Shipping Hatch Rain Guard with Expandable Lid and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rain-guard devices for shipping are costly, complex to control, and ineffective in preventing water from seeping into hatch openings, especially on large vessels, due to high installation costs and complex modifications required.
Innovation Solution
A rain-guard device featuring a pair of rails on sliding hatch covers, an on-board chute, and an expandable lid member, along with a water-blocking system including a sheet-shaped first seal, a lip seal, and a brush-like water-blocking member to prevent water and wind from entering through gaps between the lid member and the sliding hatch covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a building with an overhanging roof is constructed on the quay to prevent cargo from getting wet, then cargo protection from rainfall is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The rain-guard device is divided into modular components: sliding hatch covers that can be opened/closed, an on-board chute for cargo transfer, and an expandable lid member for sealing. This segmentation allows the system to be installed only where needed on the vessel, avoiding the need for expensive permanent building structures on the quay while providing effective rainfall protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid member is designed to be expandable and contractable, allowing it to adapt dynamically to the hatch opening size. When the hatch is open for loading, the lid expands to cover the opening and prevent rain entry; when the hatch is closed, the lid contracts. This dynamic behavior provides effective protection without requiring permanent structural modifications.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a film is used to cover the hatch to prevent cargo from getting wet, then cargo protection is improved, but the system becomes complex and expensive to control
Solution Approach 1:
The lid member is designed with expandable and contractable capabilities, allowing it to dynamically adjust its configuration. When the sliding hatch cover is open during cargo loading, the lid member expands to cover the hatch opening and prevent rain entry. When the hatch is closed, the lid member contracts. This dynamic mechanism provides effective protection without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid member is positioned and supported by the on-board chute and rail system, allowing it to automatically assume its protective position during cargo loading operations. The system leverages the existing cargo handling movements to activate the rain protection function, eliminating the need for separate complex control mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the lid member is made expandable and contractable to cover the hatch opening, then cargo protection is improved, but gaps between the lid member and sliding hatch cover allow water to seep in
Solution Approach 1:
A waterproof film is introduced as a flexible sealing element that bridges the gap between the lid member and the sliding hatch cover. This thin film conformally seals the interface, preventing water and wind from penetrating through the gap while maintaining the expandable/contractable functionality of the lid member. The flexible nature of the film allows it to adapt to the changing geometry as the lid expands and contracts.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If many pieces of equipment are used to cover the hatch, then cargo protection is improved, but installation and modification costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rain-guard function is merged with the existing cargo handling system components. The sliding hatch cover serves dual purposes: as an access door for loading and as part of the rain protection system. The on-board chute used for cargo transfer also supports and positions the lid member. This merging eliminates the need for separate, expensive rain protection equipment while providing effective coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid member serves multiple functions: it covers the hatch opening during rain, supports the waterproof film for sealing, and works in conjunction with the on-board chute for cargo loading. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized equipment, lowering installation and maintenance costs while providing comprehensive protection.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a rain-guard device for shipping that can prevent water from seeping into a hatch opening. A rain-guard device for shipping 20, includes a rail 19, which is placed on a sliding hatch cover 11, an on-board chute 22, which is provided in the rail 19 in a travelable manner, which covers part of a hatch opening 13, and which, furthermore, supplies cargo from a shiploader 1 into the hold 7, a lid member 23 to cover the rest of the hatch opening 13, and a water-blocking part 100, which prevents water from seeping into the hatch opening 13, through a gap between the lid member 23 and the sliding hatch cover 11.