Convertible Waterside Bench and Ladder for Deck Space Utility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-related recreational equipment lacks multi-purpose devices that can safely and comfortably transition between above deck and below water activities, wasting deck space and offering limited utility.
Innovation Solution
A convertible waterside accessory system with interchangeable accessories, including a bench, ladder, and watercraft launch, mounted on vehicles or docks, that can pivot between dry and wet positions, incorporating armrests and handrails for safety and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing benches, ladders and watercraft launches are fixed at the water level or folded up into a storage position, then they provide simple structure and easy manufacture, but they waste deck space and offer limited utility without providing on deck utility platforms for seating or other uses
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting post assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support for the bench, provides a handrail for safety, and creates a utility platform when the bench is in the upright position. This single structure replaces what would traditionally require separate components, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bench is designed to pivot between a horizontal seating position and an upright storage position, transforming from a static structure to a dynamic one. This movement allows the same structure to serve different functions at different times, maximizing versatility while maintaining relatively simple construction.
2Area of stationary object
If existing structures do not fold up or do not provide seating in up positions, then they maintain simple design, but they waste deck space and offer limited utility
Solution Approach 1:
The bench pivots between horizontal and upright positions, dynamically changing its spatial occupation. When upright, it conserves deck space by vertical storage; when horizontal, it provides seating functionality. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between space utilization and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The utility platform function is achieved by utilizing the vertical dimension when the bench is upright, rather than requiring additional horizontal deck space. The mounting posts extend vertically to provide handrails and support, creating usable space in the vertical dimension that would otherwise be empty.
3Adaptability or versatility
If products encourage extensive use of space along a deck ledge adjacent to a body of water, then they provide increased functionality, but they involve safety concerns and liability risks
Solution Approach 1:
The handrail function is merged with the mounting post structure that supports the bench. Rather than being a separate safety component, the mounting post serves both structural support and safety handrail functions, providing above-deck utility while maintaining safety through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The bench can be positioned horizontally for seating with handrail support, or upright for storage, allowing users to dynamically adjust the configuration based on safety needs and utility requirements. This flexibility enables safe above-deck activity when needed while maintaining the ability to secure the structure when not in use.
Data Source
AI summary
Convertible water-side accessory structures and devices make up a system that can be mounted or installed on vehicles, boats, boat docks, or water-side structures in, around, or in close proximity to ponds, lakes, creeks, streams, rivers, natural or man-made pools, oceans, or sea-side applications for recreational, industrial and/or commercial uses at or near the water level including: a water level bench convertible to a dry diving platform, or dry bench, or shelf or other use; a secondary below water footrest/bench when combined with the water level bench, can be converted to a high-level bench, a tabletop, a shelf, dry stow or other uses; a water level ladder convertible to become dry tiered seating, tiered shelving, tiered tabletops or other uses; a water level watercraft support convertible to become a dry diving platform, dry bench, or shelf; and a jib hoist assembly for line attachment to a watercraft.