Modular Floating Platform Assembly with Segmented Pin Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating platform assembly systems are limited by rigid configurations, complex assembly processes, and safety concerns due to sharp edges and inadequate rigidity, particularly when exposed to waves and loads.
Innovation Solution
A modular assembling system featuring a rectangular block with central rings, pins, cavities, and projections for versatile configuration, enhanced rigidity, and safety, utilizing a blow molding process to prevent sharp edges, along with a protection bar and finishing pin for improved assembly and surface uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flanges are placed in all four corners of the block with pins fixing four blocks simultaneously, then the assembly process is simplified, but the overall structure rigidity is reduced and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple independent connection points (two rings per block at different heights) rather than relying on a single pin connecting four blocks. This segmentation allows for progressive assembly while maintaining structural integrity at each connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system extends into the vertical dimension by placing rings at two different heights on each block. This vertical dimensionality allows pins to connect blocks at multiple levels, creating a more rigid three-dimensional structure compared to single-level corner flanges.
2Productivity
If rotor-molding process is used to manufacture plastic floating platform components, then production efficiency is maintained, but sharp edges are formed affecting material thickness and mechanical strength
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process parameters are changed from rotor-molding to blow-molding. This parameter change fundamentally alters the forming mechanism, allowing the material to be inflated into the mold cavity rather than rotated, which eliminates sharp edges and distributes material more uniformly throughout the component walls.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular design with multiple connection points is implemented, then configuration versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rectangular blocks are designed as universal modules with standardized rings, cavities, and projections that can be configured in multiple arrangements. The same basic block design serves multiple functions and can be assembled in various configurations without requiring different component types, thus managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular floating platform system includes parallelepiped-shaped floating blocks, each floating block (1) having rings (2), cavities (3) and projections (4) on the lateral faces. The projections (4) are mated with the cavities (3) on the lateral faces of the adjacent floating blocks (1), and pins are inserted into corresponding rings (2), to assemble the floating platform.