Seabed Cable Reel Support with Adjustable Locking Anchors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for unwinding flexible cables on seabeds lack versatility in handling reels of different sizes, requiring multiple units and increasing costs due to limited vertical piston travel and height adjustments, which are not sufficient for the entire size range of reels on the market.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a support structure with multiple anchoring elements and locking mechanisms, allowing the hub-carrying groups and reaction bars to move vertically along the shoulders, enabling extended travel and adaptation to various reel sizes through a combination of first and second locking means and movement actuators, facilitating safe and reliable operation with reels of diverse dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vertical pistons with limited travel (about one meter) are used for lifting and lowering reels, then the apparatus structure is simplified, but the apparatus cannot handle reels of different sizes and multiple apparatuses are required
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into modular components including multiple sets of anchoring elements arranged at different heights on the shoulders, allowing selective engagement for different reel sizes. The hub-carrying groups can be positioned at different vertical levels by engaging different anchoring element sets, providing versatility without requiring complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs movable hub-carrying groups that can be dynamically repositioned vertically along the shoulders by engaging different anchoring elements. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same apparatus to accommodate reels of varying sizes, transforming a static structure into an adaptable system.
2Reliability
If multiple apparatuses are provided for different reel size intervals, then each apparatus can be optimized for its specific range, but the overall cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed with universal capability to handle reels across a wide size range by incorporating multiple anchoring element sets at different heights. The same apparatus can be configured for different reel sizes by engaging different anchoring elements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized apparatuses while maintaining safe and reliable handling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the height of the apparatus is increased to accommodate larger reels, then larger reels can be handled, but the apparatus becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of simply increasing the vertical height of the entire apparatus, the solution adds multiple anchoring element sets at different height levels on the existing shoulder structure. This allows vertical positioning adjustment without requiring proportional increases in all apparatus dimensions, achieving adaptability with more efficient use of space.
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 solution allows for the safe and reliable handling of reels of different sizes, enhancing operational versatility and reducing the need for multiple apparatuses, thereby lowering costs and improving adaptability to various reel sizes without the use of spacers.
Implementation Method 1
At least two vertical hydraulic pistons are provided for, each of which mounted between the two towers of each shoulder for the lifting and lowering of the reel
Implementation Method 2
The two shoulders are then brought close together by means of the actuation of the horizontal pistons, in order to bring the pinions of the hub-carrying groups to engage provided ring gears integral with the drum of the reel
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for unwinding flexible cables on seabeds, which comprises a support structure (2) for a reel (5) on which a flexible cable (6) is wound, provided with two shoulders (4) each advantageously formed by two counter-facing towers (19), between which a seat (20) is defined susceptible for slidably receiving a hub-carrying group (7). Each shoulder (4) is associated with a plurality of aligned anchoring elements (12), a slidably movable reaction bar (13) guided in the aforesaid seat (20), and first and second locking means (14, 15), each mounted on the hub-carrying group (7) and on the reaction bar (13), able to be actuated to move between an interference position (A, A′), in which they intercept at least one anchoring element (12) constraining the hub-carrying group (4) or the reaction bar (13) to the relative shoulder (4), and a first non-interference position (B, B′), in which they are released from the anchoring elements (12), freeing the hub-carrying group (7) or the reaction bar (13) from the relative shoulder (4). Two first movement actuators (16), each of which mounted between a hub-carrying group (7) and the corresponding reaction bar (13), allow modifying the distance between them with the first or the second locking means (14, 15) in non-interference position (B, B′).