Elevator Elastic Support Column Damping Impulsive Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ammunition elevators on ships are not adequately protected from impulsive forces generated by gunfire and external attacks, which can damage the elevator and its cargo.
Innovation Solution
An ammunition elevator system with an elastic support column attached to the ship's hull via wire rope spring elements, allowing for relative movement and damping of impulsive forces, thereby protecting the elevator and its cargo.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the support column is rigidly attached to the ship's hull, then the elevator structure is stable and strong, but the elevator and cargo are vulnerable to impulsive forces from gunfire and external attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The support column is equipped with elastic buffers at its lower end that are pre-configured to absorb impulsive forces before they reach the elevator car and cargo. These buffers act as a protective barrier, cushioning the column against shock loads from gunfire or external attacks while maintaining structural integrity during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic buffers serve as an intermediary element between the rigid support column and the ship's hull, mediating the transmission of impulsive forces. This intermediary component absorbs and dissipates shock energy through elastic deformation, protecting the elevator system while allowing controlled relative movement during extreme events.
2Reliability
If elastic buffers are added to protect against impulsive forces, then protection against shock loads is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic buffers are integrated directly into the support column structure, merging the protective function with the load-bearing function. This combination eliminates the need for separate protective systems while maintaining structural efficiency, as the buffers become an inherent part of the column's design rather than an add-on component.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic buffers utilize flexible elastic elements that can deform under impulsive loads and return to their original position. These elastic components provide shock absorption through their inherent flexibility, protecting the rigid elevator structure without requiring complex mechanical systems or multiple layers of protection.
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 elastic support effectively reduces the impact of impulsive forces on the elevator and its cargo, ensuring the protection of sensitive components and maintaining operational integrity during adverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the support column can be displaced by up to 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm as a result of particularly large, impulsive forces
Implementation Method 2
the elastic connecting elements, in particular the wire cables of the wire cable spring elements, are preferably made of stainless steel cables. Compared to conventional steel cables or elastomer dampers, these have a greater deformation capacity for shock absorption and improved vibration damping.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
The present invention relates to an elevator, in particular a freight elevator, such as an ammunition or provisions elevator, for ships, comprising a load carrier for receiving goods such as ammunition or provisions, and a support column on which the load carrier is movably mounted longitudinally, wherein the load carrier is driven by a drive unit via a traction device guided along the support column, and wherein the support column is elastically supported against the ship's hull. The elastic support of the support column on which the load carrier is mounted dampens the forces that occur and reduces their effect on the elevator, the load carrier, and thus also on the conveyed goods.