Roll-Formed Marine Panel Assembly for Vessel Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing construction methods for marine vessels, such as ships and barges, are complex and time-consuming due to the use of standard structural steel members, requiring multiple longitudinal weld seams and additional man-hours for setup and fabrication.
Innovation Solution
A panel assembly comprising roll-formed elongated metal panels with integrated plate and angle portions, where panels are joined by longitudinal weld seams, allowing for prefabrication and reduced assembly time, and adjustable sectional strength without needing different steel cross-sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard structural steel members (angles, channels, plates) are used for barge construction, then material purchasing is simplified, but fabrication and assembly complexity increases due to multiple weld seams and positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate structural steel members (angle members and plate members) into a single integrated roll-formed panel assembly. The C-shaped cross-section integrates the angle member functionality (flange and web) with the plate member functionality in one continuous formed structure, eliminating the need for separate components and their associated weld seams.
Solution Approach 2:
The roll-formed panel assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural angle member for truss attachment, the plate surface for shell/deck coverage, and the integrated geometry for rigid joint formation. This multi-functional component replaces what previously required multiple specialized components.
2Strength
If multiple longitudinal weld seams are used to attach angle members to shell plates, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the angle member and plate member into a single monolithic roll-formed component. This integration eliminates the longitudinal weld seams that previously connected separate angle members to shell plates, as the integrated structure provides continuous structural integrity without requiring multiple weld joints along the length of the barge.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard steel cross-sections are used for all panels, then material standardization is achieved, but adjustable sectional strength for different panel requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The roll-formed panel assembly allows for parameter changes in the C-shaped cross-section geometry to adjust sectional strength for different panel requirements. The flange width, web height, and overall section dimensions can be varied during the roll-forming process to match specific structural demands of different barge locations, while still using the same standardized roll-forming manufacturing method.
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
This method reduces vessel manufacturing time and material costs by enabling prefabrication of panel assemblies, simplifying the construction process and allowing for adjustable strength configurations.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated roll-formed metal panel formed from a single strip of metal to include a plate portion and an angle portion
Implementation Method 2
a first panel of the plurality of panels is fixed to a second panel of the plurality of panels by a longitudinal weld seam joining the plate portion of the first panel to the primary bend of the second panel
Data Source
AI summary
A prefabricated panel assembly for use in constructing a marine vessel comprises a plurality of elongated, roll-formed metal panels fixed sided to side by longitudinal weld seams. The panels include a plate portion and an angle portion adjoining the plate portion along a longitudinal primary bend, the plate portion having a generally flat panel segment, the angle portion having a web generally orthogonal to the panel segment and a flange generally parallel to the panel segment and adjoining the web along a secondary bend. The panel assembly provides a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to using individual structural steel angles welded to individual steel plate in constructing a marine vessel.