Inflatable fender with anti-sink

Abstract

The application discloses an inflatable fender with anti-sinking property, which comprises a ship body and an inflatable fender arranged outside the ship body; the inflatable fender is internally provided with a plurality of air cavities, the density and quantity of the air cavities are optimized according to the frequency and position of the collision of the ship body; a partition plate is arranged between two adjacent air cavities, a plurality of communication holes for connecting the two adjacent air cavities are arranged on the partition plate; the float has certain toughness and permanent positive buoyancy, the float is arranged in the air cavity, and the size of the float is larger than that of the communication hole. After the outer layer of the inflatable fender is leaked or damaged, the inflatable fender can still continuously provide the reserve buoyancy due to the arrangement of the float in the air cavity and the fact that the float cannot be separated from the air cavity, so that the anti-sinking property and the use safety of the ship are greatly improved. In addition, the structure design of the independent sealed internal air cavity is simplified, the processing and forming difficulty of the inflatable fender is reduced, and the manufacturing cost is greatly reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ship inflatable fender technology, specifically to an inflatable fender with anti-sinking properties. Background Technology

[0002] Rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) are a type of boat composed of a rigid hull (metal or composite material hull) and inflatable fenders. Compared with non-rigid inflatable boats, rigid inflatable boats have the following advantages: (1) Lighter hull weight, higher speed with the same engine power, better long-term operating economy, and easier to load onto ships (shipborne boats), allowing for flexible loading and deployment from the mother ship; (2) Lighter inflatable fenders, lowering the center of gravity of the hull and providing greater buoyancy reserves; (3) Excellent impact resistance, with the inflatable fenders effectively improving the impact buffering of the hull, enabling rapid berthing and unberthing of docks, islands, and reefs. Currently, high-performance rigid inflatable boats are widely used in both domestic and international military and civilian markets, playing a vital role in search and rescue, law enforcement, patrol, escort, and special operations.

[0003] Inflatable fenders are a hallmark of rigid inflatable boats, using compressed air as a buffer medium. When a boat collides and is squeezed, the fender deforms gently, absorbing a large amount of energy and applying uniform counter-pressure to the hull, thus protecting the hull. Compared to non-inflatable fenders, they have the following advantages: (1) High energy absorption. The compression deformation of inflatable fenders can reach over 60%, and the contact area expands rapidly with deformation, making their energy absorption capacity much greater than that of non-inflatable fenders. (2) Ultra-low counter-pressure. Inflatable fenders are filled with low-pressure gas, so the increase in internal pressure during compression deformation is limited. Due to the large contact area, the unit pressure acting on the hull surface is very low, only tens to hundreds of kilonewtons per square meter, resulting in much lower counter-pressure compared to non-inflatable fenders. (3) Good adaptability to inclined contact. Boats must have the possibility of contacting the shore or other vessels at a certain angle. Inflatable fenders are much more adaptable to inclined contact than other fenders. (4) Provides reserve buoyancy. Inflatable fenders float on the water and remain fixed in position relative to the ship's side. They help reduce rolling and vibration and provide reserve buoyancy when the ship rolls and pitches with the waves.

[0004] Typical publicly available information on inflatable fenders includes: CN202935551U, a utility model patent for "An Inflatable PVC Fender"; CN208198776U, a utility model patent for "An Anti-wear Inflatable Rubber Fender"; CN212667616U, a utility model patent for "An Inflatable Rubber Fender"; and CN107033401A, an invention patent for "A High-performance Military Rubber Fender and Its Preparation Method". In these documents, the main function of inflatable fenders is to provide sufficient reserve buoyancy for small boats, offering protection during deployment, recovery, or when alongside ships, docks, and reefs. They also improve the boat's seaworthiness in high sea states, possess high collision resistance and resilience, and are easy to maintain. However, existing inflatable fender designs often employ a fully inflatable structure with multiple independent internal air chambers. These chambers are designed as independently sealed air pockets to ensure that the failure of one chamber does not lead to the complete loss of function of the inflatable fender. Each chamber is equipped with a safety valve or nozzle to regulate the air pressure and achieve inflation and deflation. The internal structure of existing inflatable fenders is relatively complex, time-consuming and labor-intensive to manufacture, and requires sealing tests for each chamber, resulting in relatively high manufacturing and inspection costs. Inflatable fenders have anti-abrasion strips affixed to the bow, stern, and sides to prevent damage when the boat is moored. Handles and lifelines are installed at intervals on the sides. Inflatable fenders can be installed on the hull using adhesive bonding, bolting, or rail connections. The shape and dimensions of the inflatable fenders are selected according to the displacement, main dimensions, and hull shape of the boat, following design specifications. The fender material is mostly composite material. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned shortcomings of existing technologies, an inflatable fender with anti-sinking properties is provided, which significantly reduces the buoyancy loss problem caused by air leakage or damage to the air chamber of conventional inflatable fenders, thereby improving the anti-sinking ability and safety of the vessel. The design of the independently sealed internal air chamber structure is simplified, reducing the processing and molding difficulty of the inflatable fender and significantly reducing manufacturing costs.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:

