System and method of transforming articulated lift platforms for marine vessels to rigid / hybrid lift platforms with motorized weight distribution

Abstract

A method for transforming articulated lift platforms for marine vessels to a rigid lift platform with motorized weight distribution control that includes providing an articulated lift platform body having both a set of opposing longitudinally oriented L-beams each coupled to one another in an articulated configuration and with some or all of these L-beams having a side freely supported in a cantilevered configuration relative to an adjacent L-beam and includes a plurality of transversely oriented T-beams coupling the set of opposing longitudinally oriented L-beams together. The lift platform also includes a plurality of motorized cable support assemblies each coupled to one of plurality of primary T-beams with a cable. The method includes fastening the freely supported side of the L-beam to the adjacent L-beam to generate a rigid lift platform with a unitary configuration inhibiting vertical movement of each of the longitudinally oriented L-beams.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM AND METHOD OF TRANSFORMING ARTICULATED LIFT PLATFORMS FOR

[0002] MARINE VESSELS TO RIGI D / HYBRID LIFT PLATFORMS WITH MOTORIZED

[0003] WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to marine vessel lift platforms and, more particularly, relates to a system and method for transforming articulated lift platforms for marine to a rigid lift platform with motorized weight distribution control.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Conventional methods and systems of supporting ships, barges, and marine vessels on mechanical lift docks consist of articulated or hinged platforms that have the potential to cause great damage when they collapse. Specifically, they can cause great damage to wire ropes, twisted by sheaves, that can then create a cascading domino effect wherein further portions of the platform collapse.

[0007] Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a method for transforming articulated lift platforms for marine vessels to a rigid lift platform with motorized weight distribution control that includes providing an articulated lift platform body having a set of opposing longitudinally oriented L-beams each coupled to one another in an articulated configuration with at least one side freely supported in a cantilevered configuration relative to an adjacent L-beam and a plurality of transversely oriented T-beams coupling the set of opposing longitudinally oriented L-beams together and including a plurality of primary T-beams each interposed between two opposing longitudinally oriented L-beams. The process also includes providing a plurality of motorized cable support assemblies each operably coupled to, and configured to support, one of plurality of primary T-beams with a cable and fastening the at least one side freely supported in a cantilevered configuration relative to the adjacent L-beam to generate a rigid lift platform with each of the opposing longitudinally oriented L-beams of a unitary configuration inhibiting vertical movement of each of the longitudinally oriented L-beams.

[0009] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in rigid platform assembly and a method for transforming articulated lift platforms for marine vessels to a rigid lift platform with motorized weight distribution control, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well- known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

[0010] Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale but, where applicable, may be utilized to support a particular structural configuration or geometric relationship between components utilized in the assembly.

[0011] Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one, wherein the utilization of “a” or “an” does not mean multiple structures with various functions may be utilized to equate to single claimed structure with claimed functionality. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and / or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing / coming into physical existence, making available, and / or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time. Also, for purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof relate to the invention as oriented in the figures and is not to be construed as limiting any feature to be a particular orientation, as said orientation may be changed based on the user’s perspective of the device. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the platform body or beams, where applicable.

[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 1 depicts a rigid lift platform transformed from an articulated lift platform body in accordance with the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary articulated lift platforms with an articulated lift platform body in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 depicts a failing articulated lift platforms in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIGS. 4-5 depict a weight distribution diagram for a transformed rigid lift platform with weight control and an articulated lift platform, respectively, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 6 depicts a rigid lift platform transformed from an articulated lift platform body in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIGS. 7-9 depicts exemplary articulated lift platforms with articulated lift platform bodies in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; FIGS. 10-13 depict exemplary diagrams showing the transformation from an articulated lift platform to a rigid lift platform in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and

[0019] FIG. 14 depicts an exemplary process flow diagram illustrating a method for transforming articulated lift platforms for marine vessels to a rigid lift platform with motorized weight distribution control in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

[0021] The present invention provides a novel and efficient system and method of upgrading and transforming articulated lift platforms for ships, barges, and other marine vessels (generally referred to as “marine vessels”) to rigid / hybrid (generally referred to as “rigid” herein) lift platforms with motor control functionality that overcomes the heretofore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that is operably configured to reliably support offshore ships, barges, and related marine vessels and prevent additional damage in the event of collapse.

