Cable-Actuated Decoupler for Vessel Hose Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to quickly and safely disconnect elongated members, such as hoses or pipes, between waterborne vessels and structures, especially when the distance exceeds a desired limit or in emergency situations, posing risks of injury, property damage, and material loss.
Innovation Solution
A decoupler system with a cable that anchors to a structure and releasably attaches to a vessel, actuating to release the elongated member when the desired distance is exceeded, incorporating a rip cord mechanism and switches to stop fluid flow and disconnect the conduit, ensuring safe separation without increasing risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a decoupler system with cable and rip cord is implemented, then the speed of disconnection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The decoupler system is pre-configured with the cable attached to the vessel and the rip cord mechanism ready for immediate activation. When separation is needed, the operator simply pulls the rip cord which triggers the pre-arranged release mechanism, eliminating the need for complex manual disconnection procedures and achieving rapid separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the cable's own tension and the rip cord's mechanical action to automatically trigger the decoupler release mechanism. The cable tension itself activates the release when the desired distance is exceeded, and the rip cord provides a simple self-contained actuation method that doesn't require external power or complex control systems.
2Reliability
If automatic distance monitoring and decoupler activation is implemented, then the reliability of safe disconnection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates distance monitoring that provides feedback on the separation between vessel and structure. When the cable reaches its full extended length or a predetermined distance threshold is exceeded, this feedback automatically triggers the decoupler activation sequence, ensuring reliable separation without requiring complex continuous control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable acts as an intermediary element that physically connects the distance measurement function to the decoupler activation. Instead of using complex electronic sensors and control systems, the cable's mechanical extension itself serves as the trigger mechanism, simplifying the control system while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cable is made longer to accommodate greater distance, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the risk of injury or damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-determines the maximum safe cable length during design and installation. This predetermined length is sufficient to accommodate the required operational distances while ensuring that the cable will not become excessively long and create safety hazards. The decoupler is designed to activate before the cable could potentially cause harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoupler system is designed to activate and disconnect the elongated member before the cable could potentially cause injury or damage. By anticipating the potential harm from an overly long or tensioned cable, the system preemptively separates the vessel from the structure, eliminating the harmful effect before it can occur.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, apparatus for disconnecting at least one elongated member extending between a waterborne vessel and at least one other object includes a cable extendable between the waterborne vessel and the other object. When the distance between the waterborne vessel and the other object exceeds a certain distance, the cable causes the at least one elongated member to be released from the vessel or other object.