Segmented Applicator Enclosure for Ship Hull Coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for applying deposition materials on substrates face challenges in efficiently managing non-adherent deposition material waste and require frequent enclosure adjustments, limiting the ability to coat large surfaces without disrupting the application process.

Innovation Solution

A portable and repositionable deposition material applicator enclosure system utilizing magnetic and suction or differential pressure forces for selective coupling and decoupling, allowing for easy movement and containment of non-adherent waste within a compact, enclosed area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a large enclosure is used to coat large surfaces, then the coating area is improved, but the ease of movement and repositioning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating areaVSAvoidease of movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is divided into multiple separate panels that can be independently positioned and connected. This segmentation allows the enclosure to cover large surfaces when needed while enabling easy repositioning by disconnecting and relocating individual panels, thus resolving the contradiction between large coating area and ease of movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure incorporates movable and reconfigurable components including adjustable panels and flexible connections. This dynamic design allows the enclosure to adapt its configuration - expanding to cover large areas during coating operations and contracting or repositioning when movement is required, thereby balancing coating area requirements with operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the enclosure is frequently unfastened and refasted for repositioning, then the ease of repositioning is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to process disruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of repositioningVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is pre-configured with quick-connect mechanisms and pre-positioned panels that enable rapid assembly and disassembly. This preliminary preparation of connection interfaces allows the enclosure to be repositioned quickly without frequent complete unfastening, thus maintaining productivity while enabling easy repositioning when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure design maintains continuous coating capability through overlapping panels and flexible connections that allow partial repositioning without complete disassembly. This enables the coating process to continue uninterrupted in already-covered areas while the enclosure is gradually repositioned to new areas, preserving productivity while facilitating repositioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a compact enclosed area is used, then the waste containment is improved, but the ability to coat large surfaces without enclosure adjustment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste containmentVSAvoidability to coat large surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure uses multiple separable panels that maintain sealed connections at their interfaces. This segmented design allows the enclosure to cover large surfaces by connecting multiple compact units together, while each individual panel maintains its waste containment capability, thus resolving the contradiction between compact size for containment and large area coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure panels are designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized sealing mechanisms that work across all panels. This multi-functionality allows the same compact panel design to be repeatedly connected to cover large surfaces while maintaining consistent waste containment performance, bridging the gap between compact containment and large area adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient application of deposition materials on large surfaces without needing to unfasten and refasten enclosures, maintaining a sealed environment for waste containment and facilitating movement of the enclosure for comprehensive coverage.

Implementation Method 1

selective enclosure coupling and decoupling structures or systems employing magnetic and suction or differential pressure based forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

selective enclosure coupling and decoupling structures or systems employing magnetic and suction or differential pressure based forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 3

selective enclosure coupling and decoupling structures or systems employing magnetic and suction or differential pressure based forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDifferential pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11786926B2Portable and repositionable deposition material applicator enclosure and application system for applying deposition material on a substrate employing non-adherent deposition material waste removal and selective enclosure coupling and decoupling structures or systems employing a plurality of selective coupling forces
Publication Date: 2023.10.17 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
  • US11786926B2 patent drawing
  • US11786926B2 patent drawing
  • US11786926B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Apparatuses and methods related to improving environmental protection and waste collection from application of deposition material using portable systems that are easier for operators to use on surfaces such as ship hulls are provided. Embodiments include a portable and repositionable deposition material applicator enclosure and application system for applying deposition material on a substrate employing non-adherent deposition material waste removal and selective enclosure coupling and decoupling structures or systems employing magnetic and suction or differential pressure based forces.