Ship Access Ramp Bridge Plate With Polymer Noise Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ship access ramps generate noise, which is a problem in city centers where noise levels are regulated by law and affects the working environment for crew and vehicle drivers.

Innovation Solution

The use of polymeric and rubber materials for noise cancelling means in the contact area between the bridge plate and the ship, which can be securely fastened to the ship or bridge plate, reducing or eliminating noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a ship access ramp is used to allow vehicle access, then cargo loading/unloading efficiency is improved, but noise is generated in the contact area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo loading/unloading efficiencyVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A bridge plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the ship access ramp and the ship's hull. This bridge plate absorbs and dampens the noise generated during vehicle loading and unloading operations, while still maintaining the structural connection and functionality of the ramp system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The material properties of the bridge plate are specifically selected to change the acoustic parameters of the contact area. By using materials with appropriate damping characteristics, the noise generation is reduced while maintaining the mechanical strength required for cargo operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If noise cancelling means are added to reduce noise, then noise levels are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise levelsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the ramp, acts as a noise-dampening element, and facilitates the connection between the ramp and ship hull. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate noise cancellation devices, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

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

3Object-generated harmful factors

If noise cancelling means are securely fastened to the ship or bridge plate, then noise cancellation effectiveness is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise cancellation effectivenessVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge plate is designed with pre-integrated noise cancelling features or pre-attached damping materials during the manufacturing process. This preliminary incorporation of noise cancellation capabilities ensures effectiveness while maintaining ease of manufacture, as the noise reduction features are built-in rather than requiring complex post-installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The noise cancelling materials effectively absorb noise, ensuring compliance with noise regulations and improving the working environment for crew and drivers.

Implementation Method 1

The noise cancelling means is made of one or more of polymeric material and rubber material. An advantage is that polymeric material and rubber material are efficient noise cancelling materials.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP4640546A1Ship, ship ramp and kit of parts for dampening noise
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 MACGREGOR SWEDEN
  • EP4640546A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4640546A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4640546A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a ship (100) comprising a ship access ramp (110), said ship access ramp (110) having a first end portion (110a) pivotably attached to the ship (100) and a second free end. Said ship access ramp (110b) further comprises a bridge plate (130), said bridge plate (130) having a first end portion (130a) pivotably attached to said first end portion (110a) of said ship access ramp (110) and a second free end (130b). Further, said bridge plate (130) and/or said ship (100) is provided with noise cancelling means (150) in a at least a portion of a contact area between said second free end (130b) of said bridge plate (130) and said ship (100). The noise cancelling means (150) is made of one or more of polymeric material and rubber material.