Marine Vessel Balance Cradle for Center of Gravity Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Boat owners face challenges in accurately determining the center of gravity and proper weight distribution on trailers during transportation, leading to potential damage and accidents.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a cradle with adjustable boat bunks and a fulcrum system, supported by a subframe with scales, allows easy balancing and weight measurement to locate the center of gravity and distribute weight accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional weighing and calculation methods are used to locate the center of gravity, then measurement precision can be achieved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical weighing and calculation systems with a simplified mechanical balance system. Instead of requiring multiple weight measurements and mathematical calculations, the invention uses a balance beam with a sliding counterweight that directly indicates the center of gravity location through mechanical equilibrium, eliminating the need for calculations while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a balance beam as an intermediary device between the boat and the measurement process. The balance beam with sliding counterweight serves as a mediator that translates the complex problem of center of gravity determination into a simple visual indication of balance position, making the measurement process intuitive and error-free.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurements and calculations are performed to determine center of gravity, then accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calibrating the balance beam with known weights and markings. The balance beam is prepared in advance with the counterweight system configured to directly indicate center of gravity position, eliminating the need for time-consuming calculations during the actual measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming mathematical calculations with a direct mechanical indication system. The sliding counterweight on the balance beam provides immediate visual feedback of the center of gravity location, eliminating the time required for multiplying weights by distances and performing division operations.
3Ease of operation
If the vessel is not properly positioned on the trailer, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability of transportation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the balance beam indication to provide real-time information about the boat's center of gravity position relative to the trailer tongue weight requirements. This feedback allows the operator to adjust the boat position on the trailer to achieve proper weight distribution, ensuring safe transportation while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the balance beam as an intermediary between the boat positioning and transportation safety. The balance beam translates the complex relationship between boat position and trailer weight distribution into a simple visual indication, guiding the operator to the correct position for safe transportation.
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
Enables precise calculation of the center of gravity and weight distribution on a trailer without complex calculations, reducing the risk of damage and accidents during transportation.
Implementation Method 1
The cradle is positioned on the fulcrum. When the vessel is balanced, the vessel rests on the fulcrum and the cradle is level
Implementation Method 2
The scales are positioned such that they will contact a location on the subframe when the end of the cradle featuring that scale carries enough weight to make that end move downward
Data Source
AI summary
A device for finding the center of mass for a marine or similar vessel that includes a cradle seated on a fulcrum that can hold the vessel. The frame upon which the cradle is positioned is shaped to allow the front and back of the cradle to tip upwards and downwards much like a seesaw depending on how the vessel is balanced in the cradle. The device can be used to locate the center of mass or gravity of a vessel or to determine the position of a vessel such that it applies a predetermined amount of weight to the front or back end of a trailer or other supporting device. Scales can be located at either end of the device to calculate the amount of weight exerted by the vessel at either end of the cradle.