Submarine Cladding Detachable Receptacle

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing outer cladding parts of submarines often develop cracks in the adhesive seams with fastening receptacles, leading to seawater penetration, salt accumulation, and accelerated corrosion, necessitating laborious removal and potential replacement of corroded mounts, which can damage the exterior trim panel.

Innovation Solution

A detachable receptacle system for the outer cladding parts made from fiber composite materials, where the receptacle can be removed without damage, preventing exposure to seawater and allowing for reuse, with a form-fitting configuration and guide bush to absorb lifting forces, and secured with a cotter pin to prevent unintentional detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If metal mounts are glued into openings in the outer cladding part for fastening elements, then the outer cladding part can be attached to a crane hook for transport and positioning, but cracks occur in the bonded seams between the outer cladding part and the holders, leading to seawater penetration and accelerated corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport and positioning capabilityVSAvoidbonded seam integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the fastening system into separate components: the outer cladding part, the holder, and the fastening element. The holder is designed to be detachably attached to the outer cladding part, allowing the fastening function to be separated from the structural component. This segmentation prevents the bonded seam cracks that occur when fastening elements are directly integrated into the outer cladding part.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder serves as an intermediary component between the outer cladding part and the fastening element. It provides a dedicated interface for attachment with appropriate sealing and protection measures, while the fastening element can be independently attached to the holder. This intermediary structure eliminates the direct bonded seam between the outer cladding part and the fastening element, preventing crack formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the outer cladding part is left exposed to air when the submarine surfaces, then the structure can be inspected and maintained, but salt accumulates in the cracks and accelerates corrosion of the holders

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection and maintenance accessVSAvoidsalt accumulation and corrosion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the holder from the seawater environment by designing it to be detachably attached to the outer cladding part. When not in use, the holder can be removed and stored in a protected environment, preventing salt accumulation and corrosion. This extraction of the vulnerable component from the harmful environment while maintaining inspection and maintenance access resolves the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If multiple outer cladding parts are equipped with permanent fastening elements, then each part can be independently handled during transport, but significantly more fastening elements are needed, increasing cost and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent handling capabilityVSAvoidnumber of fastening elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the holder as a universal component that can be attached to multiple different outer cladding parts. A single holder with appropriate fastening elements can serve multiple parts during transport and assembly operations. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of fastening elements needed while maintaining the ability to independently handle each outer cladding part when required.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2484582B1External covering for a submarine
Publication Date: 2018.05.30 THYSSENKRUPP MARINE SYST GMBH
  • EP2484582B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The cladding part (2) has a holder (22) provided for a fastening element (24) i.e. folding lug, where the part and a guide bushing (10) are made of a fiber composite material. The holder passes through a through-hole (20) and includes a through-hole edge engaging at two opposite sides of the part. The holder is provided with components e.g. cylindrical base body (26), collar (28) and nut (32), which are screwed together to form a positive connection with the part. An external thread (30) is provided at one end of the base body, and the collar is formed at another end of the body.