Personal Watercraft Deck Seal Member Gap Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Personal watercraft designs often result in objects falling into the gap between the deck and the sub-deck, especially when the deck is suspended via a suspension system, due to varying gap sizes, making retrieval difficult and increasing the likelihood of items being lost during operation in rough waters.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating upwardly-extending gunnels with seal members made of elastomeric material, such as thermoplastic rubber, that extend into the gaps between the deck and sub-deck, allowing the deck to move relative to the sub-deck assembly, reducing the gap width and preventing objects from falling through by maintaining contact with the gunnels as the assembly moves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the deck is suspended above the hull via a suspension system to minimize force transfer to passengers, then the comfort of driver and passengers is improved, but the gap between the deck and HSD assembly varies in size increasing the likelihood of objects falling into the gap

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort of driver and passengersVSAvoidlikelihood of objects falling into the gap

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A seal member is introduced as an intermediary element between the deck and the HSD assembly. The seal member extends into the gap laterally outwardly from the lateral edge of the deck, preventing objects from falling through while allowing the deck to move relative to the HSD assembly via the suspension system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal member is made of elastomeric material that can deform and maintain contact with the gunnel as the deck moves relative to the HSD assembly. This flexible seal prevents objects from falling into the gap while accommodating the varying gap size caused by suspension movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If the deck is suspended on the HSD assembly to reduce force transfer, then the riding comfort is improved, but retrieval of dropped items becomes difficult requiring removal of the deck

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveriding comfortVSAvoidretrieval of dropped items

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The seal member acts as a barrier that prevents dropped items from falling into the gap between the deck and HSD assembly, allowing items to remain on the deck surface where they can be easily retrieved without requiring deck removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a gap is provided between the footrests and the HSD assembly to allow relative motion, then the adaptability of the suspension system is improved, but the possibility of objects falling into the gap increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelative motion between deck and HSD assemblyVSAvoidobjects falling into the gap

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The seal member is positioned laterally outwardly from the lateral edge of the deck and extends into the gap, serving as a mediator that prevents objects from falling through while allowing the deck to move relative to the HSD assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal member is made of elastomeric material that can change its shape and position in response to the varying gap size caused by suspension movement, maintaining its gap-blocking function while accommodating relative motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively minimizes the likelihood of objects falling into the gap between the deck and sub-deck, enhancing user convenience by reducing the risk of lost items and providing a more stable riding experience by maintaining contact between the seal members and gunnels during movement.

Implementation Method 1

A left seal member extends laterally outwardly from the left lateral edge. The left seal member extends into the left gap generally toward the left gunnel. A right seal member extends laterally outwardly from the right lateral edge. The right seal member extends into the right gap generally toward the right gunnel.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7849808B2Personal watercraft

Publication Date: 2010.12.14 BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PROD INC

AI summary

A personal watercraft is disclosed, having a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly with left and right gunnels. A deck is disposed above the sub-deck. The left and right lateral edges of the deck are disposed vertically at least as low as the upper end of the left and right gunnels. The left lateral edge and the left gunnel define a left gap therebetween. The right lateral edge and the right gunnel define a right gap therebetween. A left seal member extends laterally outwardly from the left lateral edge. The left seal member extends into the left gap generally toward the left gunnel. A right seal member extends laterally outwardly from the right lateral edge. The right seal member extends into the right gap generally toward the right gunnel.