Vessel Fender with Lattice Connection Elements for Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vessel fenders wear quickly due to heavy loads during berthing, failing to provide a durable solution for absorbing both horizontal and vertical impact forces.
Innovation Solution
A fender design featuring connection elements between the front and rear walls that allow for a spring-like behavior, with a lattice structure of bent plate segments and intermediate junctions, optimizing impact energy absorption and distribution, made from resilient materials like polyurethane or natural rubber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional foam fender is used to absorb horizontal impact during berthing, then the fender can provide basic cushioning, but it wears very quickly due to heavy loads and vertical shear forces during contact with the stationary object
Solution Approach 1:
The fender is divided into multiple modular sections connected by connection elements. Each section can independently absorb impact energy through controlled deformation, while the connection elements distribute loads across the structure. This segmentation prevents stress concentration and reduces wear at any single point, extending overall fender lifetime.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements are designed to flex and deform dynamically during impact events, allowing the fender to adapt its stiffness and energy absorption characteristics based on the magnitude and duration of the applied load. This dynamic behavior reduces peak stresses and distributes wear more evenly across the structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fender is designed to absorb both horizontal impact and vertical shear forces, then it can handle complex loading conditions, but the structural complexity increases and wear accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they connect fender sections, absorb impact energy through deformation, distribute vertical shear forces, and provide structural stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, maintaining structural simplicity while handling complex loading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The fender utilizes composite construction combining resilient foam material for energy absorption with reinforced connection elements that provide structural integrity. This composite approach allows the structure to handle both horizontal impact and vertical shear forces without requiring overly complex design, as each material contributes its optimal properties.
3Reliability
If the number of connection elements per meter is increased to improve impact energy absorption, then the impact performance improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design optimizes the spacing and dimensions of connection elements as adjustable parameters. By carefully selecting the number of connection elements per meter and their geometric properties, the fender achieves optimal impact energy absorption while maintaining manufacturability. These parameters can be tuned based on specific application requirements without fundamentally changing the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements are strategically positioned and dimensioned to provide enhanced strength and energy absorption where impact forces are most severe, while using simpler construction in less critical areas. This localized optimization allows the fender to achieve high impact performance without uniformly increasing complexity across the entire structure.
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 fender achieves extended lifespan and predictable impact performance by distributing forces effectively, maintaining structural integrity and reducing wear, while allowing for adjustable design features like varying junction distances and material thickness for enhanced stiffness.
Implementation Method 1
An impact force of a stationary or floating object onto the fender according to the invention causes bending of the connection members. This provides an appropriate and predictable profile of impact energy absorption.
Implementation Method 2
This provides a spring behaviour of the fender which may be desired for certain applications of the fender.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
A fender (6) for a vessel (1) for positioning the vessel (1) against a stationary or floating object (2) comprises a resilient front wall (7) having a shock-absorber side (9) for contacting a stationary or floating object (2), a rear wall (8) having a fastening side (10) to be fastened to a vessel (1), an upper side (11), a lower side (12) and a deformation portion (15, 18) disposed between the front wall (7), the rear wall (8), the upper side (11) and the lower side (12). The deformation portion comprises a plurality of resilient connection elements (15) which are fixed to the front wall (7) in respective front wall junctions (16) spaced from each other in a direction parallel to the front wall (7) and the upper side (11), on the one hand, and to the rear wall (8) in respective rear wall junctions (17) spaced from each other in a direction parallel to the rear wall (7) and the upper side (11), on the other hand. Each of the connection elements (15) has a length between the front wall (7) and the rear wall (8) which exceeds the shortest distance between the front wall (7) and the rear wall (8) at its corresponding front wall junction (16) or rear wall junction (17), as measured in a direction from the shock-absorber side (9) to the fastening side (10). The number of front wall junctions (16) as well as the number of rear wall junctions (17) is less than ten per meter, preferably less than seven per meter. Two neighbouring connection elements (15) are attached to each other at an intermediate junction (18) located between the front wall (7) and the rear wall (8).