Hull Buoyancy Device with Adjustable Pressure Medium for Easy Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hull buoyancy devices are difficult to remove after use due to the force with which the buoyancy bodies are pressed against the ship's side, complicating maneuvering out of an accident area.
Innovation Solution
The hull buoyancy device features floaters connected via a connecting means that can be adjusted in length and equipped with a pressure medium source and sink, allowing for reduced pressure to facilitate easier movement and complete drainage for simplified removal, along with a flexible system for frictional or form-fitting attachment to the ship's side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the floaters are filled with pressure medium to create buoyancy, then the buoyancy force is improved, but the floaters are pressed against the hull with great force making removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the pressure medium quantity adjustable. The floaters are equipped with a pressure medium source (inflation device) and a pressure medium sink (deflation device), allowing the system to dynamically transition between inflated and deflated states. This enables the floaters to be filled with pressure medium for buoyancy generation and then emptied for easy removal, resolving the contradiction between maintaining strong attachment during operation and enabling easy removal afterward.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the floaters are firmly attached to the hull, then the stability is improved, but the maneuvering out of accident area becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing dynamic control of the floater attachment state through pressure medium management. During the stabilizing phase, the floaters are inflated to provide firm attachment and hull stability. When maneuvering is required, the floaters are deflated to reduce attachment force, enabling easy maneuvering. The connecting means allows the floaters to be positioned and secured during stabilization, then released when maneuvering is needed.
3Force
If the floaters are designed to provide lateral support, then the hull support capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the floaters to perform multiple functions with a single structural configuration. The same floater structure provides both vertical buoyancy support and lateral support capabilities. The connecting means serves dual purposes: securing the floaters during operation and enabling their positioning for lateral support. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity compared to having separate systems for vertical and lateral support.
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
This design simplifies the handling and removal of the buoyancy device, allowing for easier positioning and retrieval, and provides enhanced stability and sealing capabilities, reducing storage volume and improving handling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The floaters are inflatable and, when deflated, can be positioned on either side of the keel line of a ship's hull. After positioning, the buoyancy bodies are supplied with compressed air, so that the volume increase of the buoyancy bodies creates buoyancy sufficient to raise the ship
Implementation Method 2
a device is further provided for connecting the floaters to a pressure medium sink, via which the pressure medium pressure can be reduced in the buoyancy position. This makes it possible to release some of the pressure fluid, such as air, to change the floaters' effective position
Implementation Method 3
the floaters rest against the side wall in a frictionally engaged and/or positively locking manner, so that the buoyancy force of the floater can be transferred to the side wall in a sealing, frictionally engaged and/or positively locking manner
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4a
AI summary
A hull buoyancy device is disclosed. Said device has preferably two floaters that can be filled with a pressurized medium. According to the first aspect of the invention, a mechanism for connecting the floaters to a pressurized medium sink and a pressurized medium source is provided, and according to a second aspect of the invention, the floater rests in a frictionally engaged or interlocking manner on the side of the ship/floating vessel.