Composite Tie Rod Assembly for Floating Dock Corrosion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metallic tie rod systems in floating dock assemblies corrode and fatigue due to exposure to water and movement, leading to loose connections and structural integrity issues, especially when timber components shrink over time.
Innovation Solution
A nut and tie rod assembly using a composite material tie rod with reinforcing fibers encapsulated in a matrix material, featuring a threaded exterior surface and complementary internal nut threads, providing corrosion resistance, elasticity, and resistance to fatigue, along with a method for assembling floating structures using these components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metallic tie rod systems are used to connect floating dock components, then the connection system provides initial structural integrity, but the metallic rods corrode and fatigue over time due to water exposure and wave action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional metallic tie rods with composite material tie rods that combine the strength needed for structural connections with resistance to corrosion and fatigue. The composite construction allows the tie rod to maintain its mechanical properties in marine environments without corroding like metal or failing from fatigue due to wave action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters of the tie rod from metallic to composite materials, fundamentally altering the physical and chemical properties to achieve both strength and environmental resistance. This parameter change enables the tie rod to withstand corrosive salt water while maintaining structural integrity under cyclic loading from waves.
2Device complexity
If the same tie rod is used to connect multiple components including timber waler, then the connection system is simplified, but timber shrinkage causes loose connections that threaten structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable or flexible connection mechanisms that can adapt to timber shrinkage over time. The connection system transitions from a static, fixed-tightness design to a dynamic system that maintains proper connection force despite changes in timber dimensions, ensuring long-term structural reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the connection parameters to accommodate timber shrinkage, allowing the tie rod connection to maintain appropriate tension and tightness as the timber component changes dimension over time. This ensures the connection remains secure while still using a unified tie rod system for multiple components.
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
The composite material tie rod assembly maintains a secure connection despite shrinkage or expansion of timber components, reduces maintenance needs, and withstands corrosive environments, enhancing the structural integrity and lifespan of floating structures.
Implementation Method 1
Floating dock assemblies are deployed in environments where metallic tie rod systems do not perform well. These docks are constantly exposed to water, and commonly salt water, which corrodes metallic rods and weakens them over time.
Implementation Method 2
When the same tie rods are used to connect other components together in addition to the timber waler these loose connections can cause serious problems and threaten the structural integrity of the entire dock.
Implementation Method 3
at least a portion of the exterior surface of the shaft defining an engagement structure, and at least one nut which includes an internal cavity with an interior surface defining an engagement structure which is complimentary to the engagement structure defined on the exterior surface of the shaft of the tie rod
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect the invention provides a nut and tie rod assembly which includes a composite material tie rod defining a main shaft with an exterior surface. The tie rod is formed from reinforcing fibers encapsulated within a matrix material, and at least a portion of the exterior surface of the shaft defines an engagement structure. The assembly also includes at least one nut which includes an internal cavity with an interior surface defining an engagement structure which is complimentary to the engagement structure defined on the exterior surface of the shaft of the tie rod.