[0022] Referring now primarily to FIGS. 1-2 and combination with process flow diagram in FIG. 14, the present invention provides a system and method for transforming articulated lift platforms for marine vessels to a rigid lift platform with motorized weight distribution control, generally referred to with numeral 100 in FIG. 1. The process may begin at step 1400 and immediately proceeds to the step 1402 of providing an articulated lift platform body 200 that includes a set of opposing longitudinally oriented L-beams 202a-n each coupled to one another in an articulated configuration, wherein “n” represents any number greater than one, but generally includes a multitude of longitudinally connected L-beams (or “LB”) of a length sufficient to receive the complete length of a marine vessel.

[0023] The articulated configuration includes one or more L-beams 202a-n that have at least one side freely supported in a cantilevered configuration relative to an adjacent L-beam (as exemplified in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 7-9). Said another way, one or both sides may be freely supported vertically by an adjacent L- beam and / or a T-beam (as described below). The L-beam that is freely supported may be capable of flexing or moving vertically in at least one direction. These articulated configurations were generated to address potential failures associated with rigid systems, but these articulated configurations have been shown to have significant and catastrophic failures exceeding those of rigid systems (as exemplified in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5), wherein a significant increase of weight along the longitudinal length of the platform on one of the articulated L-beams causes the failure of the L-beam and / or motorized cable support assembly. FIG. 5 in particular depicts the farthest left arrow experiencing the greatest weight or load from a marine vessel that will likely cause failure at the joint of the articulated system and / or of the motorized cable support assembly (also referred to as a hoist assembly).

[0024] Each of the L-beams may include a first end 206 and an opposing second end 208, wherein each of the ends may be freely supported and / or only one of the ends may be freely supported in the articulated configuration. Said another way, the articulated configuration may include one or more side of any L- beam freely supported by either the adjacent L-beam or one of the plurality of primary T-beams (as exemplified in the figures).

[0025] As discussed further herein, the ends 206, 208 or more generally the sides of the L-beams may have fasteners, welds, or other attachment members coupled thereto to transform the articulated system (FIG. 2) into a rigid system (FIG. 1). As exemplified in FIG. 2, the freely side 218 of the L-beam 202c may be completely welded along its side 220 to the opposing L-beam 202d (along with other similar L-beams) to generate a rigid lift platform of a unitary configuration inhibiting vertical movement of each of the longitudinally oriented L-beams 202a-n. The welded L-beams 202a-n can be best seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 12. Still within step 1402 includes providing a plurality of transversely oriented transverse beams or “T- beams” 204a-n coupling the set of opposing longitudinally oriented L-beams 202a-n together (e.g., with welding and / or fasteners). The plurality of transversely oriented T-beams 204a-n also includes a plurality of primary T-beams (e.g., 204n) each interposed between two opposing longitudinally oriented L-beams (e.g., 202b-c). The T-beams 204a-n directly support the tracks and / or vessel placed thereon that transfers weight to the L-beams. The T-beams and L-beams are generally of a substantially rigid material, e.g., steel.

[0026] The method then proceeds to step 1404 of providing a plurality of motorized cable support assemblies 206a-n each operably coupled to, and configured to support, one of plurality of primary T-beams (204n) with a cable 212. Each of these plurality of motorized cable support assemblies 206a-n may also support the non-primary T-beams 204a-n. As best seen in FIGS. 2-3, the plurality of motorized cable support assemblies 206a-n may each include at least one pulley operably coupled to the cable 212 and a base 214 not directly coupled to the articulated lift platform body 200. The pulleys facilitate in distributing weight and generating a mechanical advantage and the cables enable the vertical displacement of the plurality of support assemblies 206a-n.

[0027] In one embodiment, the process includes providing each of the plurality of motorized cable support assemblies 206a-n with a sensor 216 in the base 214 that is configured to ascertain a weight applied on the cable 212. The process may include selectively activating and increasing the motor on at least one of the plurality of motorized cable support assemblies 206a-n corresponding an increase in the weight applied on the cable 212, thereby accommodating the increase in weight along the platform. Beneficially, each of these motors may be relatively inexpensive to replace if damaged, thereby generating a more cost-effective approach to distributing and / or accommodating increases in weight without causing failures in the rigid assembly (as has been known in the art to occur with completely rigid systems).

