Reusable Grillage Units With Repositionable Connectors for Module Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems require different grillage systems for each combination of modules and marine vessels, leading to increased engineering, procurement, and construction costs, as well as inefficiencies in module transportation.
Innovation Solution
A re-usable grillage system with uniform connector element spacing and compact design that adapts to various marine vessels and modules, allowing for flexible positioning and reconfiguration to accommodate different deck frame spacings and loading types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom grillage systems are designed for each combination of module and marine vessel, then the transportation requirements are met, but engineering and construction costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The grillage system is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple module types and marine vessel configurations. The standardized connector elements and modular grillage units can be reconfigured for different transportation scenarios, eliminating the need for custom-designed grillage systems for each module-vessel combination while maintaining adaptability to specific requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The grillage system is divided into discrete, interchangeable connector elements that can be selectively positioned and configured. This segmentation allows the same basic grillage structure to be adapted to different module sizes and vessel deck configurations by simply repositioning or removing individual connector elements, rather than designing entirely new grillage systems
2Ease of manufacture
If reusable grillage units are implemented, then engineering costs are reduced, but the system must accommodate different deck frame spacing distances
Solution Approach 1:
The connector elements are designed to be repositionable along the grillage units, allowing the spacing between connectors to be dynamically adjusted to match different marine vessel deck frame spacing distances. This dynamic reconfiguration capability enables the same reusable grillage units to be adapted to various vessel types without compromising structural integrity or transportation requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system accommodates different deck frame spacing by changing the positional parameters of the connector elements. Connector elements can be relocated to different positions on the grillage units, effectively changing the spacing parameters to match the specific deck frame spacing of each marine vessel, thereby maintaining compatibility across different vessel types
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
A re-usable grillage system with a set of grillage units can be provided for module transportation. Each of the grillage units can include a central beam with a first end and a second end. Each grillage unit can further include first cross beam positioned at the first end of the central beam and a second cross beam positioned at the second end of the central beam. Additionally, each grillage unit can include a first group of connector elements with a first connector element extending from the first cross beam and a second connector element extending from the second cross beam. A second group of connector elements of each grillage unit can include a third connector element extending from the first cross beam and a fourth connector element extending from the second cross beam. The first and second groups of connector elements can be spaced apart a connector element spacing distance.