Amphibious Vessel with Translatable Superstructure
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a versatile amphibious vessel that can be reconfigured to accommodate various applications, including transporting auxiliary vehicles and personnel, while maintaining seaworthiness and the ability to operate on land, as existing vessels are often optimized for specific purposes and lack the flexibility to adapt to multiple roles.
Innovation Solution
The vessel features a hull with a translatable superstructure that changes zones to accommodate vehicles and personnel, a deployable ramp for loading and unloading, and deployable motive pods for land mobility, allowing the vessel to reconfigure its deck space and operational modes to suit different applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the vessel is designed for multiple applications, then versatility is improved, but designing for multiple applications becomes problematic and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The superstructure is divided into separate, movable modules that can be repositioned along the deck. This segmentation allows the vessel to reconfigure for different applications without redesigning the entire structure, resolving the contradiction between versatility and design complexity by enabling modular adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The superstructure is made dynamically reconfigurable through translation mechanisms that allow it to move between different positions on the deck. This dynamic capability enables the vessel to adapt to multiple applications while maintaining a relatively simple base design, as the same structure serves different functions in different positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the superstructure is made movable to create variable zones, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The translation mechanism serves multiple functions: it repositions the superstructure to create different zone configurations, allows the same structural elements to serve different purposes in different positions, and enables the vessel to adapt to various operational requirements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vessel is designed to transport auxiliary vehicles, then transport capability is improved, but the vessel size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The superstructure is pre-configured with translation capabilities that allow it to be positioned in advance to create appropriate loading zones for auxiliary vehicles. This preliminary preparation simplifies the loading process and reduces the need for complex on-the-spot reconfiguration, thereby improving transport capability without proportionally increasing vessel complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the ramp arrangement is deployable to allow vehicle loading, then operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp arrangement is integrated with the superstructure and translation mechanism, combining multiple functions into a unified system. The ramp can be deployed in conjunction with superstructure repositioning to create efficient vehicle loading configurations, reducing the need for separate, independent ramp systems and thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a vessel having a superstructure that is movable to increase and/or reduce space in one of at least two zones on the deck of the vessel. The invention further relates to an amphibious vehicle having motive pods that move in an athwartship direction and then downwardly when the motive pods are deployed. The invention further provides for a ramp arrangement for a vessel that allows for an increased amount of deck space, and facilitates ingress and/or egress from the vessel by cargo or passengers.