Buffering Support Element for Cable Path Length Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for laying elongated flexible articles like cables on or in a seabed are inefficient, particularly when connecting offshore wind turbine generators, as they require time-consuming vessel maneuvering and can pose safety risks due to limited space and the need for extensive cable lengths.
Innovation Solution
A device with a storage unit, overboarding guide means, and a buffering support system that allows for varying the length of the cable path by translating support elements in different directions, enabling the vessel to hold additional cable length on board, which can be used to bridge the distance to a connection point without needing to sail away, thus reducing maneuvering and allowing simultaneous operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the vessel sails away from the wind turbine generator to pay out cable length, then the required cable length is achieved, but the operation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffering support element that translates in a second direction (athwartships direction) perpendicular to the first direction (longitudinal direction) in which cable is paid out. This dimensional change creates an additional degree of freedom for cable management, allowing the vessel to maintain stationary position while providing sufficient cable length through the buffering element's translation, thereby eliminating the need to sail away and significantly improving productivity
2Quantity of substance
If the vessel sails away to provide cable length, then the connection requirement is met, but the vessel maneuvering complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffering support element is designed to be translatable in the athwartships direction, providing dynamic adjustment capability. This dynamic element allows the system to adapt cable path length without vessel maneuvering, transforming a complex maneuvering problem into a simple mechanical translation of the buffering support element, thereby reducing operational complexity
3Productivity
If the vessel remains stationary near the wind turbine generator, then productivity increases and safety improves, but the cable length required to bridge the distance cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The buffering support element acts as an intermediary between the storage unit and the overboarding guide means. By translating this intermediary element in the athwartships direction, the system effectively extends the cable path length without requiring the vessel to move away, thus providing the necessary cable length while maintaining stationary position and improving both productivity and safety
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for paying out an elongated flexible article from a vessel is described. The device comprises a storage unit for the article, overboarding guide means for the article, article support means defining a cable path between the storage unit and the overboarding guide means, and pulling means for advancing the elongated article along the path. The article support means comprise an overboarding support element that is translatable in a first direction, and a buffering support system comprising a support element that is translatable in a second direction, whereby a translation of the support element has the effect of varying the length of the cable path. A vessel equipped with the device is also described. The device and method allow paying out an elongated flexible article from a vessel in a more efficient way.