Watercraft Trailer Latch Geometry for Easier Secure Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latching mechanisms for securing watercraft on trailers are inefficient and difficult to operate, particularly due to the reliance on ropes and winches, and lack reliability in securing and releasing the watercraft.
Innovation Solution
A latching mechanism with a support, latch member, pivot, and plunger system, where the distance between the plunger and pivot is greater than the distance between the receiver and pivot, and the plunger is offset from the centerline, allowing for easier operation and secure attachment of the watercraft connection member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional latching mechanism with equal distances D1 and D2 is used, then the structure is compact, but the mechanical advantage is insufficient making operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally making distance D2 greater than distance D1, creating an unequal lever arm configuration. This asymmetric design provides mechanical advantage for easier operation of the plunger and latch member, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure without adding complex mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the plunger is positioned at the centerline, then the structure is symmetric and simple, but the mechanical advantage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger is deliberately offset from the centerline of the watercraft, creating an asymmetric position that maximizes the perpendicular distance from the force application point to the pivot axis. This asymmetric positioning increases the lever arm and provides greater mechanical advantage for operating the latching mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If D2 is made greater than D1, then mechanical advantage is improved for easier handling, but the plunger position becomes offset from centerline requiring asymmetric design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the length increase issue by changing the dimensional arrangement - the plunger is positioned offset from the centerline in a lateral dimension, allowing D2 to be greater than D1 without significantly increasing the overall length of the latching mechanism in the primary direction. This dimensional repositioning maintains compactness while achieving mechanical advantage.
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 mechanism provides a mechanical advantage for easier handling, ensuring secure attachment and release of the watercraft, reducing the need for ropes and winches, and enhancing operational simplicity and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring biasing the latch member toward the receiving position
Implementation Method 2
a second spring biasing the plunger toward the home position
Data Source
AI summary
A watercraft trailer includes a latching mechanism for receiving a watercraft connection member in order to secure the watercraft on the trailer. The latching mechanism includes: (a) a support, having a channel adapted for receiving the watercraft connection member, (b) a latch member, including a receiver and a notch, (c) a pivot, connecting the latch member to the support, the latch member being displaceable about the pivot between a receiving position and a securing position, and (d) a plunger carried on the support, the plunger being displaceable between a home position and a retracted position. A distance D2 between the plunger in the home position and the pivot is greater than (b) a distance D1 between the receiver in the securing position at a centerline of the channel and the pivot.