Anchor Points for Modular Floating Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular floating structures face instability in rough seas due to lateral anchoring methods that allow water to pass over the edges, reducing resistance and causing stress on the structure.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating anchor points located inside and below the structure, utilizing modified connecting elements with a conical upper part and cylindrical lower part that engage with lugs on the blocks, and adding support keys with stanchions for attaching nets or guardrails, enhancing stability and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If lateral anchoring bars are used to fix the floating structure, then the structure can be assembled and fixed to a fixed point, but the edges of the structure dip into water during rough seas, reducing resistance and stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of floating structureVSAvoidstructural integrity during rough seas

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from lateral anchoring (horizontal dimension) to bottom anchoring (vertical dimension). Anchor keys are inserted through the bottom of floating blocks to anchor the structure, changing the anchoring direction from side-to-side to top-to-bottom, which prevents edge dipping and improves stability during rough seas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If anchor keys with hollowed rods are used to create anchoring points inside and below the structure, then stability is improved by preventing water from passing over, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability in rough seasVSAvoidcomplexity of anchoring system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting keys are designed to serve dual functions: they connect adjacent floating blocks together and simultaneously serve as anchor keys when inserted through the bottom of blocks. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate anchoring components while maintaining improved stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If support keys with stanchions and chandeliers are added to carry nets and guardrails, then functionality is enhanced for pollution containment, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality for pollution containmentVSAvoidcomplexity of modular structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The floating structure is divided into modular components including support keys, stanchions, and chandeliers that can be independently assembled and configured. This segmentation allows flexible deployment of nets and guardrails at different locations while maintaining the overall modular architecture, enhancing functionality without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2571754B1Anchor point for floating structure

Publication Date: 2017.10.18 CUBISYST

AI summary

Floating structure (10) of the type made up of modular parallelepipedal floating blocks (1) the vertical edges of which are equipped with lugs (3) in which connecting elements (2, 20) are inserted to assemble them, characterized in that said structure comprises one or more anchor points (26, 27) which are situated underneath and inside said structure.