Segmented Reinforced Panels for Foldable Inflatable Watercraft Hulls

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) are not foldable or collapsible, leading to large stowage volumes, while conventional inflatable boats lack the stiffness and hydrodynamic features of rigid boats, resulting in poor performance and control.

Innovation Solution

The development of an inflatable watercraft with reinforced panels forming a center hull and outer side hulls, using web-reinforced fabrics and drop stitch materials to achieve increased stiffness, strength, and buoyancy, allowing for hydrodynamic features like running strakes, enabling improved performance and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) are used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but stowage volume increases and foldability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidstowage volume

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hull is divided into multiple panels that can be folded relative to each other. The reinforced panels are segmented into discrete units connected by fold lines, allowing the structure to collapse into a compact configuration while maintaining strength when deployed. This segmentation enables the boat to transition between rigid and compact states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite panel structures combining rigid reinforcing elements (such as ribs, stiffeners, or rigid frameworks) with flexible inflatable or collapsible materials. This composite construction provides the strength of rigid structures while maintaining the foldability and compact stowage of flexible materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Volume of moving object

If conventional inflatable boats are used, then stowage volume is reduced, but structural stiffness and hydrodynamic performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestowage volumeVSAvoidstructural stiffness

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The hull is divided into multiple panels that can be folded relative to each other. The reinforced panels are segmented into discrete units connected by fold lines, allowing the structure to collapse into a compact configuration while maintaining strength when deployed. This segmentation enables the boat to transition between rigid and compact states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite panel structures combining rigid reinforcing elements (such as ribs, stiffeners, or rigid frameworks) with flexible inflatable or collapsible materials. This composite construction provides the strength of rigid structures while maintaining the foldability and compact stowage of flexible materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional inflatable materials are used, then foldability is improved, but structural strength and hydrodynamic features are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefoldabilityVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The hull is divided into multiple panels that can be folded relative to each other. The reinforced panels are segmented into discrete units connected by fold lines, allowing the structure to collapse into a compact configuration while maintaining strength when deployed. This segmentation enables the boat to transition between rigid and compact states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite panel structures combining rigid reinforcing elements (such as ribs, stiffeners, or rigid frameworks) with flexible inflatable or collapsible materials. This composite construction provides the strength of rigid structures while maintaining the foldability and compact stowage of flexible materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS8800466B1Inflatable watercraft with reinforced panels

Publication Date: 2014.08.12 HULL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH LLC

AI summary

An inflatable watercraft is provided with multiple reinforced panels that are configured to form a center hull having a V-form. The center hull supports a floor that is coupled to a U-form collar. The panels also form a pair of outer side hulls respectively disposed on opposite sides of the center hull and which define a tunnel between the center hull and each of the outer side hulls.