Catamaran Lifting Apparatus With Articulated Frames
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catamaran lifting devices face challenges in maintaining stability and flexibility during wave action, particularly in quartering sea states, which affects their ability to lift multi-ton objects efficiently and safely.
Innovation Solution
The catamaran lifting apparatus employs spaced apart vessels connected by frames that span between them, with universal joints and hinged connections allowing independent movement, providing longitudinal flexibility and clearance for lifting objects from the seabed to the surface, utilizing winches and rigging for lifting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If frames are rigidly connected to both vessels, then structural strength is improved, but longitudinal flexibility in quartering sea states deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid fixed connections with movable articulating connections (universal joints and hinges) between the frames and vessels. This allows the connection system to adapt dynamically to wave action while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between strength and flexibility by enabling controlled movement rather than rigid fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection parameters from fixed to articulated, allowing the frames to change their orientation and position relative to the vessels. The universal joints and hinges enable parameter changes in the connection geometry, allowing the system to maintain strength while adapting to varying sea conditions through controlled parameter changes.
2Device complexity
If frames are spaced closely together, then device complexity is reduced, but clearance for lifting objects from seabed to surface deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by utilizing the vertical dimension (height) rather than increasing horizontal spacing. The frames extend upwardly in an inverted U-shape, creating vertical clearance space that allows objects to be lifted from the seabed to the surface without requiring increased horizontal distance between vessels, thus maintaining simple device configuration while providing adequate lifting clearance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If vessels are positioned close together, then stability in calm water is improved, but flexibility to accommodate wave action deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing articulating connections that allow the frames and vessels to move relative to each other in response to wave action. This dynamic connection system maintains stability during calm operations while providing the flexibility needed to accommodate rough sea conditions, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
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. The catamaran hull arrangement provides longitudinal flexibility in a quartering sea state due to the unique universal joint and hinge placement between the frames or trusses and the hulls or barges. Each of the frames extends upwardly in an inverted u-shape, providing a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables 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. Alternatively, a package that is to be lifted from the deck of a marine vessel, workboat, supply boat or the like can be lifted from the deck of the workboat, vessel, barge, etc. if it is to be then placed in the marine environment such as upon an existing jacket or other under support.