Net-like Ship Hull Collision Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing collision-resistant structures for ship hulls are complex, heavy, and costly to construct and maintain, with increased construction time and complexity in coating and repair, and require extensive weathertightness testing.

Innovation Solution

A net-like collision-resistant structure for ship hulls comprising an outer shell with arrays of web frames, longitudinal stiffening profiles, and intermediate transverse profiles arranged in an alternating manner to form a grid-like structure, which is simpler, lighter, and easier to construct and maintain.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If ducted sections with built-up T-profiles are used to strengthen the hull, then collision resistance is improved, but the structure becomes heavier and more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision resistanceVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collision-resistant structure is divided into separate functional components: web frames providing transverse support, longitudinal stiffening profiles running lengthwise, and intermediate transverse stiffening profiles. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently and simplifies construction compared to monolithic ducted sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The structure combines different types of steel profiles (web frames, longitudinal profiles, intermediate transverse profiles) into a composite net-like system. This composite approach distributes structural functions across multiple elements, achieving collision resistance while reducing overall complexity and weight compared to heavy built-up T-profiles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If ducted profiles are welded to the inner surface of the outer wall, then structural strength is improved, but construction time increases considerably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidconstruction time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is segmented into standardized components (web frames, longitudinal profiles, intermediate transverse profiles) that can be manufactured separately and installed systematically. This modular approach reduces construction time compared to fabricating and welding complex monolithic ducted sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The web frames, longitudinal profiles, and intermediate transverse profiles can be prepared and positioned before final welding operations. This preliminary arrangement of components streamlines the construction process and reduces overall installation time while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If ducted profiles are installed, then collision resistance is achieved, but coating and repair become more difficult and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision resistanceVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The net-like structure consists of discrete, accessible components (individual profiles and frames) that can be easily inspected, coated, and repaired independently. This segmentation eliminates the maintenance difficulties associated with complex enclosed ducted sections, as each element can be accessed and maintained separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Strength

If ducted profiles are used, then structural support is provided, but weathertightness testing is required which extends building time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The open net-like structure with its discrete profiles and frames does not create enclosed spaces requiring weathertightness testing. This segmentation eliminates the testing requirement entirely, reducing building time while maintaining structural support functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4467439B1Collision-resistant structure
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 INEC INTERNATIONAL NAVAL ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS BV
  • EP4467439B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4467439B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4467439B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A collision-resistant structure for a side of a ship's hull is disclosed, the structure comprising an outer shell having an inner surface and an outer surface, an array of web frames extending broadwise substantially perpendicular to, and lengthwise transversely across, the inner surface of the outer shell, wherein the web frames are mutually spaced along the inner surface, wherein the structure further comprises an array of longitudinal stiffening profiles that extend lengthwise longitudinally along, and are mutually spaced across, at least part of the inner surface of the outer shell, and an array of intermediate transverse stiffening profiles that extend lengthwise transversely across, and are mutually spaced along, at least part of the inner surface of the outer shell, wherein the web frames and the intermediate transverse profiles are arranged in such an alternating manner that, between neighbouring web frames in the array, at least one of the transverse profiles is positioned, wherein the longitudinal profiles cross the web frames and the intermediate transverse profiles such that the arrays together form a net-like structure, wherein the net-like structure of the arrays is attached to the inner surface of the outer shell.