[0007] An inflatable fender with anti-sinking properties includes a hull and an inflatable fender located on the outside of the hull; characterized in that it includes air chambers, baffles, and floats for filling; the inflatable fender has several air chambers, and the density and number of air chambers are optimized according to the frequency and location of collisions with the hull to ensure the strength of the inflatable fender; the baffles are located between two adjacent air chambers, and the baffles have several connecting holes for connecting two connected air chambers; the floats have a certain toughness and permanent positive buoyancy, and the floats are located in the air chambers, and the size of the floats is larger than the size of the connecting holes.

[0008] According to the above technical solution, the air cavity density at the bow and stern of the hull is greater than that on the sides of the hull, and the number of air cavities on a single side and a single layer of inflatable fenders does not exceed 10.

[0009] According to the above technical solution, the number of floats needs to ensure that each air chamber is filled.

[0010] According to the above technical solution, the appendage adopts a hollow lightweight sealed float or a solid lightweight float. The maximum dimension of the float is no more than one-tenth of the fender diameter. The float adopts an independent structure or a flexible connection between them.

[0011] According to the above technical solution, the partition between two adjacent air chambers is made of the same material as the inflatable fender, and the partition and the inflatable fender are integrally molded and manufactured.

[0012] According to the above technical solution, the partition can also adopt a partition structure, which has the function of connecting two connected air chambers and blocking the flow of floats in two adjacent air chambers.

[0013] According to the above technical solution, an air inlet and a safety valve are provided on the inflatable fender for inflation and deflation, pressure detection and overpressure protection.

[0014] According to the above technical solution, anti-friction strips and pull ropes are also provided on the outside of the inflatable fender. The anti-friction strips and pull ropes are arranged longitudinally along both sides of the hull on the inflatable fender. The anti-friction strips are made of metal or non-metal wear-resistant surfaces.

[0015] According to the above technical solution, the length of the hull is no more than 20 meters for surface vessels. The vessel type is not limited to a single vessel, but can be a catamaran or a multi-hull vessel. The hull material is steel, aluminum alloy or composite material. The inflatable fender adopts a single-layer, double-layer or multi-layer structure, and the material of the inflatable fender is a wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant tough material.

[0016] According to the above technical solution, based on the displacement, main dimensions and shape of the vessel, the longitudinal length, shape and transverse diameter of the inflatable fender are selected according to the design specifications, and the reserve buoyancy of the inflatable fender is not less than 100% of the vessel's full load displacement.

