Personal Watercraft Attachment System Using Webbing Loops and G-Hooks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current personal watercraft and portable docks face limitations in attaching accessories due to size and weight constraints, requiring rigid fasteners that lack versatility and safety, and do not allow for easy adjustment or connection of multiple watercraft.
Innovation Solution
An attachment system featuring webbing loops and G-Hook fasteners, which are lightweight, adjustable, and removable, allowing for flexible attachment points on the watercraft and docks, eliminating the need for permanent rigid fasteners and enabling connection of multiple watercraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid fasteners are permanently attached to the watercraft, then the attachment strength and reliability are improved, but the weight increases and versatility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: webbing loops permanently attached to the watercraft, and G-Hook fasteners that can be independently attached and removed. This segmentation allows the watercraft to carry only the essential webbing loops with minimal weight, while the heavier G-Hook fasteners are only attached when needed for specific accessories.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static permanent rigid fasteners to a dynamic configuration where G-Hook fasteners can be attached and detached as needed. This dynamic approach allows the attachment system to adapt to different loading requirements, maintaining reliability when fasteners are attached while minimizing weight when they are not in use.
2Reliability
If rigid fasteners are permanently attached to the watercraft, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the adaptability and ease of adjustment decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the permanent webbing loops from the removable G-Hook fasteners, allowing users to attach fasteners at multiple locations along the webbing loops. This provides both the reliability of permanent attachment points and the versatility of adjustable positioning, as fasteners can be moved to different locations on the webbing loops or removed entirely when not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The webbing loops serve multiple functions: they provide permanent attachment points to the watercraft structure, serve as tracks for positioning G-Hook fasteners, and can accommodate multiple different accessories throughout their length. This multi-functionality achieves both reliability and adaptability within a single integrated system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rigid fasteners are included on the watercraft deck, then the attachment capability is improved, but the safety and ease of operation worsen due to harmful interactions and obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The G-Hook fasteners are extracted from the permanent structure of the watercraft and made into removable components. This allows the watercraft deck to remain clear of rigid obstacles during normal use, improving safety for activities like yoga or reentry, while still providing full attachment capability when accessories need to be secured by attaching the G-Hook fasteners temporarily.
4Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials are used for the attachment system, then the overall weight is reduced, but the strength and robustness may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system uses composite construction combining different materials optimized for their specific functions: webbing loops made from high-strength synthetic material for lightweight durability, and G-Hook fasteners made from metal for maximum strength where needed. This composite approach achieves both lightweight overall weight and sufficient strength at critical attachment points.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for attaching items to a personal watercraft is disclosed. The system may include arrays of flexible fastener loop assemblies provided on opposing sides of the watercraft. G-Hook connectors and associated webbing straps may be connected to the flexible fastener loop assemblies.