Modular Pontoon Float Structure With Dovetail-Locked Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing float structures with top frames and pontoons face challenges in achieving easy, secure, and modular assembly while ensuring stability and ease of transportation.
Innovation Solution
A float structure design featuring interconnected pontoons with dovetail joints and threaded rods for secure longitudinal and vertical fixation, along with stacking features for easy transportation, and a top frame composed of profiled connector bars, U-shaped beams, and Z-shaped cross beams for stable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional connection methods are used for assembling pontoons and top frames, then assembly security is maintained, but assembly ease and modularity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The float structure is divided into modular components (pontoons with connection members, top frame with separate beams and connectors) that can be assembled independently. The connection members on pontoons include specific features (protrusions, recesses, holes) that enable segmented assembly while maintaining secure connections through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system uses nested geometric features where protrusions fit into recesses, and connection members integrate with both pontoons and top frame components. This nesting approach allows easy alignment and secure interlocking of modular parts during assembly.
2Ease of operation
If modular design is implemented for easy assembly, then assembly ease is improved, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection members serve multiple functions: they provide structural attachment between pontoons and top frame, enable modular assembly through standardized interfaces, and ensure structural stability through geometric interlocking features (protrusions, recesses, dovetail joints). This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between modularity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection members feature asymmetric geometric profiles with specific protrusions and recesses that provide directional stability. The dovetail joints and interlocking features are designed with asymmetric geometries that prevent unintended disassembly while maintaining easy controlled assembly, thus preserving structural stability in modular construction.
3Reliability
If secure interconnection of pontoons is achieved, then connection security is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection members are pre-formed with specific geometric features (protrusions, recesses, holes, dovetail joints) during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of connection interfaces eliminates the need for complex field assembly operations, as components simply need to be aligned and connected through their pre-designed interlocking features, thus reducing assembly complexity while maintaining security.
4Ease of manufacture
If standardized connection members are used, then manufacturing ease is improved, but adaptability to different configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized connection members are designed with versatile geometric features that can accommodate different assembly configurations. The connection system allows dynamic arrangement of pontoons and top frame components in various configurations (different numbers of pontoons, different arrangements) while using the same standardized connection members, thus achieving both manufacturing ease and configuration adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a float structure comprising a top frame (30) and interconnected pontoons (1). Each pontoon comprises a pair of connection members (7) through which the pontoons are connected to the top frame (30). The pontoon (1) comprises a front protrusion (9) and connection grooves (14), and a back recess (10) and connection grooves (15). The back recess (10) and the front protrusion (9) are formed so that they form a secure dovetail joint, and connection grooves (14; 15) form a common hole, into which a threaded rod (45) may be inserted and tightened thereto firmly fixing both joined pontoons (1). The top frame (30) comprises profiled connector bars (31) that are attached to the pontoons (1) and the profiled connector bars (31) are connected through Z-shaped cross beams (50) forming a top frame (30) as a deck.