Inflatable Craft Floating Side Structure with Segmented Tubulars

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inflatable crafts face challenges in providing sufficient space for comfortable accommodations and safe rescue operations due to limited space and complexity in arranging movable structures, and they often subject individuals to abrupt movements during boarding.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a floating side structure with housing seats and access openings that can be configured for storage or accommodating individuals, featuring a rigid tubular structure with inflatable tubulars and movable components to ensure stability and accessibility, allowing for enhanced space utilization and safer rescue operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If inflatable tubulars are used to provide stability and reduce rolling, then the craft becomes more stable and easier to transport, but the internal space available for accommodations and rescue operations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidinternal space

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The floating side structure is divided into multiple independent inner tubulars (first inner tubular, second inner tubular, etc.) that can function independently. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain stability through distributed buoyancy while creating organized internal compartments that maximize usable space for accommodations and rescue operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple inner tubulars are nested within the floating side structure, with each tubular containing specific equipment or accommodations. This nesting arrangement optimizes space utilization by placing functional elements within the structural framework, thereby increasing internal volume availability without compromising the outer stability profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If movable structures are arranged to provide accommodations under the shadow, then comfortable spaces are created, but the construction complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfortable accommodationsVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inner tubulars serve multiple functions: they provide structural stability as part of the floating side structure, create habitable spaces for accommodations, and serve as storage compartments for rescue equipment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate movable structures, thereby reducing construction complexity while maintaining comfortable accommodations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The tubular structure is designed with flexible walls that can adapt to different configurations and loads. This dynamic design allows the same structure to serve multiple purposes (accommodations, storage, stability) without requiring complex movable components, thereby simplifying construction while providing versatile functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If traditional boarding methods are used for rescue operations, then the rescue process can be executed, but abrupt or damaging movements are imposed on the person being rescued

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverescue operation efficiencyVSAvoidstress on rescued individual

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A support plate is introduced as an intermediary element between the rescue operation and the rescued individual. The support plate provides a stable, cushioning surface that distributes the person's weight and reduces abrupt movements during boarding, thereby minimizing stress and harm while maintaining rescue operation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support plate is positioned in advance within the craft to provide cushioning and shock absorption before the rescued individual boards. This beforehand cushioning prevents damaging movements by creating a gentle transition zone, thereby reducing stress on the rescued person while enabling efficient rescue operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 provides a more spacious and comfortable experience comparable to non-inflatable crafts while maintaining the navigation benefits of inflatable crafts, and significantly improves safety during rescue operations by minimizing the stress on individuals being boarded.

Implementation Method 1

inflatable tubulars wrapping the bottom on the sides thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP2298638B1Inflatable craft

Publication Date: 2012.12.12 BONACCI WALTER

Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4

AI summary

An inflatable craft (1), particularly a dinghy, a tender, or the like, comprises a floating side structure (3) which is at least partially pneumatically inflatable. This floating side structure (3) comprises at least one housing seat (7) that can be accessed therein through one or more access openings (8; 8', 8") which are provided in the side floating structure (3).