Ship Hold Hatch Closure With Conical Self-Centering Manual Override
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hatch closure systems in ships rely on mechanically irreversible electric cylinders for shutter control, lacking a reliable manual operation mechanism in case of emergencies or failures.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a cylindrical stem with a truncated-cone head and a bushing for self-centering, combined with an electric cylinder and manual control screws, allowing both electric and manual operation of the shutter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanically irreversible electric cylinder is used to control the shutter, then the hatch closure is automated and reliable, but manual operation capability is lost in case of emergency or failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static irreversible mechanism to a dynamic reversible one by incorporating a manual override mechanism. The electric cylinder can be manually actuated through a hand crank connected to the same transmission mechanism, allowing the shutter position to be changed in either direction (closure or opening) depending on the operational requirement, thus resolving the contradiction between automated reliability and manual adaptability
2Ease of operation
If the shutter mechanism is made mechanically irreversible for safety, then operation is simplified, but the ability to reopen the hatch in case of emergency is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A manual override mechanism serves as an intermediary between the operator and the shutter mechanism. This intermediary component (hand crank) connects to the existing transmission mechanism, allowing manual input to be transmitted to the shutter while maintaining the irreversible characteristic of the electric cylinder during normal operation. The intermediary enables reversible operation only when needed, preserving both simplicity and emergency capability
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
Ensures safe and reliable hatch closure with both electric and manual operation capabilities, maintaining system simplicity and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the head (11.1) of the stem (11) penetrates into the bushing (13), performing a closing and self-centering action
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
System for the complete closure of a hatch of a ship's hold or the like, wherein said hatch is provided in a wall and is closed at least partially by means of at least one hatch door, comprising: a shutter (10), which comprises a cylindrical stem (11) slidable in a cylindrical tubular sleeve (12), having a closed bottom (12.1) and an open front end (12.2), axially opposite the bottom (12.1), wherein: said stem (11) has a truncated-conical front end (11.1), at said opening (12.2); said shutter (10) is fixed to an inner face of a wall at said hatch; a bushing (13) fixed in the hatch door, at said shutter (10) and having a cavity with a conical profile complementary to the conicity of said head (11.1) of the stem (11) and axially aligned with the stem itself, so that, during the closure of the hatch door against a perimeter gasket of the hatch, the head (11.1) of the stem (11), controlled to extend with respect to the opening (12.2) of the sleeve (12), penetrates into the bushing (13), producing a closing and self-centering action; characterized in that said system comprises: a radial arm (11.2) fixed with respect to said stem (11), close to the head (11.1), and extending through a corresponding axial slot (12.3) provided in the tubular sleeve (12); a first radial pin (11.3), slidable in a corresponding first radial hole (11.4) of said arm (11.2), wherein said first hole (11.4) is interrupted, in an intermediate position, by a second hole (11.5), having an axis parallel to the axis of the sleeve (12), said two holes (11.4, 11.5) being open on respective faces of said arm (11.2); a second radial pin (12.4), external and supported with respect to said sleeve (12), near the bottom (12.1); an electric cylinder (14), comprising a cylindrical tubular housing (14.1) and a stem (14.2) extensible and retractable with respect to the housing (14.1), wherein: said housing (14.1) has, at its rear end, a first pivot eye (14.3), and said stem (14.2) has, at its front end, a second pivot eye (14.4); said electric cylinder (14) is pivotally connected: to said sleeve (12) by a joint formed by said first pivot eye (14.3) and said second radial pin (12.4), and to said radial arm (11.2) by a joint formed by said second pivot eye (14.4) and said first radial pin (11.3); and in that said shutter (10) further comprises: a first control screw (15), selectively arranged to pass through a corresponding through hole (12.5) provided in the bottom (12.1) of the sleeve (12) and having an axis parallel to the axis of the sleeve itself, wherein said first screw (15) has a head (15.1) external to said bottom and a threaded shank engaged by helical coupling in a corresponding threaded hole (11.6), provided in the bottom of the stem (11) and having an axis parallel to the axis of the stem itself; a second control screw (16), having a threaded shank selectively engaged by helical coupling in a corresponding threaded hole (12.6), provided in the bottom (12.1) of the sleeve (12) and having an axis parallel to the axis of the sleeve itself, wherein said second control screw (16) rests with the free end of its shank against the bottom of said stem (11) and has a head (16.1) external to the bottom (12.1) of the sleeve (12).