Math, Science & Technology Application
Contact: Brian Rees FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Period 5/6 19 MARCH 2008
Systems Engineering II: Adjustable Oarlock
Sandy Hook, NJ (3/19/08)
Brian Rees, a senior at the Marine Academy of Science & Technology, taking Systems Engineering II, and during the course of the school year, has designed and created a fully functional adjustable oarlock, designed to provide an alternative to the obsolete preexisting technology, which is currently in use worldwide. This adjustable oarlock is designed to fit into a test vessel, also provided by Mr. Rees, and will eventually be tested under real-life conditions.
Figure 1- Collection of Three Standard Oarlocks
Oars have been used to propel boats for thousands of years, from before the era of recorded history. While the technology used in production and design of these vessels has progressed through the years, the system used to lock oars into place has not changed. Brian Rees has attempted to solve this fundamental issue with the creation of a new product, which allows for one to adjust the oars in ways previously impossible.
In figure one, three separate oarlock designs are shown. These designs have existed for decades, with virtually no changes involved. In modern (and ancient) oarlock design, oars are placed inside of small metal hoops, and are securely fastened to the boat through the vessel’s oarlock fitting. These fittings cannot move, and the oars can be hard to manage for smaller rowers, or cumbersome to row for larger people. Personal preference could demand the oars be placed further forward or backward, but even modern oarlocks make no concessions for adjustments. This is due, in part, to the wide range of owners and operators who take advantage of the versatility and utility of rowboats, requiring boat designers to craft vessels which are comfortable for the greatest range of people: Those outside this range will have a reduced level of comfort, and as such, the accessibility of the design will be significantly reduced.
Through careful research, Mr. Rees attempted to draft a model that could solve the problem at hand. Combining personal experience with various published sources, Brian identified several areas critical to the success of any potential design. These areas included: Use of marine grade materials, ability to be removed at any time without tools, and a semi-modular design. Based on these, and additional criteria, Brian created three separate solutions to the problem, each with their own benefits and drawbacks.
The three solutions followed the same general guidelines, but each solved the problem in a different way. The first solution involved the use of metal and wood to achieve the desired goal. Wood is easy to work with when compared with other mediums, such as steel or fiberglass. However, wood is somewhat flimsy when compared to metals, so the design incorporated metal into the wood dominant design, reinforcing the product at several key points. The second design presented is more conventional, using steel flats in its construction. This design is more difficult to construct then a wooden hybrid, requiring the use of solder, and possibly light welding. This more complex design is a lighter, more durable mechanism, which is more resistant to both the actions of the marine environment and repeated, heavy use. The final design involves taking existing technology, namely, a sailboat rail track, and adapting it into use for the adjustable oarlock. Since the hardware is already available, the design process will concentrate on modifying the T-Tracks, instead of designed an entirely new product.
Having three possible solutions in mind, it was time to narrow the field to one model to be put into production. Based on the pros and cons of each individual idea, the final solution was chosen as an all steel design, with a mockup constructed (see figure two) to highlight the design aspects of the product. Construction would begin soon afterwards, with steel flats ordered to the design specifications required. Construction could not continue, however, without assistance from an experienced mentor. Mr. Rees’s mentor has had years of experience working around boats of all shapes and sizes, and has owned the largest marina in Fair Haven, NJ for several years. This mentor assisted Mr. Rees throughout the project, giving helpful advice and input throughout the entire planning phase. When construction began, this mentor assisted Brian by giving general advice as to how to properly manufacture the product in preparation for use in the marine environment. This project could not have been successfully completed without the help of this mentor, and many of the design elements are drawn straight from his suggestions.
Figure 2- Finished Mockup, topside
With construction nearly complete, Mr. Rees has examined the mathematic, scientific, and technical features of this project, and how the completion of the adjustable oarlock would best exemplify these aspects. Rudimentary mathematical skills were required to place holes in the steel flats, taking into account balance and symmetry. The scientific aspect most pertinent to completion of this project was that of ergonomics, previously taught earlier in the Systems II curriculum. The oarlock was designed from the outset to provide a comfortable, accessible product, with the end user’s experience being of chief concern. The technical aspects of the project were of the utmost importance, involving the use of the drill press, hacksaw, and eventually, welding tools. The skills taught in the Systems Engineering course played an important role in the manufacture of Brian’s project. The process is illustrated below, in Figure 3, where the steel flat has been cut in half carefully, with the use of a hacksaw.
Figure 3- Steel Flat Prepared for Further Construction
At this stage, Brian’s project is nearing completion, with only minor welding required to complete the end product. Mr. Rees plans to test the final model using a test vessel he will provide, so the prototype can undergo the stresses it would experience in the course of normal use. This period of testing will reveal any flaws in the final design, which will be corrected as needed. This project is the result of over a year’s worth of work, and has only a few small steps before reaching completion. Mr. Rees is excited and motivated to finish his endeavors, and looks forward to the successful test of the finished adjustable oarlock.
For more details about the Adjustable Oarlock, contact Brian Rees at brianjrees@gmail.com, or visit the Marine Academy of Science and Technology at http://mast.mcvsd.org
