Bulbous Ship Security Barrier Preventing Pirate Boarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security devices for ships are inadequate in preventing pirate boarding, as they can be climbed using hooks and ropes, and do not effectively deter access even with overhangs.
Innovation Solution
A security device comprising a plate with a bulbous barrier that forms a slot with the plate, extending perpendicular to its plane, providing a smooth and featureless surface that prevents footholds and hook attachment, and an overhang that makes it difficult to traverse, made from lightweight and durable materials like plastic for ease of installation and recyclability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a smooth barrier surface is provided to prevent hook and rope attachment, then pirate boarding is deterred, but the barrier becomes more difficult to traverse due to the overhang
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier employs a bulbous curved shape instead of flat surfaces, creating an overhang that extends outward from the ship's rail. This curvature prevents hooks and ropes from finding purchase points while the smooth continuous surface eliminates footholds, making both climbing and boarding operations extremely difficult
2Reliability
If traditional security barriers are used to prevent boarding, then some security is provided, but they can still be climbed using hooks and ropes
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier changes the geometric parameters of the ship's rail profile by adding a bulbous outward extension. This parameter change transforms the vertical climbing surface into a curved overhang, fundamentally altering how forces are applied and making traditional climbing techniques ineffective
Solution Approach 2:
The bulbous curved shape creates a surface geometry where hooks cannot gain purchase and ropes cannot be effectively attached. The curvature radii are specifically designed to prevent mechanical advantage from being gained through traditional boarding equipment
3Strength
If heavy durable materials are used for the barrier, then strength and durability are improved, but installation becomes more difficult and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is constructed as a thin-walled hollow bulbous structure that derives its strength from geometric shape and material distribution rather than mass. This shell structure provides high strength-to-weight ratio, maintaining durability while minimizing weight for easier installation
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier utilizes composite material construction combining high-strength polymers or metal alloys with optimized structural design. This allows the thin-walled structure to achieve the required strength and durability without increasing weight
Data Source
AI summary
A security device comprising: a plate (20) having an upper portion (21) and a lower portion (22), wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are parallel and off-set; a bulbous barrier (30), wherein the upper portion of the plate and the barrier form a slot (50) therebetween, and the barrier extends in a direction perpendicular to the upper portion of the plane of the plate and away from the slot.