Partially fixed tween deck with portable inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tween decks in marine cargo vessels are limited by their simple deck structure, which lacks flexibility and safety, as they are often temporarily secured, restricting cargo carrying capacity and worker access.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system comprising permanently secured fixed tween decks with openings to accommodate portable tween decks, providing additional deck space and support through retractable members, allowing for flexible configuration and increased safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional tween decks are temporarily secured to the cargo hold wall, then installation is simple and quick, but cargo carrying capacity and structural strength are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tween deck system is divided into fixed portions (permanently secured to hull) and portable portions (removable inserts). This segmentation allows the fixed portions to provide structural strength and cargo carrying capacity, while the portable portions can be selectively installed or removed based on cargo requirements, resolving the contradiction between strength and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable tween deck portions are designed to be inserted into and nested within the fixed tween deck structure. The portable portions fit into openings or recesses in the fixed deck, creating a combined structure that maximizes strength while maintaining simplicity when portable portions are not in use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If simple deck structures are used, then device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but adaptability for different cargo types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tween deck system transitions from a static, fixed structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Portable tween deck portions can be inserted or removed based on cargo requirements, allowing the deck configuration to adapt dynamically to different cargo types and shipping needs while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed tween deck structure with standardized openings serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines cargo compartments, and accommodates various portable deck inserts for different cargo configurations. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional tween decks are temporarily secured, then ease of installation is high, but worker access safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tween deck into fixed (permanently secured) and portable (temporarily installed) portions, the system ensures that the critical structural support and worker access areas are permanently secured for safety, while only non-critical sections require temporary installation, thus improving reliability without significantly increasing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, vessel and method for forming a tween deck within the cargo hold of the vessel that comprises at least one fixed tween deck permanently secured to the interior of the vessel, an opening extending through the at least one fixed tween deck and at least one portable tween deck sized to be received within the opening so as to form a completed tween deck with the at least one fixed tween deck.