Mechanically assisted kayak storage rack

Abstract

Singapore is a land scarce country surrounded by water, and as a result water sport is one of the main recreational activities that local people indulge themselves in, whether for sports or fun. One of the more popular water sports that appeals to people of all ages is kayaking. However, one of the key problem that the user face is the retrieval and returning of the kayak onto the rack. Before and after kayaking, all users will need to retrieve and return the kayaks to the storage area, in this case the kayak rack. It is often much easier to retrieve the kayak at the start of the journey as the user is fresh and full of energy. Upon return, the user will find that shelving the kayak back onto the rigid kayak rack will become a chore as they are tired.This project aims to develop a mechanically assisted racking system for the storage of kayaks. Using currently available storage racks as a base design for the structure, the rack is redesigned using SolidWorks by integrating a movable racking system incorporated with a linear bearing to make the individual racks vertically movable. Critical parts are then tested, calculated and analyzed using ANSYS software for any possible excessive stress exerted on them where the design will then be modified accordingly.With the newly designed kayak storage rack, users are able to easily retrieve and return their kayaks into the kayak rack by the adjustable racks. With the adjustable racks, it will also prevent lifting associated injury that might happen to the user as it is ergonomically beneficial.