Inflatable Vessel Rigid Member Buoyancy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inflatable bags used in floating deck assemblies are unable to provide sufficient buoyancy to lift the deck clear of the water surface, requiring additional heavy and deep-draft support assemblies, which limits their use in shallower water and with larger or heavier vessels.

Innovation Solution

An inflatable vessel with a rigid elongate member extending within the flexible membrane, allowing buoyant lifting forces to be transmitted through both ends, enabling connection to external structures above or below the water surface, and reducing the need for a strong support assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If inflatable bags are connected below the deck via support assembly, then buoyancy can be provided to submerged structures, but the support assembly becomes heavy and deep-drafted, limiting operation in shallow water

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuoyant lifting forceVSAvoidweight of support assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional connection approach by connecting the inflatable bag above the deck rather than below. The rigid elongate member extends vertically within the bag, with its upper end connecting to the deck and lower end to the bag's internal strop. This inversion eliminates the need for a heavy support assembly beneath the deck, as the buoyant force is now transmitted directly through the rigid member to the deck structure above.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the force transmission path by incorporating a rigid elongate member that extends vertically within the inflatable bag. This vertical rigid element creates a direct load path from the buoyant force (acting on the bag) through the rigid member to the deck connection, changing the dimensional approach from horizontal support assembly to vertical force transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Force

If additional support assembly is added to provide buoyancy to deck, then lifting force is sufficient, but device complexity and draught increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting forceVSAvoidcomplexity of support structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of the inflatable bag and the rigid support structure into a single integrated system. The rigid elongate member is positioned within the inflatable bag, combining the buoyancy function of the bag with the structural support function of the rigid member. This merging eliminates the need for separate support assemblies and reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid elongate member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, transmits buoyant lifting force, and connects the inflatable bag to the deck. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sufficient lifting force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Shape

If inflatable bags are used with flexible internal strop, then vessel form is maintained, but connection above deck is not possible, limiting buoyancy application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveform of inflatable vesselVSAvoidconnection flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces asymmetry into the internal structure by replacing the symmetric flexible strop with a rigid elongate member that has distinct upper and lower ends with different connection configurations. The upper end connects to the deck above while the lower end connects to the internal strop, creating an asymmetric structure that enables directional force transmission and versatile connection options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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

The solution allows for reduced weight and draught of floating deck assemblies, enabling operation in shallower water and accommodating larger or heavier vessels, while maintaining structural integrity and buoyancy.

Implementation Method 1

The buoyancy of the inflatable bag is transferred via compression in the rigid elongate member to the assembly positioned above the inflatable bag, in use.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

an enclosed flexible membrane having an interior, a first end and a second end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS20230286615A1Inflatable Vessel

Publication Date: 2023.09.14 TUGDOCK LTD

AI summary

An inflatable vessel is provided, the vessel comprising an enclosed flexible membrane having an interior, a first end and a second end; and a rigid elongate member extending within the interior of the membrane and attached to the membrane at a first attachment point at the first end of the membrane and to the membrane at a second attachment point at the second end of the membrane. The vessel finds use, for example, in a floating dry dock assembly.