Jointed Catamaran Lift Frames for Redundant Dynamic Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine lifting devices face challenges in maintaining stability and redundancy in dynamic positioning systems, particularly in harsh marine environments, due to the limitations of individual vessels' propulsion and steering capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A catamaran lifting apparatus is designed with two spaced apart vessels connected by frames with universal and hinged joints, allowing independent movement and enhanced redundancy through integration of propulsion and dynamic positioning systems, forming a higher-class DP system by combining two lower-class vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two lower-class vessels are integrated to form a higher-class DP system, then propulsion redundancy and dynamic positioning capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate lower-class DP vessels into a single integrated catamaran lifting apparatus, merging their propulsion systems and dynamic positioning capabilities. This merging creates a higher-class DP system with superior redundancy, where each vessel can independently maintain positioning if the other fails, while the universal and hinged joints enable coordinated operation of the combined system.
2Strength
If frames are rigidly connected to both hulls, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility in quartering sea state deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic connection mechanisms between frames and hulls, using universal joints at one end and hinged connections at the other. These joints allow the frames to adapt their orientation and position in response to wave action and sea conditions, providing longitudinal flexibility in quartering seas while maintaining structural integrity through the jointed connections that can accommodate movement.
3Device complexity
If frames are positioned close together, then device complexity is reduced, but independence of frame movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lifting apparatus into two independently positioned frames that span between the hulls at spaced-apart locations. This segmentation allows each frame to move and respond to wave action independently, enhancing the system's ability to handle dynamic marine conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall configuration through the repetitive use of similar frame structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A catamaran lifting apparatus is disclosed for lifting objects in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame spans between the vessels. A second frame spans between the vessels. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. Each of the frames provides a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables a package to be lifted and/or a marine vessel to be positioned in between the barges and under the frames. In this fashion, an object that has been salvaged from the seabed can be placed upon the marine vessel that is positioned in between the barges and under the frames.