Bow Fender with Movable Support Blocks for Vessel Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for stabilizing service vessels in rough sea conditions during crew embarkation and disembarkation at offshore wind turbines and oil platforms are either cumbersome or unstable, posing safety risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A bow fender equipped with two longitudinally movable support blocks, actuated by a pressure system, which can be retracted or extended to securely engage with vertical fender bars, providing stability without heavy equipment that obstructs the crew or destabilizes the vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If heavy equipment is used to stabilize the vessel bow, then stability is improved, but the equipment becomes obstructive to crew and destabilizes the vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization function is segmented from heavy equipment into lightweight support blocks that can be independently deployed and retracted, eliminating the need for large obstructive structures while maintaining stability during crew operations
Solution Approach 2:
The support blocks are designed to be dynamically deployable and retractable, allowing the system to adapt its configuration - extended when stability is needed, retracted when crew accessibility is prioritized, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation
2Stability of the object's composition
If hydraulic clamping system is used to stabilize the vessel, then position stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex hydraulic clamping system is segmented into simpler support blocks with integrated U-shaped base plates that envelope the fender, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining stabilization capability through distributed contact points
Solution Approach 2:
The support blocks combine multiple functions - structural support, hydraulic actuation, and fender engagement - into single integrated components, reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying the overall system architecture
3Device complexity
If traditional fender design is used, then simplicity is maintained, but stability in rough sea conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fender system is enhanced with dynamically deployable support blocks that can be extended in rough sea conditions to provide additional stabilization, and retracted in calm conditions to maintain simplicity, thus improving reliability without permanently increasing complexity
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 ensures the bow of the vessel remains steady and centered, enhancing safety and reducing operational time by eliminating the need for heavy, obstructive equipment, thus facilitating smoother and safer crew transfers in harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
said support blocks are longitudinally skidable on a front side of the rubber fender under the influence of a pressure actuator
Implementation Method 2
The resulting friction stabilizes the position of the vessel
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7~11
AI summary
Bow fender (10) on a crew transfer vessel, comprising an elongated fender (12) equipped with two in longitudinal and opposite directions movable support blocks (14), wherein said support blocks (14) are skidable on a front side (12a) of the fender (12) under the influence of a pressure actuator (18). Each of said support blocks (14) comprises a U-shaped base plate (20), which at least partially envelopes the fender (12), and with an interior width between respective side faces (20a,20b) corresponding to the height of the fender (12).