Noise and work reduction through remodeling of stern tube assembly in a shipbuilding process by applying triz theory

Abstract

This study focuses on the installation of a stern tube which is one of the tasks in shafting installation. The traditional way to set up a stern tube needs more labor input in terms of manpower, work schedule and cost. Not only that, during processing, it requires large boring machinery which generates noise which is harmful to workers’ physical and mental conditions. This study first utilizes problem hierarchy analysis in redefining the problem before finding out the solutions using technical contradiction to work out the feasible solutions. Then, after refining and analyzing the feasible solutions, the feasible solutions were carried out and then an “integrated Stern Tube” was created, which decreased 49% of the cost and 71% of the work period in a dock. This means that the new technique makes it possible for a shipyard to enhance its capacity of building vessels as well as lower the noise effectively. As a result, these improvements add up to a friendlier working environment and lead to a win-win situation between workers and management.