Modular Store Structural Correlation for Ship Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of modular stores on ships is complex due to structural deformations caused by ship movements, leading to positioning errors and increased space requirements, as the independent structures of overhead-travelling-crane and supplying modules experience different forces and deformations, making it difficult to compensate for these errors.
Innovation Solution
A modular store design where the flooring structure is rigidly fixed to the ship's hold using adjustable coupling means, with correlated modules and a moving system that includes a horizontal truss and longitudinal guides, ensuring all elements work together to reduce positioning errors and optimize space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the overhead-travelling-crane and supplying modules are structurally independent, then each structure can be optimized independently, but different structural deformations occur due to different forces from ship movements, causing increased positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the overhead-travelling-crane structure with the supplying modules into a correlated structural system. The crane is supported by the modules themselves rather than being independently mounted, ensuring that both components experience the same structural deformations and maintain relative positioning accuracy despite ship movements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the overhead-travelling-crane and supplying modules are structurally independent, then design flexibility is improved, but the space required for assembly and handler movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the crane support function with the supplying module structure. The modules serve dual purposes as both storage containers and structural supports for the crane, eliminating the need for separate support structures and reducing the overall space required for the store assembly.
3Ease of operation
If structurally separated elements are used, then assembly and operation are simplified, but positioning errors between the handler and modules increase due to differential deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the crane support structure with the supplying modules so that they form a unified structural system. This correlation ensures that both the crane and modules undergo identical deformations due to ship movements, maintaining accurate positioning relationships without requiring complex compensation mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A store includes supplying modules, which define rows, which are arranged one next to the other. Each row has a predetermined number of crates. At least one flooring structure, which supports the supplying modules, defines a walk-off surface. A moving system for a handler of the crates includes an overhead-travelling-crane, which is arranged in the upper part of the supplying modules and is adapted to move the handler in a reference plane, so as to reach the single crates. The overhead-travelling-crane includes a horizontal truss, which, in turn, has a carriage, to which the handler is fixed. The horizontal truss is adapted to slide along at least two longitudinal guides rigidly fixed to the supplying modules of the external rows, which define the horizontal extension of the store. Each module is rigidly fixed to the flooring structure.