Modular Offshore Boat Landing Fender with Compressible Rubber Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional boat landing fenders are weak in resisting side impact and vertical movement, leading to potential damage to both the fender and the boat, posing safety hazards and disrupting operational activities.
Innovation Solution
A modular boat landing fender assembly comprising a compressible rubber layer sandwiched between two rigid steel plates, mounted to a landing platform via a bracket system, allowing for easy installation and replacement of individual fenders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional fenders (rub strips, rubber tyres, or grouted members) are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but they are weak at resisting side impact and vertical movement of the boat
Solution Approach 1:
The fender assembly combines a compressible rubber layer (flexible material) sandwiched between two rigid steel plates (rigid material) to create a composite structure. This composite design provides both the flexibility needed for impact absorption and the structural strength to resist side impact and vertical movement, resolving the contradiction between strength and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fender is divided into distinct functional segments: the rigid steel plates provide structural integrity and mounting capability, while the compressible rubber layer provides impact absorption. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve overall strength without excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional fenders with weak connection design are used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but a damaged fender causes damage to the boat landing structural framing and the boat itself
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into a dedicated bracket component that provides the mounting interface between the fender assembly and the landing platform. This separate bracket design strengthens the connection by providing a robust, purpose-designed mounting structure, while also enabling easy manufacture through standardized bracket components that can be produced independently and assembled with the fender unit.
3Productivity
If individual fenders cannot be easily replaced, then the initial setup is straightforward, but maintenance causes operational disruption and extended downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The fender is designed as a segmented assembly with the rubber layer and steel plates as separate, interchangeable components mounted on a standardized bracket. This segmentation allows individual fender units to be quickly removed and replaced without affecting the entire landing system, enabling rapid maintenance and minimizing operational disruption while maintaining straightforward initial installation through standardized mounting interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized bracket design serves as a universal mounting interface that can accommodate different fender configurations and sizes. This universality allows for easy replacement of individual fenders while maintaining consistent installation procedures, improving both ease of repair and operational efficiency without requiring complex custom installation procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The modular fender system effectively absorbs impact, distributes load evenly, and minimizes downtime for maintenance, while providing enhanced safety and operational efficiency by preventing damage to the landing platform and vessels.
Implementation Method 1
a fender unit (15) having a compressible layer (55) intermediate a first and second rigid plate (50A, 50B)
Implementation Method 2
The compressible body absorbs impact from the vessel
Implementation Method 3
rigid plates which may be made of steel, or any stiff metal that provides high structural integrity and durability
Implementation Method 4
This rubber coating prevents the steel plates from corrosion from seawater or other environmental damage
Implementation Method 5
Edges of the pad may be chamfered for avoid side rotation due to angular frontal impact
Data Source
AI summary
A boat landing fender assembly for mounting to a landing platform, the assembly comprising: a fender unit, said fender unit having a compressible layer intermediate a first and second rigid plate; a bracket for mounting to the landing platform, said bracket connected to the fender unit on a first surface of the first rigid surface; wherein, on mounting to the landing platform, a second surface of the second rigid plate is directed outwards from the landing platform.