Personal Watercraft Deck Layout With Lateral Storage Recesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Personal watercrafts have limited deck surface area, restricting rider mobility and carrying capacity, while also lacking in riding comfort and storage options.
Innovation Solution
A personal watercraft design featuring a deck with extended planar surfaces, lateral storage recesses, and hatches, along with storage compartments and a seat extension unit, enhancing deck space and storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the deck surface area is increased to allow rider movement and carrying capacity, then the riding comfort and carrying capacity are improved, but the storage capacity of storage containers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional deck surface expansion to three-dimensional storage solutions by creating lateral storage recesses that extend below the deck surface. This vertical dimension utilization allows the deck to maintain its full planar surface area for rider movement while storage capacity is increased through downward extension into the hull structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage recesses are nested within the hull structure below the deck, creating a hierarchical arrangement where the deck surface remains intact for its primary function while storage volumes are embedded within the overall vehicle structure. The recesses are positioned to utilize otherwise wasted space in the lateral regions of the hull.
2Volume of stationary object
If lateral storage recesses are added to increase storage capacity, then storage options are enhanced, but the deck surface area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reducing the deck's horizontal surface area, the invention creates storage volumes by extending laterally and vertically below the deck surface. The storage recesses access the third dimension (depth below deck) rather than competing for the second dimension (horizontal deck area), thus maintaining full rider access to the deck while providing substantial storage volume.
3Ease of operation
If the deck is designed as a flat surface for rider movement, then ease of operation is improved, but the storage capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The deck structure is segmented into functional zones: a flat upper surface for rider movement and lateral recesses for storage. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function while contributing to the overall vehicle design. The recesses are positioned at the periphery, leaving the central deck area flat and unobstructed for rider activities.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the deck structure are given different qualities: the upper surface maintains a flat, smooth finish for rider comfort and movement, while the lateral regions transition to recessed storage volumes. This local differentiation allows the deck to simultaneously provide ease of operation on its surface and substantial storage capacity in its structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A personal watercraft is provided that comprises a hull, a deck, a saddle seat, and a handlebar. The deck is provided to an upper portion of the hull. The saddle seat is supported by the deck and positioned in a center of the personal watercraft. The handlebar is disposed in the center of the personal watercraft and above the deck in front of the saddle seat. The deck includes a first lateral storage recess and a first storage hatch configured to be opened to expose the first lateral storage recess and closed to cover the first lateral storage recess. The first lateral storage recess has a front end disposed in front of a rear edge of the saddle seat and a rear end disposed adjacent a rear end of the hull. The first storage hatch has a planar surface forming a portion of an upper surface of the deck.