Catamaran Lifting Frame 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 sea conditions, due to limited thruster distribution and redundancy in propulsion and steering systems.
Innovation Solution
The integration of two dynamically positioned vessels through a catamaran lifting apparatus with universal and hinged connections between frames and hulls, forming a combined system with enhanced redundancy and thruster distribution, allowing for superior dynamic positioning and propulsion capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two dynamically positioned vessels are integrated through catamaran lifting apparatus, then redundancy and thruster distribution are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates two dynamically positioned vessels into a single combined system through catamaran lifting apparatus, merging their propulsion and dynamic positioning systems. This combination creates redundancy where multiple thrusters from both vessels contribute to position keeping, and failure of one vessel's DP system can be compensated by the other, thereby improving reliability while accepting increased system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The combined system maintains independent dynamic positioning systems on each vessel rather than creating a fully integrated single system. Each vessel retains its own DP control and thruster management, allowing segmented operation where one vessel can independently maintain position if the other fails, providing redundancy without requiring complete system integration
2Reliability
If two dynamically positioned vessels are integrated through catamaran lifting apparatus, then thruster distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the thruster systems of two vessels into a single operational array for the catamaran lifting apparatus. Multiple thrusters from both vessels are distributed around the combined structure, providing superior thrust vectoring capability and position control compared to a single vessel, while the complexity of coordinating multiple thrusters is managed through integrated control systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If universal and hinged connections are used between frames and hulls, then adaptability to wave action is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal joints and hinged connections between the frames and hulls, allowing the connection points to move and adjust dynamically in response to wave action and vessel motion. These mechanical joints provide degrees of freedom that enable the structure to adapt to changing sea conditions, accommodating relative motion between vessels while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The universal joints and hinged connections act as intermediary elements between the rigid frames and the moving hulls. These intermediaries absorb and accommodate relative motion, misalignment, and angular deviations that occur during operation in rough seas, protecting the primary structural components from excessive stresses
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 arc 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.