[0028] In one embodiment, the system and process also include selectively and autonomously, with at least one electronic controller, activating and increasing the motor on the at least one of the plurality of motorized cable support assemblies 206a-n corresponding the increase in the weight applied on the cable 212. Said another way, the motorized cable support assemblies 206a-n are preferably longitudinally displaced along the platform (preferably at each primary T-beam) and continually monitor the weight sensed form the sensor, comparing it against a programmed threshold and, once reached, send a signal to the motor to sequentially turn causing an offsetting force compensating for the increase in weight.

[0029] Step 1406 in the process includes fastening the at least one side freely supported in a cantilevered configuration relative to the adjacent L-beam to generate a rigid lift platform with each of the opposing longitudinally oriented L-beams 202a-n of a unitary configuration inhibiting vertical movement of each of the longitudinally oriented L-beams 202a-n. In preferred embodiments, there is minimal vertical movement (e.g., 3cm or less) of the previously articulated L-beams upon experiencing conventional loads from a marine vessel (even without compensation from a motorized cable support assemblies 206. There are various disclosed methods for generating the unitary configuration, as exemplified in FIGS. 10-13. More specifically, with reference to FIG. 10, the process may include fastening each of the T-beams 202a-n with the at least one side freely supported in the cantilevered configuration relative to the adjacent L-beam with a fastening member assembly 1000 including a plurality of fastening members 1002a-n each spanning a longitudinal length of a T-beam and coupled at opposing ends to at least one of the plurality of primary T-beams and the adjacent L-beam (i.e. one or both of the primary T-beams and the adjacent T-beam) .

[0030] As shown in FIG. 11, the process may include coupling at least one side support fastener HOOa-n to the at least one side freely supported in the cantilevered configuration relative to the adjacent L-beam and coupling at least one complementary fastener 1102a-n on a side of the adjacent L-beam and fastening each of the T-beams 202a-n with the at least one side freely supported in a cantilevered configuration relative to the adj acent L-beam by coupling together the at least one side support fastener HOOa-n with at least one complementary fastener 1102a-n. The fasteners may generate a stationary hinged configuration inhibiting vertical movement. The process may also include coupling two side support fasteners HOOa-b vertically offset a fastener length from one another and coupling two complementary fasteners 1102a-b on the side of the adjacent L-beam vertically offset the fastener length. Further, the process may include fastening each of the T-beams 202a-n with the at least one side freely supported in a cantilevered configuration relative to the adjacent L-beam by coupling together the two side support fasteners 1 lOOa-b with the two complementary fasteners 1102a-b.

[0031] Referencing briefly back to FIG. 3, a hinged platform will have a “cascading” collapse as observed and documented in at least 35 Yards. When a wire rope breaks, LB1 has nothing to “hold on to” and drops down. LB1 and LB2 fall down, will twist causing great damage to adjacent wire ropes and causing the cascading domino effect. After any single point failure, the rigid platform and its lifting equipment will continue to safely support a vessel. Platform can be raised or lowered to the limits of its normal vertical travel or wire rope can be changed before recommencing normal operation. The articulated platform is severely damaged and unusable. In one embodiment, the method and system may be described as adding longitudinal stiffening, steel bracing, and security wires, this method protects the section from falling after wire rupture and prevents domino effect. Mechanical lift dock cannot continue operation if loss of hoist has not been considered at the time of design which means typically 50% extra load capacity for each hoist.

[0032] Additional embodiments may include linking the articulated sections using free-slide hinges, wire ropes, chains, or other flexible parts that can absorb the shock force of a falling section. These components are designed to prevent the section from falling but are not actively involved in load bearing or moment transferring. This approach uses a loose link solution to hold the section in place without contributing to the overall structural integrity. This method protects the section from falling after wire rupture and prevents domino effect. Shiplift cannot continue operation if loss of hoist has not been considered at the time of design which means typically 50% extra load capacity for each hoist.

