Modular Floating Platform Internal Channels for Rigidity and Load Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modular floating platforms lack rigidity due to multiple connection points, leading to flexing and uneven surfaces when supporting watercraft or heavy equipment, which affects movement and stability.

Innovation Solution

Creating internal channels within modular floating platforms for inserting support members to form a skeletal-like structure, increasing stiffness, maintaining flatness, and distributing weight, by incorporating recessed areas in vertical faces of float modules that align to form open channels for support beam insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If multiple connection points are used to assemble float modules, then the platform can be easily assembled and disassembled, but the rigidity of the platform decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidrigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The platform is divided into modular float modules that can be independently assembled and disassembled using connecting tabs and pins, maintaining ease of manufacture while the internal support members provide continuous structural reinforcement across module boundaries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Rigid support members are inserted through internal channels that span multiple float modules, acting as intermediary elements that connect adjacent modules and prevent relative movement, thereby increasing overall platform rigidity without compromising the modular assembly approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If support beams are attached externally to the platform edges, then the platform rigidity is improved, but the device complexity and external profile are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform rigidityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Support members are nested within internal channels formed by recessed areas in the float module walls, eliminating the need for external support structures. The channels are created by recesses in opposite vertical faces of adjacent modules, allowing support members to be positioned internally rather than externally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adding support elements in the external horizontal plane, the solution moves support members into the internal vertical dimension by creating channels through the thickness of the float modules. This internal positioning reduces external profile complexity while maintaining rigidity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stress or pressure

If plywood sheets are placed on the platform surface to distribute weight, then the weight distribution is improved, but the platform height and freeboard are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight distributionVSAvoidfreeboard height

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The weight distribution function is extracted from the external platform surface (where it would require adding plywood sheets that reduce freeboard) and moved to the internal structure. Rigid support members positioned within internal channels provide load paths that distribute weights without adding external layers that would reduce the distance from platform surface to water level

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enhances the rigidity, stability, and buoyancy of modular platforms, preventing deflection and maintaining a flat surface under heavy loads, offering a simpler and more efficient solution compared to external support methods.

Implementation Method 1

The support members can create a skeletal-like structure that will help to increase the stiffness of the platform

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStructural reinforcement:

Implementation Method 2

help to distribute the weight of objects on the platform

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWeight distribution:

Implementation Method 3

provide sufficient buoyancy and freeboard to maintain the top surface of the floating platform off of the surface of the water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS12123456B2Weight distribution and stiffening system for modular floating platforms

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 NELSON BRUCE

AI summary

A weight distribution and stiffening system is provided for modular floating platforms by creating internal channels that allow for the incorporation of stiffening members within the modular floating platform assembly. Float modules with horizontal recessed areas that are aligned with adjacent float modules to create open channels within the body of a modular floating platform.