Adjustable Tower Cable Unwinding Apparatus for Seabed Reels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable unwinding apparatuses for seabeds require multiple ships and extensive operations to handle reels of different sizes and weights, leading to high costs and inefficiencies in cable laying processes.
Innovation Solution
A versatile apparatus with adjustable towers and hub-holder groups that can accommodate reels of varying sizes and weights, allowing for sequential use of multiple reels on a single ship, with mechanisms for safe and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cable unwinding apparatuses are used for different reel sizes and weights, then multiple ships and extensive operations are required, but this leads to high costs and inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed with adjustable tower heights and variable hub-holder group configurations, allowing a single device to handle multiple reel sizes and weights (from 200 to 2500 tons, diameters of 6 to 24 meters). This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized apparatuses and ships, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The towers are made dynamically adjustable in height through telescopic sections that can be extended or retracted based on the specific reel dimensions. This dynamic adaptability allows the same apparatus to accommodate varying reel sizes without requiring multiple fixed-configuration devices, reducing operational complexity while maintaining versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ships are deployed to handle different cable types, then all cable laying needs are met, but operational time and expenses increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single apparatus equipped with adjustable towers and hub-holder groups can sequentially handle multiple reel types (flexible cables with diameters of 6-11 meters weighing 200-500 tons, and yielded steel cables with diameter of 24 meters weighing 2400 tons). This eliminates the need for multiple ships to travel between sites, significantly reducing time loss and operational expenses
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is pre-configured with multiple hub-holder groups that can be positioned and adjusted in advance for different reel types. This preliminary preparation allows for quick transitions between different cable laying operations without requiring extensive reconfiguration or multiple ships, reducing operational time
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed-configuration towers are used, then structural stability is maintained, but the apparatus cannot accommodate reels of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The towers incorporate telescopic sections with locking mechanisms that maintain structural stability when extended or retracted to different heights. Each telescopic section can be securely locked in position, ensuring stability while allowing the tower height to be dynamically adjusted to match different reel dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The towers are divided into multiple telescopic sections that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows for flexible height configuration while maintaining the structural integrity of each section, enabling the apparatus to accommodate varying reel sizes without compromising stability
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective laying of different types of cables by allowing a single ship to handle various-sized reels, reducing operational time and expenses by minimizing the need for multiple ships and reducing the number of vessel movements.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus also comprises at least two vertical hydraulic pistons, each of which mounted between the two columns of each tower for the lifting and lowering of the reel between lowered loading position and a raised work position
Implementation Method 2
Two horizontal hydraulic pistons are also provided for, mounted on the base in order to move the two towers towards or away from each other along rails
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention regards an apparatus for unwinding flexible cables on seabeds, which comprises: two first towers (2), each provided with a corresponding first vertical guide seat (5), two second towers (6), each provided with a second vertical guide seat (7), and two hub-holder groups (8), each of which slidably constrained to the second guide seat (7) of the corresponding second tower (6) and carrying, rotatably mounted thereon, a corresponding hub (3). Each second tower (6) can be moved between a first operating configuration, in which the second tower (6) is slidably constrained in the first guide seat (5) of the corresponding first tower (2), and a second operating configuration, in which the second tower (6) is arranged outside the first guide seat (5) of the corresponding first tower (2).