Passenger Ship Superstructure Partitions for Glazed Cabin Layouts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ship architectures with narrow superstructures face challenges in creating a structurally efficient central edge and participatory planking, limiting the integration of large glazed surfaces and prefabricated cabins due to insufficient spacing between bulkheads.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating structural partitions parallel to the passageways within cabins to recreate a ship beam core, using aligned vertical bulkheads and prefabricated sub-assemblies to maintain structural integrity without compromising layout or visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a superstructure with participatory planking is used, then the structural function is improved, but the glazed surface area is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural functionVSAvoidglazed surface area
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The superstructure planking is divided into modular segments that can be independently positioned. This allows the structural bulkheads to be segmented and relocated to the periphery, creating open spaces for large glazed surfaces while maintaining the overall structural integrity through the modular arrangement of segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The structural function is transitioned from a two-dimensional planking system to a three-dimensional framework using vertical corner bulkheads and transverse bulkheads. This dimensional change allows the creation of open interior spaces with large glazed surfaces while maintaining structural strength through the vertical and transverse structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If the superstructure width exceeds two cabins and a passageway, then the structural function is improved, but the layout complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural functionVSAvoidlayout complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The corner bulkheads serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the superstructure, define the boundaries of cabins and passageways, and support the deck structures. This multi-functionality reduces layout complexity by consolidating structural and spatial definition roles into single elements.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The structural arrangement uses asymmetric positioning of corner bulkheads and transverse bulkheads to accommodate different cabin configurations and passageway layouts. This asymmetric design allows flexible adaptation to various width requirements while maintaining structural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Adaptability or versatility

If transverse passageways are created to access central cabins, then the layout flexibility is improved, but the structural continuity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayout flexibilityVSAvoidstructural continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Transverse bulkheads act as intermediary structural elements that connect the corner bulkheads and provide support at the locations where transverse passageways are created. These intermediary elements maintain structural continuity by distributing loads around the openings created for passageway access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If prefabricated cabins are used, then the manufacturing efficiency is improved, but the integration with structural bulkheads is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The superstructure is designed with segmented corner bulkheads and transverse bulkheads that can be independently positioned and integrated with prefabricated cabins. This segmentation allows prefabricated cabins to be manufactured separately and then integrated into the modular structural framework, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4596388A1Passenger ship with at least one superstructure with a structural partition
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 CHANTIERS DE LATLANTIQUE
  • EP4596388A1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP4596388A1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP4596388A1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c

AI summary

The present invention relates to a passenger ship (1) which comprises at least one superstructure (3), this superstructure (3) being formed of a plurality of decks (P0-P5) comprising decks (P1-P4) each having at least one longitudinally oriented passageway (5) and which serves a first set of premises (40) such as cabins located on the port side and a second set of premises (42) such as cabins located on the starboard side, characterized in that the premises (40,42) of at least one of said sets of premises are provided with a structural partition (70) parallel or substantially parallel to said passageway (5), which extends inside the space occupied by these premises (40,42).