Watercraft Launching Device with Stabilizing Cradle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Launching and entering small watercraft, such as kayaks, is challenging due to the need to balance the craft in a still position, which is difficult for older individuals and those with disabilities, as they often overturn while attempting to enter or exit.

Innovation Solution

A launching device with a support structure and lifting mechanism that stabilizes the watercraft, allowing it to be held at or near the water's surface, featuring a pivotable craft cradle and handle bar assembly for easy entry and exit, and a mechanism to move the craft between a docked and deployed position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user manually holds a small watercraft in a still position to enter or exit, then the user can launch or dock the craft, but the user risks overturning the craft and experiencing difficulty balancing, especially when older or disabled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of entry and exitVSAvoidstability of watercraft

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a launching device as an intermediary between the user and the watercraft. This device includes a support structure with a craft cradle that holds the watercraft during entry/exit operations, eliminating the need for the user to manually balance the craft. The intermediary device provides stable support while the user safely enters or exits the watercraft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The launching device enables the watercraft to serve itself during the launching and docking process. The craft cradle automatically positions and stabilizes the watercraft, and the lifting mechanism self-adjusts to hold the craft at the appropriate level, reducing the need for manual user intervention and balancing actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If a user manually balances a kayak in the water, then the user can enter or exit the craft, but the process is particularly problematic for older individuals and those with disabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility for all usersVSAvoiddifficulty of entry and exit

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The launching device acts as an intermediary that eliminates the need for users to perform difficult balancing maneuvers. The support structure with craft cradle provides stable, assisted positioning that adapts to users of all abilities, making the launching and docking process accessible to older individuals and those with disabilities who would otherwise struggle with manual balancing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a watercraft sits very low in the water, then it can be operated efficiently, but it becomes difficult to enter and launch without overturning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational stabilityVSAvoidease of launching

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The launching device dynamically adjusts the watercraft's position during the launching process. The lifting mechanism raises the craft cradle to a higher position for easy entry, then lowers it to the water's surface for operational stability. This dynamic positioning allows the craft to sit low in the water for efficient operation while providing easy access during launching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 device provides a stable and secure method for users to enter and exit small watercraft, reducing the risk of overturning and simplifying the launching and docking process, making it accessible for a wider range of individuals.

Implementation Method 1

the support structure may have a floating base that allows it to float on the surface of a body of water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS9789938B1Small watercraft launching device

Publication Date: 2017.10.17 HARGREAVES PAUL RICHARD

AI summary

A lifting device for lifting and holding a small watercraft in a fixed position and that includes a support structure and a lifting mechanism. The support structure supports the lifting mechanism in a body of water, usually with some form of flotation device. The lifting mechanism is movable between a raised position that holds the watercraft steady and in a fixed position and a lowered position in which the watercraft is floating in the water. A handle bar assembly allows a user to maneuver the lifting mechanism between the positions.