movement constraint and security of attachment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector sleeve has different contact point characteristics at different locations: multiple contact points at the interface with the U-bolt provide strong constraint and security, while the restrained device interface allows for easy release. This local differentiation of contact quality enables both secure attachment and easy removal.
Data Source
AI summary
A restraining device, such as a bolt, pin, or latch, removably secures a connector sleeve to a U-bolt, such as a tow-rope-eyelet on the bow of a boat hull. The connector sleeve is machined with an internal cavity having surfaces and dimension that correspond to outer surfaces of the U-bolt. The sleeve contains holes through which the restraining device passes after the sleeve has been slid over the U-bolt such that the restraining device, while installed, prevents the sleeve from sliding back off of the U-bolt. The sleeve also includes accessory mount holes to receive restraining devices that attach an accessory, such as a ladder, to the sleeve and thus to the boat via the sleeve that has been secured thereto. The sleeve may provide for set screws to snug the sleeve to the U-bolt if clearance exists between surfaces of the cavity and the U-bolt.