In-situ Bollard Tester Frame for Safe Load Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of a standard and safe testing device and procedure for determining the integrity of mooring bollards and cleats on piers and wharves, with existing methods being dangerous and not representative of vertical mooring line angles, leading to potential damage to ships and piers.
Innovation Solution
An in-situ bollard tester comprising a frame with adjustable legs and hanging columns, a tensioner system with hydraulic arms and load pin sensors, and a cable that wraps around the bollard to apply tension and measure load capacity at various angles, allowing for safe and accurate testing of bollard integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tugboats are used for bollard testing, then testing capability is achieved, but safety deteriorates and measurement accuracy worsens due to inability to represent vertical mooring line angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized testing frame as an intermediary device between the bollard and the testing force. This frame provides a controlled environment for applying load through hydraulic cylinders and cable systems, eliminating the need for tugboats while maintaining testing capability. The intermediary structure enables precise control of loading angles to accurately represent vertical mooring line conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical tugboat system with a hydraulic-mechanical testing system. Hydraulic cylinders provide controlled force application, and the frame structure with cable systems replicates the loading conditions that would otherwise require a tugboat. This substitution eliminates safety risks associated with tugboat operations while maintaining testing accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a standardized testing device is developed, then testing accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a rectangular frame structure, hydraulic tensioning system, cable wrapping mechanism, and load measurement instruments. Each module performs a specific function, allowing for precise control of testing parameters while maintaining manageable overall complexity. The segmentation enables standardized testing procedures through systematic component integration.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If safe testing procedures are implemented, then safety improves, but testing capability may deteriorate without proper equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The testing frame is designed as a universal device that can test various types of bollards and mooring hardware. The rectangular frame with adjustable hydraulic cylinders and cable systems can accommodate different testing scenarios, including vertical mooring line angle tests and uplift force tests. This multi-functionality ensures that safety is maintained while preserving comprehensive testing capability across different marine applications.
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 in-situ bollard tester provides a safe, accurate, and reusable method for determining the load capacity of bollards, reducing the risk of damage and improving testing efficiency by simulating vertical mooring line angles, thus ensuring the safety of ships and piers.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of hydraulic arms having lower ends removably attached near a proximal end of the rectangular frame
Implementation Method 2
each having a load pin sensor adapted for measuring a cable tension
Data Source
AI summary
An in-situ bollard tester. The in-situ bollard tester may comprise: a frame, cable, and tensioner. The frame is preferably adapted to mount onto a pier or wharf and around a bollard to provide structural support for the cable and tensioner. The frame may comprise a rectangular frame, pair of hanging columns, and first and second pair of legs. The first pair of legs are coupled near proximal corners of the rectangular frame and are vertically disposed. The hanging columns are coupled near distal corners of the rectangular frame. The second pair of legs are coupled at the lower ends of the hanging columns and are disposed in a horizontal manner. The tensioner may be coupled above the rectangular frame. The cable may fasten to the bollard, and the tensioner may apply tension to the cable at various load angles in order to test the integrity of the bollard.