Small Watercraft Launch With Oar Notches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small watercraft launches are not versatile enough and can be difficult for some users to operate, particularly in terms of accessing and maneuvering watercraft.
Innovation Solution
A small watercraft launch design featuring a cradle with upwardly sloping sidewalls, aligned notches for oar/paddle shafts, and adjustable connecting portions to dock members, allowing for easy access and stable positioning of watercraft, along with features like ramped entrance and exit surfaces and optional bunks for elevated support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional launch designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the ease of operation and accessibility is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The launch structure is divided into functional segments: cradle sidewalls for support, opposed launch sidewalls with ports for access, aligned notches for oar insertion, and connecting portions for dock attachment. Each segment performs a specific function, making the overall system easier to operate while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The aligned notches in the opposed launch sidewalls serve as intermediaries that receive oar/paddle shafts, enabling users to propel the watercraft without direct manual pushing. The connecting portions act as intermediaries between the launch and dock members, providing secure attachment points.
2Ease of operation
If the cradle sidewalls are spaced far apart, then the watercraft can be easily accessed, but the watercraft stability in upright position is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle sidewalls are spaced apart at specific locations to provide access points while maintaining closer spacing in other areas to ensure stability. The opposed launch sidewalls are positioned to create ports for access while the cradle sidewalls maintain appropriate spacing for watercraft stability during positioning.
3Reliability
If the launch sidewalls are made tall, then the connection to dock members is secure, but the accessibility to the watercraft receiving area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The launch structure features asymmetric wall heights and configurations. The opposed launch sidewalls extend upwardly to provide secure connection points for dock members, while the cradle sidewalls are positioned to maintain accessibility. The ports in the opposed sidewalls create asymmetric access points that balance security and accessibility.
4Productivity
If aligned notches are added to the launch sidewalls, then the propulsion capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aligned notches are integrated directly into the opposed launch sidewalls, merging the propulsion function with the structural wall elements. This eliminates the need for separate propulsion mechanisms, improving productivity while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A small watercraft launch comprises a watercraft receiving area defined by a bottom member and side walls. At least one of the side walls defines a port to enable access to the watercraft receiving area (and to a watercraft positioned in the therein). A plurality of aligned notches extending downwardly from the top surface of the side walls on opposite sides of the port which are sized to receive an oar/paddle shaft to allow a boater to pull the small watercraft forward along the small watercraft launch. Lastly, the small watercraft launch has a connecting portion at a bottom of the outer surface of at least one of the launch side walls configured to connect the small watercraft launch to a dock member.