Lattice Loading Arm Structure for Lower Weight and Wind Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loading arm devices for ships are heavy and require expensive foundations due to their weight and are subjected to significant wind-induced moments, making them costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A loading arm device designed with a truss structure comprising rigid support elements braced by cable elements, reducing weight and wind resistance, and incorporating a counterweight and pivotable connections to manage forces and moments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If loading arm devices are designed as massive steel structures, then structural strength and stability are improved, but weight increases significantly requiring expensive foundations
Solution Approach 1:
The loading arm is divided into multiple sections (first section connected to base, second section connected to first section) that can be independently supported. Cable elements are attached at different locations on these sections, allowing the structure to be segmented into load-bearing and stabilizing components, reducing overall material requirements while maintaining strength
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining rigid support elements (arm sections) with flexible cable elements. This composite approach allows the rigid components to provide necessary strength while the cable elements provide stability and counterbalance forces, reducing the need for massive steel structures
2Stability of the object's composition
If loading arm devices use massive steel structures, then structural stability is improved, but foundation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Counterweights are attached to the loading arm sections to balance the weight of the arm itself and the conveyed load. This counterbalancing mechanism reduces the moments acting on the base element, allowing for simpler and less expensive foundations while maintaining structural stability during operation
3Force
If loading arm devices use massive steel structures, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but wind load moments increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces massive solid steel structures with a framework of thin support elements and cable elements. This thin-film-like structure has significantly reduced external dimensions and surface area, thereby reducing wind resistance and the moments generated by wind loads while maintaining adequate load-bearing capacity through strategic cable bracing
4Weight of moving object
If cable elements are used to brace support elements, then weight is reduced, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical bracing systems (rigid support elements) with cable elements that use tensile forces for bracing. This substitution reduces weight since cables are much lighter than equivalent rigid bracing structures, while the complexity is managed through strategic placement and tensioning of the cable elements
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 truss structure design significantly reduces weight and wind resistance, allowing for cost-effective installation and efficient force transmission, while maintaining operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
The support elements are at least partially braced by cable elements
Implementation Method 2
Typically, a counterweight is connected to a free end of the outer arm
Implementation Method 3
A main arm is rotatably and/or pivotably connected to the base element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A loading arm device for loading fluids comprises a base element (10). A main arm (12) is rotatably connected to the base element (10). The main arm is pivotally connected to an outer arm (14, 16). The main arm (12) and the outer arm (14, 16) carry a conveying hose (24). The main arm (12) and/or the outer arm (14, 16) are designed as a lattice structure. This structure comprises, in particular, rigid support elements (36, 38, 40) that are braced together via cable elements (42).