Bowsing System With Hydraulic Accumulator For Liferaft Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing evacuation systems face challenges in positioning and maintaining the position of inflatable floatable units relative to maritime structures due to high forces and loads, especially in high seas and heavy weather conditions, where peak forces can damage the bowsing line and liferaft.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a flexible member connected to the bowsing line, a hydraulic cylinder with an accumulator, and a gearing system to absorb peak forces, using a combination of elastic elements and hydraulic components to manage movement and positioning of the inflatable floatable units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional bowsing system is used to position the inflatable floatable unit, then the system can be simple in structure, but it cannot absorb peak forces and may suffer damage under heavy weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible member (spring or elastic element) is arranged between the bowsing line and the inflatable floatable unit to absorb peak forces before they reach the bowsing line. This cushioning element is pre-installed to mitigate the harmful effects of sudden force spikes during evacuation operations, especially in rough seas.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible member acts as an intermediary element between the bowsing line and the inflatable floatable unit. It mediates the force transmission by absorbing peaks while allowing controlled movement, protecting both the bowsing line and the floatable unit from damage.
2Quantity of substance
If the evacuation capacity is increased with more and larger liferafts, then more persons can be evacuated, but higher forces and loads are exerted on the bowsing system
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member is pre-installed in the bowsing system to cushion against the increased forces generated by larger and more numerous liferafts. This allows the system to handle higher evacuation capacities without proportionally increasing the risk of bowsing line failure.
3Ease of operation
If the vessel and liferafts move at different speeds, then independent control is needed, but a braking distance is necessary to avoid peaking forces that may damage the system
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member provides continuous force absorption capability that allows for smoother deceleration of the inflatable floatable unit. This reduces peak forces during speed adjustments and braking operations, enabling better control while minimizing stress on the bowsing line.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible member introduces dynamic compliance to the bowsing system, allowing it to adapt to speed differences between the vessel and liferaft. The elastic element can stretch and relax dynamically during acceleration and deceleration phases, smoothing out force variations.
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
This configuration minimizes the risk of damage by absorbing peak tensions and maintaining the position of the inflatable floatable units, ensuring reliable operation even under high seas and heavy weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first hydraulic accumulator (12) which is in fluid communication with the first hydraulic cylinder (9)
Implementation Method 2
the first hydraulic accumulator may have a first part comprising a gas and a second part comprising a fluid, the second part being fluidly connected with the hydraulic cylinder
Implementation Method 3
the first flexible member may be a spring, an elastic element, or a plurality of elastic bands interconnected to form the flexible member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an evacuation system for positioning and maintaining a position of an inflatable floatable unit in relation to a maritime structure during evacuation of persons at sea, comprising a maritime structure from which persons are to be evacuated, an inflatable floatable unit configured to be deployed from the maritime structure, and a bowsing system comprising a first bowsing line extending from the maritime structure to the inflatable floatable unit, and a first bowsing winch configured to, by means of the first bowsing line, bowse and position the inflatable floatable unit in relation to the maritime structure after it has been deployed from the maritime structure into the water, wherein the bowsing system further comprises a first hydraulic cylinder having a piston with a first piston end extending outside the first hydraulic cylinder, and a first hydraulic accumulator which is in fluid communication with the first hydraulic cylinder, the first piston end being connected with the first bowsing line between the first bowsing winch and the inflatable floatable unit. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a bowsing method for positioning and maintaining a position of an inflatable floatable unit in relation to a maritime structure during evacuation of persons at sea.