Modular Floating Structure Frame with Intermediate Joining Pieces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing small or medium detachable watercrafts lack sufficient structural strength to accommodate larger watercrafts or floating structures, especially for professional purposes, due to the lack of intermediate joining pieces between U-shaped longitudinal bars.

Innovation Solution

A detachable, modular, and expandable main frame structure composed of attachable and removable structural groups, where U-shaped longitudinal bars are joined by additional pieces and anchoring elements, allowing for increased structural strength and versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If U-shaped longitudinal bars are joined by additional intermediate pieces and anchoring elements, then structural strength and resistance to distortions improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediate pieces that connect adjacent U-shaped longitudinal bars along their longitudinal segments. These intermediate pieces act as mediators to distribute and resist compression and shearing forces between the longitudinal bars, thereby enhancing the overall structural strength without requiring complete redesign of the entire frame system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the connection system into segmented modular units where intermediate pieces are placed at specific intervals between U-shaped longitudinal bars. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain strength while managing complexity through standardized, repeatable connection modules rather than continuous complex joinery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the watercraft is designed to be detachable and modular for easy assembly and transport, then ease of operation improves, but structural strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The watercraft is divided into modular segments including floats, crossbars, U-shaped longitudinal bars, and intermediate pieces that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each module maintains standardized connection interfaces that ensure structural integrity while enabling easy assembly and transport through simple coupling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple structural elements (floats, crossbars, longitudinal bars, and intermediate pieces) into an integrated modular system where components work together to provide both detachability for ease of assembly and sufficient structural strength through their coordinated arrangement and connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If the structure is made larger and more robust for professional purposes, then strength improves, but portability and ease of transport deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The larger watercraft structure is segmented into multiple standardized modules that can be assembled in various configurations. This allows the structure to achieve professional-grade strength and size when needed while maintaining portability through modular disassembly into manageable components for transport and storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design enables the structure to dynamically adapt between deployed and transported states. When assembled, the modules form a robust professional-grade watercraft; when disassembled, they become portable components that can be easily transported and stored, providing dynamic flexibility to meet different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2679482B1Set of elements and parts for the assembly, extension and rapid modular conversion of vessels, rafts, floating gangways and bridges and temporary floating structures with multiple floats, in particular for aquatic emergencies
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 NIETO LEON JOSE
  • EP2679482B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP2679482B1 patent drawingFigure 4~3-12
  • EP2679482B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Set of parts for modular assembly ofwatercrafts and floating structures, characterized in that it has a detachable reinforced main frame whose final size is adjustable and expandable by modules, thus it allows assemble watercrafts and floating structures whose size, platform surface, buoyancy and cargo capacity are adjustable to convenience. Said mainframe is composed of three main types of structural elements (crossbars, floats and U-shaped longitudinal bars), that are interlanced mutually in a triple stiffening by three types of fixing screws, each one joining two of said main structural elements, in a way that these elements are strengthened by twin small transverse bars which are introduced inside the tubular openings of These U-shaped longitudinal bars joining mutually two of them in a coupled pair, and with longitudinal hinges arranged over said U-shaped longitudinal bars, which allow obtain floating structures simultaneously detachable and foldable.