Articulating Staging System for Marine Vessel Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing staging systems for structures like marine vessels fail to conform to varying shapes and angles, leading to gaps and safety hazards during assembly, repair, and access tasks.
Innovation Solution
A modular staging system comprising articulating stage links with convex and concave ends, supported by frames with safety rails, allowing for flexible configuration to match the shape of structures, ensuring a stable and safe working platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rigid staging systems are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to varying shapes and angles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The staging system is divided into multiple modular stage links (101, 102, 103) that can be independently positioned and configured. Each stage link functions as a separate unit with standardized interfaces, allowing the system to adapt to various structural shapes while maintaining individual link stability through frame-supported platforms and safety rails.
Solution Approach 2:
The stage links incorporate articulation capabilities with rotation axes (33, 43) that enable dynamic adjustment of angles and positions. This allows the staging system to conform to varying shapes and angles of structures like marine vessels while maintaining stability through controlled articulation rather than rigid fixed positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular stage links with articulation are used, then adaptability to structure shapes improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
All stage links (101, 102, 103) utilize standardized interfaces and components including support frames (21, 31, 41), platforms (20, 30, 40), and safety rails (22, 32, 42). This universal design allows different stage links to perform multiple functions and be configured in various arrangements without requiring complex custom components for each link type.
Solution Approach 2:
The stage links feature asymmetric convex (30′, 40′) and concave (20′, 20′′, 30′′) ends that simplify articulation configuration. The convex-concave interface design provides intuitive connection orientation, reducing configuration complexity by eliminating the need for precise alignment in multiple directions while maintaining adaptability to various structural geometries.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If stage links articulate with convex and concave ends, then gap elimination improves, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The convex (30′, 40′) and concave (20′, 20′′, 30′′) end design creates a self-aligning interface that guides stage links into proper articulation positions. The asymmetric geometry provides mechanical guidance that compensates for normal manufacturing tolerances, eliminating gaps between stage links without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing of the interface surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The rounded convex and concave surfaces of the articulating ends allow for smooth engagement and articulation between stage links. The curved geometry provides tolerance for manufacturing variations while maintaining continuous contact and eliminating gaps, as the curved surfaces can accommodate slight dimensional variations without creating gaps or interference.
Data Source
AI summary
A articulating staging system includes a series of interconnected stage links each having a platform and a support frame. A fixed central stage link is provided to which intermediate stage links are attached. Additional intermediate stage links may be attached to adjacent intermediate stage links. End stage links may attach to adjacent stage links to provide an access point. The intermediate and end stage links articulate about one another and the central stage link to position and reposition the system around a structure for repair, assembly, and maintenance work. The central stage link has opposing concave ends to which convex ends of the intermediate stage links interface. The intermediate stage links have a concave end to which an adjacent intermediate stage link interfaces. The end stage link interfaces similarly. The stage links interface by way of the support frames which interconnected underneath the platforms of the stage links.