Liquefied Gas Tank Elastic Support for Ship Vibration Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increase in cargo tank size leads to increased shaking and thermal shrinkage due to oscillation and low-temperature conditions, compromising the stability of liquefied gas storage.
Innovation Solution
A ship design incorporating a hull with elastic support sections, including lateral and upper elastic support sections, to stabilize tanks by allowing for elastic deformation and thermal expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the cargo tank size is increased to increase capacity, then the storage capacity is improved, but the shaking amount increases due to oscillation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic support mechanisms including elastic support sections and damping devices that allow the cargo tank to move and oscillate in a controlled manner, converting the rigid static support into a dynamic system that can absorb and dissipate oscillation energy, thereby reducing shaking while maintaining large tank capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates cushioning elements such as elastic support sections and damping devices in advance within the support structure, which are designed to absorb and mitigate oscillation forces before they can cause excessive shaking of the large cargo tank, enabling stable support of increased capacity tanks
2Volume of stationary object
If the cargo tank size is increased to increase capacity, then the storage capacity is improved, but the thermal shrinkage amount increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs support structures with adjustable geometric parameters and materials with specific thermal expansion coefficients that can accommodate the thermal shrinkage of the cargo tank, allowing the support system to adapt to dimensional changes while maintaining proper support for large-capacity tanks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic support mechanisms including elastic elements that can flex and adjust their geometry in response to thermal shrinkage, enabling the support structure to accommodate dimensional changes of the cargo tank while maintaining stable support
3Stability of the object's composition
If elastic support sections are added to stabilize tanks, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support structure into multiple discrete elastic support sections distributed at different locations on the cargo tank, with each section being a simple standardized component. This segmentation allows the complex stability requirement to be achieved through multiple simple elements rather than one complex mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple identical or similar elastic support sections with uniform properties and configurations, creating a homogeneous support system. This homogeneity simplifies design, manufacturing, and maintenance while collectively achieving the required stability through the combined effect of multiple identical elements
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 elastic support sections enhance the stability of tanks, suppressing displacement and maintaining support even under vibrational and thermal stress.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic support sections allow for elastic deformation and thermal expansion
Implementation Method 2
the cargo tank is thermally shrunk since the cargo tank accommodates the liquefied gas
Data Source
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AI summary
This ship comprises a hull, a tank, a lower support section, and an elastic support section. The tank is installed on the hull and is filled with liquefied gas. In the cross-sectional shape of the tank orthogonal to the fore-and-aft direction, the upward-downward direction is set as the longitudinal direction, and the lower support section supports the tank from below on the hull. The elastic support section elastically supports the tank higher than the lower support section on the hull.