Adjustable Landing Posts for Retrievable Process Module Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reconfiguration of internal components in a retrievable module for subsea systems can change its center of gravity, inducing a bending moment that complicates landing on subsea structures.
Innovation Solution
A landing system with multiple compressible stages, including a damper and spring mechanism, adjusts to varying mass distributions by using extension nuts to stabilize and orient the module during landing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the retrievable module uses reconfigurable internal components to perform different processes, then the module's adaptability is improved, but the center of gravity changes which induces bending moment and reduces landing stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs compensators (springs and dampers) as counterbalancing elements that generate forces to offset the bending moment induced by variable center of gravity. These compensators are positioned to create opposing moments that stabilize the module during landing, directly applying the anti-weight principle to counteract the destabilizing effect of reconfigurable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The landing system transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one by incorporating adjustable landing posts with compensators. The system adapts its mechanical properties during the landing process, allowing the structure to respond to varying mass distributions and center of gravity positions, thereby maintaining stability despite reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the landing system is designed to accommodate varying mass distributions, then the device complexity increases, but the manufacturing and adjustment flexibility improve
Solution Approach 1:
The landing system is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple mass distributions and center of gravity positions through adjustable landing posts. The same basic structure with adjustable compensators serves multiple functions across different process configurations, avoiding the need for entirely different landing systems for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The landing system is divided into modular landing posts that can be independently adjusted. Each landing post functions as an independent unit with its own compensator mechanism, allowing localized adjustment without affecting the entire system, thereby managing complexity through modular segmentation.
3Device complexity
If fixed landing posts are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle varying mass distributions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The landing posts incorporate adjustable elements that allow the system to transition from a fixed to a dynamic configuration. The compensators (springs and dampers) can be adjusted to change the mechanical characteristics of each landing post, enabling the simple basic structure to adapt to varying mass distributions without requiring complete system redesign.
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
Ensures a stable and efficient landing of retrievable modules with different mass distributions, reducing the need for redesign and saving time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
one or more compensators configured to move in response to a landing force
Implementation Method 2
landing post including one or more compensators configured to move in response to a landing force
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a landing system configured to land a retrievable module on a subsea structure. The landing system includes a landing post, and a landing adjuster configured to adjust a position of the landing post relative to a landing side of the retrievable module.