[0033] Methods may also include welding the articulated sections together, thereby providing all the advantages of a rigid platform. In case of wire rupture, this approach allows operations to continue seamlessly if the control system has been appropriately modified to permit it. With reference to FIG. 13, the fastening method may also include adding joints to the articulated sections to provide tight, robust connections, effectively transforming them into a rigid platform. This approach is easier to upgrade, transport, install, and maintain while offering all the advantages of a rigid platform. In case of wire rupture, this approach allows operations to continue seamlessly if the control system has been appropriately modified to permit it. Specifically, as disclosed in FIG. 13, each side of an L-beam and / or a primary T-beam may include a fastener attachment welded or otherwise directly coupled thereto and may include, for dampening and coupling, springs, joints, etc. that inhibit vertical movement thereof.

[0034] Although a specific order of executing and describing the invention has been described and / or depicted, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more steps shown or described as occurring in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all of the process steps can be combined into a single process.

[0035] A method for transforming articulated lift platforms for marine vessels to a rigid lift platform with motorized weight distribution control has been disclosed that minimizes platform failure in docking marine vessels, particularly in pre-existing articulated platforms. Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this disclosure also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the above-described features.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method for transforming articulated lift platforms for marine vessels to a rigid lift platform with motorized weight distribution control comprising: providing an articulated lift platform body having: a set of opposing longitudinally oriented L-beams each coupled to one another in an articulated configuration with at least one side freely supported in a cantilevered configuration relative to an adjacent L-beam; and a plurality of transversely oriented T-beams coupling the set of opposing longitudinally oriented L-beams together and including a plurality of primary T-beams each interposed between two opposing longitudinally oriented L-beams; providing a plurality of motorized cable support assemblies each operably coupled to, and configured to support, one of plurality of primary T-beams with a cable; and fastening the at least one side freely supported in a cantilevered configuration relative to the adjacent L-beam to generate a rigid lift platform with each of the opposing longitudinally oriented L- beams of a unitary configuration inhibiting vertical movement of each of the longitudinally oriented L-beams.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the articulated configuration includes the at least one side freely supported by either the adjacent L-beam or one of the plurality of primary T-beams.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of motorized cable support assemblies each include at least one pulley operably coupled to the cable and a base not directly coupled to the articulated lift platform body.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: providing each of the plurality of motorized cable support assemblies with a sensor in the base and configured to ascertain a weight applied on the cable; and selectively activating and increasing the motor on at least one of the plurality of motorized cable support assemblies corresponding an increase in the weight applied on the cable.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: selectively and autonomously with at least one electronic controller activating and increasing the motor on the at least one of the plurality of motorized cable support assemblies corresponding the increase in the weight applied on the cable.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: providing each of the plurality of motorized cable support assemblies with a sensor configured to ascertain a weight applied on the cable; and selectively activating and increasing the motor on at least one of the plurality of motorized cable support assemblies corresponding an increase in the weight applied on the cable.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: selectively and autonomously with at least one electronic controller activating and increasing the motor on the at least one of the plurality of motorized cable support assemblies corresponding the increase in the weight applied on the cable.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: fastening each of the T-beams with the at least one side freely supported in the cantilevered configuration relative to the adjacent L-beam with a fastening member assembly including a plurality of fastening members each spanning a longitudinal length of a T-beam and coupled at opposing ends to at least one of the plurality of primary T-beams and the adjacent L-beam.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: coupling at least one side support fastener to the at least one side freely supported in the cantilevered configuration relative to the adjacent L-beam and coupling at least one complementary fastener on a side of the adjacent L-beam; and fastening each of the T-beams with the at least one side freely supported in a cantilevered configuration relative to the adj acent L-beam by coupling together the at least one side support fastener with at least one complementary fastener.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising:coupling two side support fasteners vertically offset a fastener length from one another and coupling two complementary fasteners on the side of the adjacent L-beam vertically offset the fastener length; and fastening each of the T-beams with the at least one side freely supported in a cantilevered configuration relative to the adjacent L-beam by coupling together the two side support fasteners with the two complementary fasteners.

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