Vessel Platform with Integrated Stowable Seating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional marine vessel transom platforms lack adequate space for comfortable sitting, sunbathing, and lounging while also providing unobstructed boarding and swimming access, as existing designs often obstruct the platform surface with stowed seating configurations.
Innovation Solution
A platform with integrated and stowable seating that includes seating recesses and pivotable seat back panels, which can be secured in a closed position to create a continuous boarding/swimming surface, allowing for removable cushions and drainage, and can be configured to maximize usable space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If stowable seating is added to the transom platform, then seating capacity is improved, but the boarding platform surface area is reduced due to obstruction from stowed seats
Solution Approach 1:
The seat backs are nested within recesses formed in the transom platform. When stowed, the seat backs are received within the recesses and their outer surfaces are substantially flush with the platform surface, allowing the seating capacity to be integrated without reducing the boarding platform surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The seating is integrated into the vertical dimension of the transom platform by forming recesses that accommodate the seat backs. This allows the seating to be stored within the thickness of the platform rather than occupying horizontal surface area, effectively utilizing the third dimension to resolve the space conflict.
2Device complexity
If traditional transom platform designs are used, then the platform structure is simple, but adequate space for comfortable sitting and sunbathing is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The transom platform is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides a boarding platform, a swimming platform, and integrated seating/sunbathing areas. The recesses with pivotable seat backs allow the same structure to accommodate both platform activities and seating activities, maximizing the utility of the platform space without requiring additional structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If seat backs are positioned above and apart from the swim platform, then seating is provided, but the platform surface is obstructed and boarding access is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seat backs are nested within recesses in the transom platform rather than being positioned above and apart from it. This integration ensures that when the seat backs are in the vertical stowed configuration, they are flush with the platform surface and do not obstruct boarding access or swimming activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat backs are made pivotable within the recesses, allowing them to transition between a vertical stowed configuration (when not in use) and a horizontal deployed configuration (when seating is needed). This dynamic capability allows the seating to adapt to different operational states without permanently obstructing the platform surface.
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 solution provides a safe and comfortable platform that maximizes usable space for boarding, swimming, sunbathing, and lounging by ensuring the seating is stowed without obstructing the surface, enhancing recreational experiences on marine vessels.
Implementation Method 1
The seat back panel has an inner surface and an opposing outer surface and is pivotably attached to the seating recess to provide a plurality of operative positions, including an open seating position and a closed position.
Data Source
AI summary
A platform for a vessel that includes integrated and stowable seating. The platform comprises a platform surface, at least one seating recess, and at least one seat back panel. The seating recess is disposed below the platform surface. The seat back panel has an inner surface and an opposing outer surface and is pivotably attached to the seating recess to provide a plurality of operative positions, including an open seating position and a closed position. In the closed position, the outer surface of the seat back panel is substantially flush with respect to the platform surface, providing a continuous and unobstructed boarding/swimming platform. The open seating position provides an aftward seating configuration. Both the seating recess and seat back panel can removably receive cushions for added comfort and support of the user. The configuration maximizes usable platform space when the seat back panels are closed.