Catamaran Lifting Apparatus Universal Joint Hinge Design
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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 from the seabed to the surface.
Innovation Solution
The improved catamaran lifting apparatus employs spaced apart hulls connected by frames that utilize universal joints and hinged connections, allowing independent movement and providing longitudinal flexibility. Load spreaders and a block and tackle arrangement enable the lifting of objects, with optional slings for additional support, facilitating the lifting of objects from the seabed to the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid connections are used between frames and hulls, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility and stability in quartering sea states deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing rigid fixed connections with movable joints including universal joints and hinged connections. These joints allow the frames to dynamically adjust their orientation and position relative to the hulls in response to wave action and sea state conditions, providing both structural strength and necessary flexibility for stable operation in quartering seas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connection system into multiple independent movable joints rather than a single rigid connection. Each frame connects to hulls through separate universal joints and hinged connections, allowing independent movement and adaptation of each segment to optimize both strength and flexibility under varying sea conditions.
2Force
If frames are connected rigidly to both hulls, then load bearing capacity is improved, but ability to move independently in wave action deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic movable joints including universal joints and hinged connections that allow frames to maintain load bearing capacity while independently adapting to wave action. The universal joints provide rotational freedom in multiple directions, while hinged connections allow controlled movement, enabling the frames to move independently without compromising load bearing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal joints serve multiple functions simultaneously: they maintain structural strength for load bearing while providing multi-directional rotational freedom for independent movement. This multi-functional connection element allows the same joint to satisfy both the force transmission requirement and the adaptability requirement under varying sea conditions.
3Power
If hulls are positioned close together, then lifting capacity is improved, but clearance for object positioning and movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic movable connections that allow the hulls to maintain optimal positioning for lifting while providing necessary clearance for object movement. The hinged connections and universal joints enable the hulls to adjust their relative positions and orientations dynamically, creating sufficient clearance volume when needed while maintaining lifting capacity through the truss structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the clearance issue by utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement and rotational freedom provided by the universal joints. Instead of simply increasing horizontal distance between hulls, the system uses vertical and angular dimensions to create clearance volume, allowing objects to be positioned and moved within the space between hulls while maintaining lifting capacity.
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. 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.