Polygonal Floating Unit Locking Mechanism for Stable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating structures assembled from units face issues such as component damage, complex mold designs leading to high production costs, and loose connections due to screw-based attachment methods.
Innovation Solution
A floating unit design featuring a hollow polygonal shape with upper and lower engaging surfaces that use locks for secure attachment without screws, allowing for easy assembly and firm connection, and incorporating a weight with higher density than water for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protrusions are added to the floating unit for receiving fasteners, then the floating unit can be attached to another floating unit, but the components are easily damaged and the mold becomes complicated increasing production cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the attachment function directly into the floating unit body by forming engaging surfaces on the lateral surfaces themselves, rather than adding separate protrusions. This integration eliminates the need for complex mold designs while maintaining reliable attachment capability through the locking mechanism that engages with these surfaces.
2Reliability
If protrusions are added to the floating unit for receiving fasteners, then the floating unit can be attached to another floating unit, but the components are easily damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the attachment function directly into the floating unit body by forming engaging surfaces on the lateral surfaces themselves, rather than adding separate protrusions. This integration eliminates the need for complex mold designs while maintaining reliable attachment capability through the locking mechanism that engages with these surfaces.
3Reliability
If bolts and nuts are used to attach floating units together, then the floating units can be attached together, but the bolts may be loosened due to screwing-in force
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the screwing-in action from the attachment process. Instead of using bolts that require screwing-in force (which can loosen), the design uses a locking mechanism that engages with engaging surfaces formed on the lateral surfaces of the floating units, eliminating the screwing-in force that causes loosening while maintaining secure attachment.
4Ease of manufacture
If a hollow polygonal floating body is used with engaging surfaces, then the floating unit can be attached by locks without screws, but the structure must be designed to accommodate the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by forming engaging surfaces only on the lateral surfaces of the hollow polygonal floating body where attachment is needed. This localized feature addition maintains the simplicity of the overall hollow structure while providing the necessary attachment capability for the locking mechanism, avoiding unnecessary complexity throughout the entire structure.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, stable, and easily assembled floating structure that is resistant to component damage and loose connections, enhancing both manufacturing efficiency and structural stability.
Implementation Method 1
the lower floor(s) is weighed by a material with a density higher than that of water such as sand, concrete, etc., so that the floating structure is more stable
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A floating unit capable of attaching to another floating unit by locks for assembling a floating structure according to this invention comprises a floating body being in the form of a hollow polygonal shape as viewed from a plan view. The floating body comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of lateral surfaces connected to said upper and lower surfaces. Said upper surface and said lower surfaces of the floating body comprise at least one upper engaging surface and at least one lower engaging surface respectively on each associated side of said polygonal floating body, wherein the upper and lower engaging surfaces are respectively adapted in order to be fitted with a locking surface of said lock, therefore, said floating body can be attached to a floating body of another floating unit.