US Navy Challenge: Rapid Design Tool for Advanced Manufacturing

ABSTRACT

Valve handwheels are common on every Naval ship, ranging from two inch polymer supply line valves to metal hand wheels several feet in diameter. The range and ubiquity of these handwheels poses a challenge as it is untenable for individual ships to maintain a stock of every single variation onboard. Modern techniques such as additive manufacturing can produce needed parts on demand but challenges remain in both certification and design. This Challenge seeks a parametric design tool in the form of an executable file that will automatically generate the necessary CAD files to allow on-demand manufacturing of specific handwheels on board a Naval ship.

This is a Reduction-to-Practice Challenge that requires written documentation, outputs from the executable file, and submission of source code, executable, and a user guide.

OVERVIEW

Handwheels are ubiquitous on Naval ships and any particular ship may have hundreds of different variations. They’re used to open and close a wide variety of valves in all types of service locations and conditions, and can be made from a number of different materials from polymers to metals. These factors lead to a challenge for ships since it is untenable to keep a stock of every single variant onboard and this may result in delays as critical equipment lays dormant for want of a particular part. The viability of using additive manufacturing and other advanced techniques to produce a variety parts on demand has been demonstrated but challenges remain for both certification and design. The Seeker is in need of an executable file that will take guided user input for the type of handwheel required, design parameters such as diameter, thickness, etc., manufacturing technique, and other critical parameters and automatically produce the CAD files necessary to allow on-demand production of the handwheel using the specified technique.

A submission to the Challenge should include the following:

1. A detailed description of the proposed Solution addressing specific Technical Requirements presented in the Detailed Description of the Challenge. This should also include a thorough description of the executable file used in the Solution accompanied by a well-articulated rationale for the method employed.
2. Output from the proposed executable file for a test case as described in the Detailed Description of the Challenge.
3. Well-documented source code, object files and an executable with sufficient documentation to enable the Seeker to compile, execute the program, and validate the method using additional test cases.
4. User guide for operation of the program.

The Challenge award is contingent upon evaluation of the executable file by the Seeker, and validation by the Seeker of the submitted reduction to practice Solution on additional test cases.

To receive an award, the Solvers will not have to transfer their exclusive IP rights to the Seeker. Instead, Solvers will grant to the Seeker a non-exclusive license to practice their solutions.  Please see the Challenge Specific Agreement (CSA) for full details.

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on 13-Jul-2021 27-Jul-2021.
Late submissions will not be considered.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility is subject to verification by the Government before cash prizes are awarded. Participants (residents or entities) who are designated by the United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control are not eligible to receive any cash prize in the Challenge. Participants who are listed, or become listed, on the Excluded Parties List found on www.sam.gov, have any active exclusions, or are otherwise unable to be deemed responsible in accordance with FAR 9.104-1 based on information available in FAPIIS, are not eligible to receive any cash prize in the Challenge.

Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents above 18 years of age are eligible.  Corporate entities must be incorporated in and maintain a primary place of business in the United States to be eligible to receive cash prizes in this Challenge.

Federal employees, including NAVSEA employees, and NAVSEA support contractors acting within the scope of their employment are not eligible to participate in the challenge. Likewise, members of their immediate family, and persons living in the same household, whether or not related, are not eligible to participate in any portion of this Challenge. Federal employees and contractors acting outside the scope of their employment should consult their ethics official and appropriate management before participating in the Challenge.

Individuals and organizations that are funded by NAVSEA, but not limited to, any Federally Funded Research and Development Centers and University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), or private-sector personnel whose scope of work includes NAVSEA development or administrative support are not eligible to participate in the Challenge. 

ABOUT THE SEEKER

The Naval Sea Systems Command Technology Office champions the timely transition of emerging technologies into ships, submarines and the communities that design, build and maintain them – resulting in a more affordable and capable Fleet.

The Naval X Northeast Tech Bridge is part of a connected Naval X Tech Bridge network that enhances collaboration between Naval Labs, industry, academia, and other military branches. The Northeast Tech Bridge is coordinated at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport.

The 401 Tech Bridge, a non-profit entity in Rhode Island and business unit of the University of Rhode Island Research Foundation, serves as a super-connector for companies that are developing leading-edge advanced materials, technologies, and products, enabling business growth, and speeding the process of finding commercial and dual-use applications for technologies. 401 Tech Bridge has a partnership agreement with NUWC Division Newport to support the Northeast Tech Bridge, increasing collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation by connecting Navy and industry technical problems to leading-edge companies, universities, and innovation partners.

What is InnoCentive?

InnoCentive is the global innovation marketplace where creative minds solve some of the world's most important problems for cash awards up to $1 million. Commercial, governmental and humanitarian organizations engage with InnoCentive to solve problems that can impact humankind in areas ranging from the environment to medical advancements.

What is an RTP Challenge?

An InnoCentive RTP (Reduction to Practice) Challenge is a prototype that proves an idea, and is similar to an InnoCentive Theoretical Challenge in its high level of detail. However, an RTP requires the Solver to submit a validated solution, either in the form of original data or a physical sample. Also, the Seeker is allowed to test the proposed solution. For details about treatment of Intellectual Property (IP) rights, please see the Challenge Specific Agreement.