Floating Platform Torsional Rigidity via Biasing Truss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shoreline and floating dock structures face challenges such as high construction costs, instability due to soft underwater conditions, and rigidity issues, particularly with floating docks that lack torsional rigidity and are prone to instability under uneven loading.

Innovation Solution

A floating platform system comprising longitudinal beam members, a truss frame, and a biasing device that applies a compressive force to the truss frame to maintain torsional rigidity, allowing for compact, cost-effective construction and improved stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If floating docks use pontoons to maintain structure above water surface, then construction becomes easier and more flexible, but the structure becomes heavy and presents transport and floating difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction easeVSAvoiddock weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The dock structure is divided into modular components including pontoon sections, deck sections, and connector elements that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site, reducing transport difficulties while maintaining construction ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite construction combining buoyant pontoon materials with lighter decking materials, creating a structure that maintains flexibility and ease of manufacture while reducing overall weight to alleviate transport and floating difficulties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If floating docks incorporate structural decking to provide support without posts, then transport and installation become easier, but the design complexity, weight, and price increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoiddesign complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The decking system is segmented into standardized modular units that can be easily installed on floating docks without requiring complex structural designs or posts, reducing both design complexity and installation difficulty while maintaining ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The structural decking is designed to serve multiple functions including structural support, load distribution, and platform surface, eliminating the need for separate posts and reducing overall design complexity while maintaining ease of installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If floating docks lack rigid grounded supports, then construction becomes easier and more flexible, but the docks lack sufficient torsional rigidity and are vulnerable to instability under uneven loading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction easeVSAvoidtorsional rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The biasing devices are pre-installed on the floating dock structure to apply compressive forces to the truss frame before loading occurs, establishing torsional rigidity in advance and preventing instability under future uneven loading conditions while maintaining construction ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mechanical state of the truss frame by applying compressive forces through biasing devices, transforming the frame from a potentially unstable configuration to one with sufficient torsional rigidity, thereby resolving the stability issue without compromising construction ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system achieves torsional rigidity and stability, reducing construction costs and transport difficulties while accommodating shoreline changes, by distributing compressive forces through the truss frame and outer longitudinal beam members.

Implementation Method 1

at least one biasing device operable to selectively apply a force toward at least one of the apices of the truss frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressive force: Compression

Implementation Method 2

maintain a torsional rigidity of the floating platform

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsional rigidity:

Implementation Method 3

distributing compressive forces through the truss frame and outer longitudinal beam members

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce distribution: Force

Data Source

PatentUS7708497B2Floating platform and method of constructing the same

Publication Date: 2010.05.04 WATERFRONT CONSTRUCTION INC

AI summary

A floating platform system comprises first and second outer longitudinal beam members securing a truss frame having a plurality of truss elements. The floating platform system may further include at least one biasing device exerting a force on the longitudinal beam members and/or the truss frame. The floating platform system may further include a platform interface and/or at least one flotation device secured to the longitudinal beam members and/or the truss frame. The floating platform system may further include a plurality of inner longitudinal beam members interposed between the platform interface and/or the flotation device and the outer longitudinal beam members and/or the truss frame.