Floating Structure Oblique Ties Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mariculture structures face issues with flexing strain, traction, compression, shear strength, and torsion forces due to the weight of cultivated marine species, leading to stability and material deterioration problems, particularly in the connecting links of floating platforms.

Innovation Solution

A floating structure design featuring metallic tubes with obliquely extending ties and complementary fastening parts, including elastic joints and screws, to connect the framework components, reducing torsion stresses and allowing for easy assembly and maintenance, while using materials resistant to outdoor conditions like high-density polythene or metal alloys.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional connecting links (synthetic plastic pieces with double fastening or connecting bolts) are used to join framework components, then the structure can be assembled, but the links frequently break due to tearing and require constant adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelink durabilityVSAvoidadjustment frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting link is divided into two separate fastening parts: a first fastening part incorporated to the tie extending from the metallic tube, and a second independent fastening part that encircles the tube periphery. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally, with the first part providing anchoring and the second part providing encirclement and tension distribution, thereby preventing the tearing that causes conventional links to break.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines two fastening mechanisms (the first fastening part anchored to the tie and the second fastening part encircling the tube) into a unified connecting system. This merging creates a more robust connection that distributes stresses more effectively across the joint, eliminating the single-point failure mode of conventional links and significantly improving durability while reducing maintenance needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If the framework uses traditional rigid connections to support cultivation weight, then structural strength is maintained, but torsion forces and flexing strain cause girders to crack and break

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegirder load-bearing capacityVSAvoidframework integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the connection parameters by introducing a flexible encirclement mechanism (second fastening part) that allows for controlled movement and stress distribution. This modifies how forces are transmitted through the framework, converting rigid stress concentration into distributed flexible connection, thereby preventing crack propagation while maintaining load-bearing capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If materials resistant to outdoor conditions (high density polythene, metal alloys) are used for girders and links, then durability is improved, but the complexity of assembly and connection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial resistance to deteriorationVSAvoidconnection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the connection system into two distinct fastening parts with different functions, the invention simplifies the overall assembly process despite using durable materials. The first fastening part integrates with the tie, and the second fastening part independently encircles the tube, creating a modular connection system that is easier to assemble and maintain compared to traditional integrated rigid connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2959773B1Floating structure
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 ESPANOLA DE PLATAFORMAS MARINAS SL
  • EP2959773B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2959773B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The structure includes a first plurality of tubes (1) and a second plurality of tubes (2) having a smaller diameter. The tubes of the first plurality of tubes (1) have an alignment of pairs of ties (3, 4) that extend obliquely upwards from the periphery thereof. The upper part of each tie (3) or (4) has a first fastening part (5) fitted to the periphery of the tubes (2) of a second plurality of tubes (2), complemented by an independent second fastening part (6) to which it is dismountably connected in order to maintain the two first (1) and second (2) pluralities of tubes connected.