Ship Hull Collision Box Joint for Fast Replacement Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

The conventional method of replacing a collision box on a ship hull is lengthy and requires vessel immobilization due to the need for repainting and specialized labor, which is disadvantageous for vessels with specific functions.

Innovation Solution

A connecting device with a tenon-mortise system and a dowel mechanism allows for easy installation and removal of frames, utilizing a ramp effect to achieve secure clamping without orthogonal elements that hinder shock absorption, enabling quick replacement of the collision box.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the collision box is fixed to the hull using conventional methods (screwing and gluing with coating coverage), then the connection is strong and secure, but the replacement process becomes lengthy and requires vessel immobilization for repainting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidvessel immobilization time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device is divided into separate components: a first frame secured to the collision box, a second frame secured to the hull, and removable fastening elements (tenon, mortise, dowel). This segmentation allows the collision box to be securely connected during operation and quickly disconnected for replacement without affecting the hull coating, thus maintaining connection strength while eliminating immobilization time for repainting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid elements are used to secure the collision box to the hull, then the connection is stable and secure, but the shock absorption function is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidshock absorption interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device uses a dynamic fastening system with a tenon that can translate longitudinally within the mortise and a dowel that can be inserted or removed from the transverse housing. This dynamic design provides stable connection during normal operation while allowing the collision box to be quickly detached, and the frustoconical dowel design allows controlled tightening without creating rigid constraints that would interfere with shock absorption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the collision box is permanently incorporated into the hull with covered fixing means, then the hydrodynamic performance is maintained, but the replacement requires specialized labor and lengthy repainting operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydrodynamic performance continuityVSAvoidreplacement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second frames are pre-secured to the collision box and hull respectively before final assembly. The tenon is pre-formed on the first frame, and the mortise is pre-provided in the second frame. This preliminary preparation allows for quick field replacement without requiring specialized repainting operations or complex assembly procedures, thus maintaining hydrodynamic performance while simplifying replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If the dowel and hole are arranged to generate a ramp effect for tightening, then the clamping control is sensitive and reliable, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping control sensitivityVSAvoidfastening mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ramp effect is achieved by arranging the dowel and transverse through hole with distinct axes, creating a geometric relationship that transforms translational movement into tightening force. This dimensional arrangement provides sensitive and reliable clamping control through the frustoconical geometry of the dowel, while avoiding the need for complex cam mechanisms or multiple adjustment components, thus achieving ease of operation with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates rapid and reliable attachment of the collision box, minimizing vessel downtime and maintaining hydrodynamic performance.

Implementation Method 1

the dowel and the hole in the tenon are arranged to generate a ramp effect causing the two frames to tighten towards each other in the longitudinal direction by means of a transverse force for inserting the dowel into said transverse through hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRamp effect: Wedge

Data Source

PatentEP4100309B1Device for connecting two parts of a hull of a ship, and hull of a ship comprising such a device
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 EXAIL
  • EP4100309B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4100309B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4100309B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Disclosed is a device (1) for connecting two parts of a hull (3) of a ship, comprising: - a first frame (2) intended to be integral with a first part (30) of the hull (3), - a second frame (4) intended to be integral with a second part (31) of the hull (3) - a tenon (5) integral with the first frame (2) - a mortise (6) provided in the second frame (4) and able to receive the tenon (5) promoting a relative movement in translation of the two frames (2, 4) towards one another in a longitudinal insertion direction, - a pin (8) which is able to be engaged, on the one hand, in a transverse housing (21) provided in the second frame (4) and opening into said mortise and, on the other hand, in a transverse through-hole (54) provided in the tenon (5), so as to retain the tenon (5) in the mortise (6). Also disclosed is a hull of a ship comprising such a device.