Onboard Vessel Refloating Tool With Adjustable Screw Push

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for refloating grounded vessels are costly, time-consuming, and often require external assistance, posing safety risks and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

An onboard apparatus comprising a screw-like turning pushing rod, extending pipe, and pad, which can be secured to the vessel's hull to push against the seabed, allowing for manual refloating without external help, adjusting the pushing direction to overcome static friction and achieve efficient vessel movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If inflatable containers are used to lift the vessel, then the vessel can be refloated, but the cost increases and the process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefloating capabilityVSAvoidrefloating time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the refloating function from complex external systems (inflatable containers, tug boats) and implements it through a simple onboard mechanical device that can be quickly deployed and operated by the vessel's own crew

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The device enables the vessel to refloat itself using onboard resources (manual operation of the screw mechanism) without requiring external assistance, thereby reducing both time and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If external assistance like tug boats is used, then the vessel can be moved out of shoal, but the cost increases and operational risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevessel movement capabilityVSAvoidoperational safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The vessel equips itself with refloating and movement capability through the onboard device, eliminating dependence on external assistance and the associated risks and costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If earth moving devices are used to remove sand, then the vessel can be refloated, but the system becomes complicated and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefloating capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential refloating function from complex earth-moving systems and implements it through a simple mechanical pushing device that directly propels the vessel off the shoal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of removing the obstruction (sand) to refloat the vessel, the invention pushes the vessel directly against the obstruction to force it off, inverting the conventional approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Reliability

If a fixed shock absorption block is installed under the bow, then the vessel can be raised, but the device cannot be installed on stern or sides and cannot push sideways

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevessel raising capabilityVSAvoidinstallation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed with universal mounting capabilities that allow it to be installed on various parts of the vessel (stern, sides, bow) and oriented in different directions to handle diverse grounding scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow the pushing direction to be dynamically changed according to the specific grounding situation, enabling operation on stern and sides with sideways pushing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 apparatus enables safer, quicker, and more efficient refloating of grounded vessels by minimizing the need for external power or assistance, reducing costs and operational risks.

Implementation Method 1

a screw like turning pushing rod FIG. 1 with an added on extending pipe and end pad FIG. 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

the pushing rod FIG. 113 and pad on extending pipe FIG. 334 will move forward and push against shallow bank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

pushing rod FIG. 113 and pad on extending pipe FIG. 334 will move forward and push against shallow bank, the pushing direction can be changed up-down way accordingly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNewton's third law: Reaction (physics)

Implementation Method 4

static friction can not stop pushing pad's pushing forward action

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20250236368A1On board apparatus for refloating grounded vessel

Publication Date: 2025.07.24 XING RAY

AI summary

On board four parts etc. assembled together to become a manual mechanic apparatus and method to refloat a grounded vessel. Assembling, refloating and dissembling for storage all processed on board by minimum one person. This apparatus comprising: one clamping base, one main holding block, one block with center threaded hole, one threaded pushing rod and turning T bar, one pushing out pipe and pad. The clamping base should be secured on any desired and appropriate location of vertical wall of vessel hull, all parts assembled together, by turning the T bar, the operator push out threaded pushing rod and consecutively the pushing out pipe and pad against bottom water bank to release and refloat the grounded vessel.