Wakeboard Tower Bimini Cover Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wakeboard towers with elevated tow points interfere with conventional bimini covers, leading to sun exposure and other issues when the boat is in use for wakeboarding.

Innovation Solution

A wakeboard tower design that integrates a bimini cover above the elevated tow point, using a folding construction with pivoting support arms and a flexible fabric cover that securely fits around the tow point, preventing interference with the tow rope.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a conventional bimini cover is used on a wakeboard tower with an elevated tow point, then sun shielding is provided, but the cover interferes with the tow point and tow rope operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesun exposureVSAvoidtow point operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bimini cover is segmented into multiple panels that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the cover to be configured to clear the elevated tow point while still providing comprehensive sun shielding over the boat deck, resolving the conflict between coverage and tow point accessibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bimini cover incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow it to be dynamically reconfigured. The cover can be raised, lowered, or repositioned to clear the tow point during wakeboarding operations, and then lowered to provide maximum sun shielding when the tow point is not in use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a fixed bimini cover is installed to provide sun shielding, then shade is available, but the cover cannot be stored or removed when not needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesun exposureVSAvoidcover usability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bimini cover is designed with adjustable support arms and movable mounting mechanisms that enable it to be easily deployed and stowed. This dynamic design allows the cover to transition between providing shade and being completely removed or stored, offering versatility for different boating activities and conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cover system is designed to be easily disassembled, stored, and reassembled. When not needed for sun protection, the cover can be completely removed from the tower and stored away, and when needed, it can be quickly reinstalled to provide shade

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Productivity

If an elevated tow point is installed to improve wakeboarding performance, then aerial stunts are enabled, but the tow point structure interferes with conventional bimini cover installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewakeboarding performanceVSAvoidcover-tower integration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bimini cover is divided into multiple adjustable panels that can be independently positioned around the elevated tow point. This segmentation allows the cover to adapt to the complex geometry created by the high tow point while still providing effective sun shielding over the boat interior

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover system incorporates locally adapted features at different positions, with panels and support structures configured to specifically clear the elevated tow point area while maintaining coverage over other sun-exposed areas of the boat

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8495967B2Wakeboard tower with bimini cover and ski tow point
Publication Date: 2013.07.30 XTREME MARINE CORP
  • US8495967B2 patent drawing
  • US8495967B2 patent drawing
  • US8495967B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wakeboard tower having an elevated tow point and a bimini or other sun cover integrated to the tower in a manner that does not interfere with the tow point.