Modular Floating Storage Structure With Ballast Bladder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Boating equipment is often left in boats for extended periods, exposing it to adverse weather conditions and theft risk, and transporting it to and from secure locations is time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A modular storage structure that can be assembled in a body of water, featuring a frame with adjustable legs and a bladder for buoyancy, allowing it to be positioned above or on the water line, with a secure interior for storing equipment, and equipped with a bladder for ballast or buoyancy control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If equipment is left in boats for extended periods, then equipment storage is convenient, but equipment is exposed to adverse weather conditions and theft risk
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the storage system into two separate locations: the boat (for operation) and a secure dockside structure (for storage). This segmentation allows equipment to be stored securely when not in use while remaining easily accessible during boating activities, thus resolving the contradiction between storage convenience and protection from harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The dockside storage structure acts as an intermediary between the boat and the shore facility. It provides a secure intermediate storage location that protects equipment from weather and theft while maintaining easy access via a door, thus resolving the contradiction between storage convenience and protection from harm.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If equipment is transported to and from secure locations, then equipment is protected from weather and theft, but transportation is time consuming and tiresome
Solution Approach 1:
The storage structure is pre-positioned at the dockside location before boating activities begin. Equipment can be directly loaded into the storage structure from the shore without requiring transportation to distant secure locations, thus reducing transportation time while maintaining protection from weather and theft.
Solution Approach 2:
The dockside storage structure serves as an intermediary facility located at the dock, eliminating the need for long-distance transportation of equipment. Equipment can be stored securely at the dock itself, significantly reducing the time and effort required to transport equipment to and from secure locations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a storage structure is built above water line, then equipment is protected from water damage, but structure requires complex support system
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a buoyant bladder filled with air to counterbalance the weight of the storage structure and its contents. This buoyant force supports the structure above the water line without requiring complex mechanical support systems, thus resolving the contradiction between water damage protection and support structure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a pneumatic buoyant bladder to provide lifting force that keeps the storage structure above the water line. This pneumatic support system is simpler than traditional mechanical support structures and effectively protects equipment from water damage while reducing overall system complexity.
4Ease of operation
If a storage structure uses buoyancy to float, then structure can be easily positioned in water, but ballast control system is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates adjustable ballast tanks that can be dynamically filled or emptied to control the buoyancy and positioning of the storage structure. This dynamic ballast system allows easy positioning in the water while maintaining operational simplicity through manual or automated water level adjustment.
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
Provides a secure and convenient storage solution for boating equipment, protecting it from weather and theft while eliminating the need for frequent transportation.
Implementation Method 1
The storage structure includes a bladder configured to be retained within the interior space of the frame, the bladder including a vent, a fill port and a drain wherein an amount of water within the bladder configured to is manipulated to provide ballast or buoyancy to the storage structure
Implementation Method 2
The storage structure includes a plurality of legs extending from the frame, each of the plurality of legs being independently adjustable in length, wherein when the plurality of legs is in a first position, the legs support the structure above the water line
Data Source
AI summary
A storage structure is configured to be buoyant or retained above a water line. The storage structure includes a frame having a back beam, a left beam attached to the back beam, a right beam attached to the back beam and a front beam attached to the left beam and the right beam to form a substantially rectangular configuration, wherein prior to a last of the beams being secured together an interior space accessible through an opening. The storage structure includes a bladder configured to be positioned through the interior space though the opening wherein the bladder is sized to be retained within the interior space whether the storage structure is above the water line or buoyant, the bladder including a vent, a fill port and a drain wherein an amount of water within the bladder is manipulated to provide ballast or buoyancy to the storage structure. The storage structure includes at least one floor panel secured to the frame over the bladder, side walls extending from a perimeter of the floor panel, wherein one side wall includes a door for ingress and egress to the storage structure. The storage structure includes a roof attached to the side walls.