[0017] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] The inflatable fender is internally divided into several air chambers, which are connected by partitions with connecting holes. Each chamber is filled with a float possessing a certain degree of toughness and permanent positive buoyancy. Even if the outer layer of the inflatable fender leaks or is damaged, the float within the chamber, which cannot detach, allows the inflatable fender to continue providing reserve buoyancy, significantly improving the vessel's anti-sinking ability and operational safety. Furthermore, the partitions and connecting holes between adjacent air chambers integrate the internal chambers, eliminating the need for independent airtight seals. This simplifies the design of individually sealed internal air chambers, reduces the difficulty of processing and molding, and significantly lowers manufacturing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a front view of an embodiment provided by the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a side view of an embodiment provided by the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a broken view of an embodiment provided by the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a side view of the inflatable fender provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a top view of the inflatable fender provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the inflatable fender assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the air chamber partition and filler provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] In the diagram, 1. Hull; 2. Inflatable fender; 3. Air chamber; 4. Bulkhead; 4-1. Connecting hole; 5. Float; 6. Anti-friction strip; 7. Pull rope. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0028] Reference Figures 1 to 7As shown, this invention provides an inflatable fender with anti-sinking properties, comprising a hull 1 and an inflatable fender 2 located on the outside of the hull. The inflatable fender is tightly integrated with the hull using adhesive bonding, bolting, and rail connections, achieving a conformal design to reduce wind resistance and water resistance. It includes air chambers 3, baffles 4, and floats 5 for filling. The inflatable fender has several air chambers, designed in sections to ensure sufficient strength and support. The density and number of air chambers are optimized based on the frequency and location of hull collisions to ensure the strength of the inflatable fender. Baffles are located between adjacent air chambers, and each baffle has several connecting holes 4-1 for connecting two connected air chambers, eliminating the need for independently sealed air chambers, nozzles, and safety valves. The floats possess a certain degree of toughness and permanent positive buoyancy. The floats are located within the air chambers, and their size is larger than the connecting holes, ensuring that the floats cannot pass through even under external pressure.

[0029] This embodiment divides the internal design of the inflatable fender into several air chambers, which are connected by partitions with connecting holes. The air chambers are filled with floats possessing a certain degree of toughness and permanent positive buoyancy. Even if the outer layer of the inflatable fender leaks or breaks, the presence of the floats within the air chambers ensures that the inflatable fender can still continuously provide reserve buoyancy, significantly improving the vessel's anti-sinking capability. Furthermore, because partitions and connecting holes are used between adjacent air chambers, the several air chambers inside the inflatable fender are connected as a whole. Individual airtight seals are not required between the air chambers, simplifying the design of independently sealed internal air chamber structures, reducing the difficulty of processing and molding the inflatable fender, and significantly reducing manufacturing costs.

[0030] Furthermore, the air cavity density at the bow and stern of the hull is greater than that on the sides of the hull, and the number of air cavities on a single side and a single layer of inflatable fender does not exceed 10.

[0031] Preferably, the fender is sealed before it is fully inflated after processing. The number of floats should be enough to fill each air chamber. This ensures that even if the outer layer of the inflatable fender leaks or is damaged, it can continue to provide reserve buoyancy. The buoyancy loss caused by damage to the inflatable fender does not exceed 10%, minimizing the buoyancy loss of the inflatable fender, improving the boat's anti-sinking ability, and making it safer to use.

[0032] Specifically, the appendages are hollow, lightweight, sealed floats or solid, lightweight floats (but not limited to these). The maximum dimension of the floats is no more than one-tenth of the fender diameter. The floats are independent structures or flexibly linked to each other to prevent air from overflowing the air chamber in the event of a large rupture.

[0033] Furthermore, the partition between the two adjacent air chambers is made of the same material as the inflatable fender, and the partition and the inflatable fender are integrally molded and manufactured.

[0034] Furthermore, the partition can also adopt a partition structure, which has the function of connecting two connected air chambers and blocking the flow of floats between two adjacent air chambers.

[0035] Furthermore, an inflation port and a safety valve are provided on the inflatable fender for inflation / deflation, pressure detection, and overpressure protection.

[0036] See details Figure 6 The inflatable fender is also equipped with anti-scratch strips 6 and pull ropes 7. Both the anti-scratch strips and pull ropes are arranged longitudinally along both sides of the hull. The anti-scratch strips are made of metal or non-metal wear-resistant surfaces. The anti-scratch strips can be made of metal or non-metal wear-resistant surfaces to locally reinforce the surface of the hull side, preventing sharp objects from penetrating and preventing longitudinal abrasions that could cause scratches to the inflatable fender. The pull ropes are arranged longitudinally along both sides of the hull and can withstand considerable tensile force, used for people falling into the water to climb onto the boat or for the transport of temporary boats.

