Polymeric Ship Ramp Flap Section for Quiet Fast Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing removable flap sections for ship access ramps are complex and time-consuming to replace when damaged or worn, which can lead to noise issues due to uneven ground contact.
Innovation Solution
A removable flap section made of polymeric material with a fastening section featuring transverse upper and lower grooves, designed for easy attachment and detachment from an end piece, reducing noise and simplifying replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a removable flap section is provided to reduce noise, then noise reduction is improved, but replacement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is divided into a permanent part and a removable flap section that can be independently replaced. The removable section is segmented into modular components with standardized fastening mechanisms, allowing noise-reducing sections to be easily swapped without replacing the entire flap assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The noise-causing rigid portions are extracted and replaced with flexible removable flap sections. The removable section can be completely detached and replaced with a new or different configuration section to eliminate noise while simplifying maintenance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a removable flap section is provided to reduce noise, then noise reduction is improved, but replacement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The removable flap section is designed with pre-assembled fastening components and alignment features that enable quick installation. The section can be prepared in advance and snapped into place using simple fastening mechanisms, dramatically reducing replacement time compared to traditional welding or bolting methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable flap section is designed as a replaceable component that can be quickly swapped when worn or damaged. Rather than repairing or replacing the entire flap assembly, only the short-living removable section is replaced, minimizing operational downtime.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the flap section is made flexible to reduce noise, then noise reduction is improved, but structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible removable flap section is applied only to the specific area where noise reduction is needed (the contact region with uneven ground), while the main flap structure retains its rigid, high-strength construction. This localized flexibility approach reduces noise without compromising the overall structural integrity of the flap assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable flap section utilizes composite construction combining flexible noise-reducing materials with reinforcement elements. This composite structure provides both the flexibility needed for noise reduction and sufficient strength to withstand vehicle loads and environmental conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flap section (200) for a flap comprised in a ship access ramp, comprising a front-end region (210) and a rear-end region (220), where the flap section is made of polymeric material and that the flap section is adapted to be removably attached to a flap, wherein said flap section comprises in said rear-end region a fastening section (230) comprising in an upper surface (232) at least one transverse upper groove (234) and in a lower surface (231) at least one transverse lower groove (233). An end piece (100) for a flap, a flap and a kit are also provided.