External Stiffening Web Frame for Marine Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marine structures face challenges in balancing structural capacity with low dead weight and efficient use of internal volume, as traditional web frames increase weight and occupy valuable space, while also contributing to increased vertical center of gravity and reduced space for essential components.
Innovation Solution
The placement of stiffening web frames outside the wall of marine structures allows for increased internal volume, additional structural capacity, and utilization as wave deflecting members to reduce slamming loads, while also improving the environment and strength of critical joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If web frames are placed inside the marine structure, then structural capacity is improved, but internal volume is reduced and dead weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional placement of web frames by positioning them outside the shell structure rather than inside. This inversion resolves the contradiction by providing structural capacity enhancement without encroaching on the internal volume, as the web frames are attached to the outer surface of the shell structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the web frame placement from the internal dimension to the external dimension of the shell structure. By moving the web frames to the outside surface, the solution utilizes the external spatial dimension, thereby preserving the internal volume while still achieving the structural reinforcement objective.
2Strength
If web frames are added to increase structural capacity, then strength is improved, but dead weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The externally placed web frames serve multiple functions: they provide structural reinforcement to enhance strength, acts as wave deflecting members to reduce slamming loads, and do not interfere with internal volume. This multi-functionality justifies the added weight by delivering multiple benefits beyond单纯的 structural capacity enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of added dead weight into a benefit by positioning the web frames to serve as wave deflecting members. The additional weight is justified because the web frames actively reduce slamming loads from waves, transforming what could be a disadvantage into a functional advantage for structural protection.
3Strength
If web frames extend inwardly from the shell, then structural capacity is improved, but hydrodynamic characteristics are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending web frames inwardly from the shell as conventionally done, the patent inverts the approach by positioning the web frames on the outer surface of the shell structure. This inversion eliminates the interference with hydrodynamic characteristics while maintaining the structural reinforcement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the web frames specifically on the outer surface where they can provide structural reinforcement and wave deflection functions without affecting the internal hydrodynamic flow characteristics. The web frames are strategically placed to interact with external waves while leaving the internal volume and flow patterns unchanged.
Data Source
AI summary
A marine structure comprises a supporting member adapted to be located at least partially immersed in water. The supporting member comprises a wall at least partially delimiting the supporting member such that an inner side of the wall at least partially delimits an inner hollow volume of the supporting member and an outer side of the wall is adapted to be in contact with the ambient environment of the supporting member. The supporting member further comprises a stiffening web frame attached to the wall in order to modify the structural capacity of the supporting member, which stiffening web frame comprises a rib and a flang.