Submerged Hull Repair Using Ferromagnetic Composite Patch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for repairing damage to a water vessel's hull at or near the water-line are costly, difficult, and require significant time, as they necessitate removing or raising the vessel from the water to access the damaged area.
Innovation Solution
A repair system utilizing a patch assembly with a flexible composite inner layer and ferromagnetic heating elements that can be electrically operated to heat and cure the composite material while submerged, allowing for attachment to the hull without the need to remove the vessel from the water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional dry-docking methods are used to repair hull damage, then the damaged area is accessible for repair, but the vessel must be removed from water requiring significant time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical dry-docking systems with an underwater repair system that uses a flexible patch assembly with ferromagnetic heating elements. The heating elements generate heat through electromagnetic induction to cure composite material while the patch is submerged, eliminating the need for vessel removal and enabling repair in the original aquatic environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by enabling the curing process to occur underwater at elevated temperatures achieved through ferromagnetic heating. The composite material is applied in a flexible uncured state, heated to cure while maintaining flexibility for conforming to hull contours, then cooled to achieve final structural properties, all while submerged.
2Productivity
If the patch assembly is heated to cure composite material underwater, then repair can be performed in place, but heat generation in water presents thermal management challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating heating power directly at the damaged area through ferromagnetic heating elements embedded in or against the patch assembly. This localized heating approach raises the temperature only where needed for curing the composite material, while the surrounding water and hull structures remain at ambient temperature, effectively managing thermal control during the repair process.
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
Enables efficient and timely repair of hull damage at or below the water-line by allowing the patch assembly to be applied and cured in place, providing structural support and sealing the hull while minimizing the need for extensive dry-docking procedures.
Implementation Method 1
One or more ferromagnetic heating elements are disposed between the inner layer and the first and/or second flexible outer layers. When the one or more ferromagnetic heating elements are electrically operated, the one or more ferromagnetic heating elements generate heat at the inner layer.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for repairing a damaged area of a hull of a water vessel includes providing a patch assembly having (i) a first flexible outer layer, (ii) a second flexible outer layer and (iii) an inner layer of composite material sealed between the first flexible outer layer and the second flexible outer layer. When the inner layer is heated and then cures, the composite material transforms from a flexible uncured state to a fixed cured state. With the composite material in the uncured state, the patch assembly is positioned at a damaged area of a hull of a water vessel and conforms to a shape of the hull. An electric heating element is electrically operated to heat the inner layer, and when the inner layer is cured, the composite material is cured, where the shape of the inner layer is fixed relative to the shape of the hull.