Adaptive Reel Coupling for Passive Umbilical Tension Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for offshore charging of electric vessels face challenges such as entanglement risks and potential damage from excessive tension, especially when using a single umbilical cable for both mooring and charging, and active tension control systems pose risks of system failure.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive tension compensator system using a motor-driven reeling drum with a coupling mechanism and elastic energy storage system to provide passive tension compensation, allowing the umbilical cable to function as both a mooring line and charging cable, with modes for active and passive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single umbilical cable is used for both mooring and charging, then device complexity is reduced and entanglement risk is eliminated, but the cable is subjected to excessive tension forces that can cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the tension compensation function into discrete modular units (spring assemblies, dampers, pulleys) that can be independently configured and adjusted, allowing the single umbilical cable to handle tension forces through distributed mechanical elements rather than relying on cable elasticity alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces passive mechanical tension compensation devices as intermediary elements between the umbilical cable and the vessel/mooring point. These devices (springs, dampers, pulley systems) act as mediators that absorb and regulate tension forces, protecting the cable from excessive loads while maintaining the simplicity of a single-cable configuration
2Force
If active tension control is used with a motor-driven reeling drum, then cable tension can be maintained within limits, but system reliability decreases due to risk of power failure and motor drive failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates passive mechanical tension compensation devices (springs, dampers, elastic elements) that are pre-configured to automatically absorb and compensate for tension forces. This beforehand cushioning mechanism ensures that even if active control fails, the cable tension remains within safe limits due to the pre-established passive compensation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The passive tension compensation devices operate autonomously without requiring external power or control systems. The springs, dampers, and mechanical pulley systems self-regulate cable tension based on physical principles (elasticity, damping), eliminating dependence on motor drives and power supplies while maintaining reliable tension control
3Strength
If separate elastic synthetic mooring lines are used to absorb tension forces, then cable damage is avoided, but entanglement risk and snapback hazard increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tension absorption function from separate elastic mooring lines and integrates it into the single umbilical cable system through passive mechanical compensation devices. By taking out the elastic mooring line function and combining it with the charging cable, the system eliminates entanglement and snapback hazards associated with multiple separate lines while maintaining tension absorption capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the mooring function and charging cable function into a single integrated umbilical cable configuration. Passive mechanical tension compensation devices are incorporated directly into the cable assembly, combining the functions of tension absorption and power transmission in one unified system, thereby eliminating the need for separate elastic mooring lines
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 system eliminates entanglement risks and potential damage, ensures safe and reliable charging even in power failures, and provides seamless switching between modes for different operational needs.
Implementation Method 1
elastic energy storage system to provide passive tension compensation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides for an adaptive tension compensator system for offshore charging of a vessel via an umbilical cable of a motor driven reeling drum provided at a power station. The compensator system comprises a motor hub member (102), mountable to a motor shaft (20) and configured to transmit rotary motion between a motor (18) and the reeling drum (16) along a first rotational axis (104); a reel hub member (106), mountable to the reeling drum, arranged coaxial with said motor hub member and configured to transmit rotary motion between the reeling drum and the motor, and a coupling mechanism (108), operably coupled between said reel hub member and said motor hub member, adapted to transmit rotary motion between said reel hub member and said motor hub member when the motor is in a first mode, and adapted to provide a biased rotational motion of said reel hub member about said first rotational axis between a first angular position (110) and a second angular position (112) relative to said motor hub member, when the motor is in a second mode.