Removable Flexible Flap Sections for Quieter Ship Access Ramps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ship access ramp flaps create noise due to tilting on uneven ground and are prone to cracking, requiring time-consuming repairs.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, removable flap section with a wedge shape and connecting holes for easy attachment, made of rubber or plastic, reduces noise and facilitates quick replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid steel flap is used for the ship access ramp, then the structural strength is sufficient to support vehicles, but the flap creates noise when tilting on uneven ground and is prone to cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid steel to flexible rubber, fundamentally altering the mechanical properties of the flap. This allows the flap to conform to uneven ground without tilting or cracking, eliminating noise while maintaining vehicle support capability through the rubber's inherent strength and elasticity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by embedding steel reinforcement elements within the rubber matrix. This combines the noise-absorbing and conforming properties of rubber with the structural strength of steel, creating a composite flap that resolves both the noise and strength requirements simultaneously
2Strength
If a rigid steel flap is used for the ship access ramp, then the structural strength is sufficient to support vehicles, but the flap requires time-consuming welding repairs when damaged
Solution Approach 1:
Changing from steel to rubber material fundamentally alters the repair characteristics. Instead of requiring welding operations for crack repair, the flexible rubber flap can be repaired using bonding agents or by replacing entire sections, dramatically reducing repair time and complexity while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The flap is designed as a modular component that can be divided into separate sections. When damage occurs, only the affected segment needs to be replaced rather than repairing the entire flap, enabling quick section replacement that minimizes operational disruption
3Ease of operation
If the flap edge is made thin to allow vehicles to drive over, then vehicle passage is facilitated, but the flap becomes prone to cracking at the edge region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from steel to rubber, which fundamentally alters how the edge responds to vehicle loads. Rubber's elasticity allows it to deform under vehicle weight without cracking, maintaining a thin profile for easy vehicle passage while inherently resisting crack formation through its flexible nature
4Object-generated harmful factors
If a flexible material is used for the flap section, then noise is reduced and ease of repair is improved, but the mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is segmented into modular sections with standardized mounting interfaces. Each section can be independently installed using simple connection mechanisms, reducing overall mounting complexity despite using flexible materials. The segmentation allows for systematic assembly that simplifies the installation process
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 flexible flap sections minimize noise and vehicle damage while allowing easy repair without disrupting ship operations.
Implementation Method 1
The flap section is flexible and that the flap section is adapted to be removably attached to a flap
Data Source
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AI summary
Flap section for a flap comprised in a ship access ramp, comprising a front end region and a rear end region, where the height of the rear end region is greater than the height of the front end region, where the flap section is flexible and where the flap section is adapted to be removably attached to a flap. The advantage of the invention is that a flap section is provided, which reduces induced noise of a flap and that is easy to replace which means that a ship must not be taken out of traffic when a flap has to be repaired.