Angled Modular Panels for Gap-Free Shipboard Cladding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular construction components for flat areas on board passenger ships are difficult to handle, require extensive disassembly for repairs, and often leave noticeable gaps on the room side, posing hygienic concerns, especially in wet and kitchen areas.

Innovation Solution

The development of cassette-shaped components with angled sides that connect via plug-in hooks and receptacles, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly while minimizing gaps through slight prestress and reinforcement elements, and using materials like chrome-nickel steel for durability and hygiene.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If modular components with right-angled sides are used for construction, then assembly is simple and components fit together easily, but gaps remain between adjacent components on the room side

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegap reductionVSAvoidcomponent geometry
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by deviating from the conventional right-angled design. The angled sides are inclined at approximately 89° to 89.5° instead of exactly 90°, creating an asymmetric configuration that eliminates gaps between adjacent components while maintaining simple assembly procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the angular parameter of the component sides from exactly 90° to approximately 89°-89.5°. This parameter modification creates a slight overlap when components are assembled, which eliminates gaps on the room side without significantly complicating the assembly process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of repair

If cladding panels are installed to cover technical installations, then visual appearance is improved, but removal and rebuilding is required for repairs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to installationsVSAvoiddismantling and reassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cladding system into modular, interchangeable panels. Each panel can be independently removed and reinstalled, allowing quick access to technical installations behind the cladding without requiring complete dismantling and reassembly of the entire structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic cladding system where panels can be easily attached and detached. This allows the cladding to transition between installed and removed states, facilitating quick maintenance access while maintaining visual appearance during normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of repair

If conventional cladding is removed for repairs, then access to installations is gained, but components are damaged or destroyed and cannot be reused

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent reusabilityVSAvoidcomponent integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by designing panels with built-in protective features and reinforcement elements before installation. The frames are reinforced at connection points and the panels are designed to distribute stresses, preventing damage during removal and enabling component reuse after maintenance operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2365153B1Construction element for constructing flat areas such as walls, ceilings, floors or similar
Publication Date: 2016.09.07 MEYER WERFT
  • EP2365153B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2365153B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2365153B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The component is a cartridge shaped component has a flat upper surface and twisted sides (8,8',8'',14). A connecting element (12,12') is connected with a receiver (13,13') provided in a twisted side in the structure (1) is arranged adjacent to components (16, 17) in each case.