Inflatable Evacuation Ramp Stiffening Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable marine evacuation ramps face challenges in maintaining stiffness and resistance to deformation under bending-torsion and compression-traction loads, particularly when used in marine environments, and are complex and costly to produce, making them unsuitable for safe and efficient evacuation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates closed, inflatable polygonal stiffening frames surrounding longitudinal beams, with modular construction allowing for adjustable length and enhanced stiffness through independent inflatable structures, including hexagonal frames and truncated pyramid-shaped modules, to distribute forces evenly and improve rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional inflatable ramps are used with simple beam structures, then the device complexity is low, but the ramp cannot maintain stiffness and resists deformation poorly under bending-torsion and compression-traction loads
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp structure is divided into multiple longitudinal beams (typically three) that are spaced apart and individually inflatable. These beams work together to form a rigid triangular cross-section framework, distributing loads and providing structural strength while maintaining manageable complexity through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines inflatable tubes with rigid framing structures to create a composite system. The inflatable beams provide both structural support and rigidity when pressurized, while the triangular cross-section configuration creates a mechanically strong framework that resists deformation under various loads.
2Ease of manufacture
If the ramp structure is simplified for easier manufacture, then the ease of manufacture improves, but the reliability and safety for evacuation purposes deteriorate due to increased deformation risk
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp structure transitions from a rigid fixed framework to a dynamic inflatable system. The beams are individually inflatable, allowing the structure to be deployed and configured as needed. When inflated, the beams maintain their shape and position, providing reliable structural support for safe evacuation while simplifying storage and deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural properties of the ramp are changed by varying the inflation pressure and volume of the beams. By controlling the inflation parameters, the ramp can achieve the necessary rigidity and strength for safe evacuation. The triangular cross-section geometry is maintained through appropriate inflation, providing structural stability without complex manufacturing.
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
This solution enhances the ramp's stiffness and resistance to deformation, ensuring safe and efficient evacuation while simplifying production and making the ramp more economically viable for various ship types and capacities.
Implementation Method 1
comprising at least nine cylindrical longitudinal tubes of circular section, which are each individually inflatable (independently of the others)
Implementation Method 2
enhances the ramp's stiffness and resistance to deformation, ensuring safe and efficient evacuation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2a
Figure 2b~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a ramp (1) that includes three longitudinal beams (5, 6) each including at least two inflatable tubes (8) braced by inflatable tubes of side and lower struts arranged as closed stiffening inflatable frames (11, 18) having a polygon shape at the inflated state and surrounding the longitudinal beams (5, 6) to which the tubes of the stiffening frames (11, 18) are connected by connection means and inflation means.