[0037] Furthermore, the hull length is no more than 20 meters for surface vessels, which can be manned / unmanned or remotely controlled speedboats. The vessel type is not limited to monohulls, and can be catamarans or multihulls. The hull material is steel, aluminum alloy, or composite material. The inflatable fenders adopt a single-layer, double-layer, or multi-layer structure. The inflatable fenders are made of wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant tough materials, such as high-strength polyamide, polyester, plastic, rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, polyurethane, etc. (but not limited to these).

[0038] Furthermore, based on the displacement, main dimensions and shape of the vessel, the longitudinal length, shape and transverse diameter of the inflatable fender are selected according to the specifications, and the reserve buoyancy of the inflatable fender is not less than 100% of the vessel's full load displacement.

[0039] Working principle of the invention:

[0040] The air chambers are filled with floats that provide permanent positive buoyancy. These floats are sealed before the fenders are manufactured and fully inflated. The amount of filler is sufficient to fill each air chamber, ensuring that even if the outer layer of the fender leaks or is damaged, it can still provide reserve buoyancy, significantly improving the boat's anti-sinking ability. The inflatable fenders are designed with inflation ports and safety valves for inflation / deflation, pressure detection, and overpressure protection. The inflatable fenders are attached to the hull using adhesive, bolt, and rail connections. Anti-friction strips are added to the fenders at the bow area to prevent damage when the boat is docked. Handles and lifelines are installed at intervals on the outer wall of the fenders to facilitate rescue climbs for people who fall into the water.

[0041] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Therefore, any equivalent changes made in accordance with the claims of the present invention shall still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fender with anti-sinking function, comprising a fender body and a fender provided on the outer side of the fender body; characterized in that: The inflatable fender includes air chambers, baffles, and floats for filling. Several air chambers are located within the inflatable fender; the density and number of these chambers are optimized based on the frequency and location of collisions to ensure the fender's strength. Baffles are positioned between adjacent air chambers and have several connecting holes for linking the chambers. The floats possess a certain degree of toughness and permanent positive buoyancy, and are positioned within the air chambers. The size of the floats is larger than the size of the connecting holes. The number of floats must be sufficient to fill each air chamber. The maximum dimension of the floating body shall not exceed one-tenth of the diameter of the fender, and the floating bodies shall be independent structures or flexibly linked together.

2. The anti-sink pneumatic fender according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air cavity density at the bow and stern of the hull is greater than that on the sides of the hull, and the number of air cavities on a single side and a single layer of inflatable fender does not exceed 10.

3. The anti-sinkable pneumatic fender according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that: The float can be a hollow, lightweight sealed float or a solid, lightweight float.

4. The anti-sink pneumatic fender according to claim 3, wherein: The partition between two adjacent air chambers is made of the same material as the inflatable fender, and the partition and the inflatable fender are integrally molded and manufactured.

5. The anti-sink pneumatic boat fender according to claim 1, wherein: The partition can also be a partition structure, which has the function of connecting two connected air chambers and blocking the flow of floats in two adjacent air chambers.

6. The inflatable fender with anti-sinking properties according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inflatable fender is equipped with an inflation port and a safety valve for inflation / deflation, pressure detection, and overpressure protection.

7. The inflatable fender with anti-sinking properties according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inflatable fender is also equipped with anti-friction strips and pull ropes. The anti-friction strips and pull ropes are arranged longitudinally along both sides of the hull on the inflatable fender. The anti-friction strips are made of metal or non-metal wear-resistant surfaces.

8. The inflatable fender with anti-sinking properties according to claim 3, characterized in that: The hull length is no more than 20 meters for surface vessels. The vessel type is not limited to monohulls; it can be catamarans or multihulls. The hull material is steel, aluminum alloy, or composite material. The inflatable fenders adopt a single-layer, double-layer, or multi-layer structure, and the inflatable fenders are made of wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and tough materials.

9. The inflatable fender with anti-sinking properties according to claim 3, characterized in that: Based on the displacement, main dimensions and shape of the vessel, the longitudinal length, shape and transverse diameter of the inflatable fender are selected according to the design specifications. The reserve buoyancy of the inflatable fender is not less than 100% of the vessel's full load displacement.

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