Beam-Mounted Hose Rack for Secure Vessel Transfer Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing transfer hoses on waterborne platforms and vessels are time-consuming, prone to damage, and pose safety risks due to repeated stress and manual handling, leading to hose failure and potential injuries.
Innovation Solution
A hose rack with a mounting frame, cradle, and clasp assembly that securely attaches to a beam or railing, limiting hose movement and allowing rapid detachment, featuring adjustable securing features and a modular design for various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If transfer hoses are secured using traditional methods (ropes, cords, manual tying to stanchions or pad eyes), then the hoses can be attached to waterborne vessels, but the process is time-consuming and requires repeated manual handling which increases the risk of damage and safety incidents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rack system as an intermediary device between the hose and the vessel structure. The rack includes a mounting frame that attaches to the vessel's beam or railing, a cradle that receives the hose, and a clasp assembly that secures the hose. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for manual rope-tying operations while providing secure hose attachment, thereby resolving the contradiction between attachment speed and security.
2Ease of operation
If transfer hoses are manually handled and tied repeatedly during transfer operations, then the hoses can be adjusted and secured, but the repeated stress and manual handling cause damage to the hoses and couplings
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system is designed to be self-adjusting and self-securing. The mounting frame automatically attaches to the vessel's beam or railing structure, the cradle automatically receives and positions the hose, and the clasp assembly automatically secures the hose without requiring repeated manual intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the repeated handling that causes damage while maintaining operational ease.
3Productivity
If transfer hoses are left unsecured or loosely secured on support features, then the installation process is faster, but the hoses slip and move during transfer operations causing damage to couplings and activating dry-break couplings
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system serves as a stable intermediary structure that firmly anchors the hose in place. The mounting frame attaches securely to the vessel's beam or railing, the cradle provides stable reception for the hose, and the clasp assembly prevents any slippage or movement during transfer operations. This intermediary mechanism ensures the hose remains securely positioned without requiring excessive tightening or complex securing methods, thereby resolving the contradiction between installation speed and prevention of harmful movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A rack is provided for securely, but removably, connecting an elongate article (e.g., a conduit or hose) to an elongated apparatus (e.g., a horizontal beam or railing) of a water borne platform or vessel during transfer of fluids and flowable materials through the conduit. In an exemplary embodiment, the rack includes a mounting frame which rests on and grips the beam, thereby fixing the position of the rack on the beam. The rack also includes a cradle affixed to the top of the frame and a clasp assembly affixed to the front of the frame. The cradle receives, orients, and supports the hose lying substantially transversely across the beam, and the clasp holds the hose on the rack. Additional features are provided which enhance safety and enable use of the rack in different environments and industries.