Modular Beam Profile Securing System for Floating Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing objects on vessels or floating devices, such as welding steel plates to steel beams, are time-consuming, expensive, and inflexible, requiring extensive planning and material usage, with limited reusability and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A load-securing apparatus comprising a beam profile with cut-outs and an angle profile with adjustable components, allowing for secure attachment and reconfiguration without welding, enabling easy disconnection and repositioning of units, and facilitating flexible and efficient securing of objects on various bases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welding steel plates to steel beams is used to secure objects, then the securing is strong and reliable, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the securing system into separate modular components: a beam profile with integrated securing elements, angle profiles, and locking pieces. These segments can be assembled and disassembled independently without welding, resolving the contradiction by enabling rapid reconfiguration while maintaining structural integrity through precision-engineered connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the welding process (thermal/chemical joining) with a mechanical locking system consisting of pins, cut-outs, and locking pieces. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming welding operation while providing reliable mechanical engagement through the interlocking geometry of the components.
2Reliability
If welding steel plates to steel beams is used to secure objects, then the securing is strong and reliable, but material cost and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables recovery and reuse of the beam profile, angle profiles, and locking pieces after the securing operation. Unlike welded steel plates that become waste, these modular components can be disassembled and reused for subsequent securing tasks, significantly reducing material consumption and cost while maintaining reliable securing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam profile with integrated cut-outs and the angle profiles serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable adjustable positioning through multiple cut-out locations, and facilitate repeated use across different securing applications. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated materials for each securing task.
3Stability of the object's composition
If welded steel plates and beams are used for securing, then the structure is stable, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the securing system from a static welded structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable assembly. The beam profile includes multiple cut-outs at different positions, and the angle profiles can be locked at various locations using the locking pieces, enabling the structure to adapt to different positioning requirements while maintaining stability through secure mechanical engagement at the selected positions.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the securing system into modular components with standardized connection interfaces, the invention enables flexible reconfiguration. The separate beam profiles, angle profiles, and locking pieces can be assembled in different configurations to accommodate varying operational requirements, providing both stability during use and flexibility for reconfiguration.
4Reliability
If custom calculations and planning are performed for every unit to be secured, then the securing is optimized for each case, but time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention provides a universal securing system with standardized beam profiles, angle profiles, and locking pieces that can accommodate multiple unit types and configurations. The multiple cut-outs in the beam profile and the adjustable positioning capabilities allow a single standardized system to be optimized for different securing scenarios without requiring custom calculations, reducing planning time while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
An apparatus (1) for use in securing an object to a base, such as a deck on a floating vessel, a supporting frame (100) made by means of the apparatus and a method of using the supporting frame, the apparatus (1) comprising : - a beam profile (3) with a lower flange (5), an upper flange (7) and a web (9) between the upper flange (7) and the lower flange (5), the upper flange (7) comprising a top face (11) of opposite direction to a web face (13), two edge faces (15, 15'), and a plurality of cut-outs (17) extending along a longitudinal direction of at least a portion of one of the edge faces (15), wherein the apparatus (1) further includes: - an angle profile (20) with a first leg (22) and at least one second leg (24, 24'), at least part of the first leg (22) being arranged to rest, in the position of application, against a portion of the upper flange (7), the first leg (22) being provided with at least one pin (26) arranged to engage with a portion of said plurality of cut-outs (17); and - a locking piece (30, 30') for releasable attachment to the second leg (24, 24') between the second leg (24, 24') and the web (9) of the beam profile (3), a portion of the locking piece (30, 30') resting, in the position of application, against a portion of the web face (13) of the upper flange (7).