Adjustable multipurpose rack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for organizing and securing oil field pipes on offshore supply vessels are unsafe, as large pipes can roll and cause accidents or damage to vessels, and current solutions do not adequately address environmental safety.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable multipurpose storage unit with a base that accommodates pipes and other elongated goods, featuring mechanically adjustable stanchions and an actuation mechanism powered by air, hydraulics, or manual operation, which secures pipes in place and prevents rolling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe storage methods are used on offshore vessels, then pipes can be stored, but pipes can roll and cause accidents or damage to vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system employs adjustable stanchions that can be dynamically repositioned along the base to match the specific dimensions and characteristics of different pipe sizes. This dynamic adaptability ensures that each pipe is securely fitted, preventing rolling accidents while maintaining safety across various storage scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameters of stanchions along the base to create custom-fit configurations for different pipe diameters and lengths. By adjusting the distance between stanchions and their position within slots, the rack adapts to various pipe specifications, ensuring secure storage and eliminating the harmful effect of pipe rolling
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed rack configurations are used, then storage is simple, but the rack cannot accommodate different types and sizes of elongated goods
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is segmented into modular components including a base with slots, multiple adjustable stanchions, and an actuation mechanism. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each stanchion position along the base slots, enabling the rack to accommodate various sizes and types of elongated goods while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The rack design provides universal functionality by enabling the same base and stanchion components to serve multiple purposes across different storage needs. The adjustable stanchions can configure themselves to hold various types of elongated goods including pipes of different diameters, making the rack versatile without requiring multiple specialized structures
3Productivity
If manual adjustment of stanchions is used, then the structure is simple, but adjusting and securing pipes efficiently is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a pneumatic or hydraulic actuation mechanism connected to an air supply on the vessel to automatically adjust and position the stanchions. This automated actuation significantly improves adjustment efficiency and productivity by eliminating manual effort, while the use of readily available vessel air keeps the system simple and easy to operate
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 solution provides a safer and more secure method for storing and adjusting oil field pipes, reducing the risk of accidents and environmental harm while allowing for efficient storage and placement of elongated goods.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention can use air from the vessel to operate the adjustable multipurpose rack
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable multipurpose rack which can be used for the storage of pipe and other elongated goods. The adjustable multipurpose rack has movable stanchions to accommodate a changing supply and profiles of elongated goods. The adjustable multipurpose rack comprises at least one base and a plurality of stanchions. The plurality of stanchions comprises of at least one movable stanchion defining at least one compartment. The movable stanchion can be driven by an actuation mechanism or by hand should the actuation mechanism fail.