Adjustable Chain Compressor Alignment Without Deck Rewelding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain compressors for vessels require cumbersome adjustments and repetitive welding, leading to thermal damage to the deck and inefficient alignment, which increases load on components.
Innovation Solution
A chain compressor with a rotatably connected main body part and a position adjustment unit, allowing for modularization and alignment without detaching from the deck, using a base part, guide slots, and fastening members to adjust the position and angle of the support roller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the chain compressor is fixed to the deck by welding, then the chain compressor is securely attached, but adjusting the direction requires detaching and rewelding, which is cumbersome and causes thermal damage to the deck
Solution Approach 1:
The chain compressor is divided into a main body part and a base part that can be independently adjusted. The main body part can be rotated and repositioned relative to the base part, allowing directional adjustment without detaching from the deck. This segmentation enables localized adjustment while maintaining overall attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the main body part and base part is made dynamic through a position adjustment unit that allows the main body part to move relative to the base part. This dynamic connection replaces the static welded connection, enabling easy adjustment of the chain compressor's direction by simply rotating the main body part on the base part.
2Adaptability or versatility
If welding is repeatedly performed to adjust the chain compressor direction, then the chain compressor can be repositioned, but thermal damage occurs to the deck
Solution Approach 1:
The position adjustment unit creates a dynamic connection between the main body part and base part, allowing the main body part to be rotated and repositioned without welding. The main body part can be adjusted to different angles and positions by simply operating the position adjustment unit, eliminating the need for repeated welding operations that cause thermal damage to the deck.
Solution Approach 2:
The base part acts as an intermediary between the deck and the main body part. Instead of welding the main body part directly to the deck, the base part provides an intermediate platform that allows the main body part to be adjusted and repositioned without direct welding to the deck, thereby preventing thermal damage to the deck surface.
3Ease of manufacture
If the chain compressor is designed with fixed position, then manufacturing is simpler, but alignment with the windlass unit requires cumbersome adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The chain compressor is segmented into a base part and a main body part with independent adjustment capabilities. The base part can be manufactured and installed on the deck first, then the main body part is attached to the base part through the position adjustment unit. This allows the main body part to be precisely aligned with the windlass unit by adjusting its position and angle on the base part, achieving high alignment precision without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The position adjustment unit provides dynamic adjustment capability that allows the main body part to be precisely positioned and aligned with the windlass unit after installation. The main body part can be rotated and repositioned to achieve optimal alignment, ensuring accurate chain transmission while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes for each component.
Data Source
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AI summary
An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an anchoring apparatus including a windlass unit configured to heave an anchor chain, and a chain compressor including a main body part to which a support roller that supports the anchor chain is rotatably connected, a base part that connects the main body part to a vessel, and a position adjustment unit configured to adjust a position of the main body part on the base part, wherein the windlass unit and the main body part are arranged on the base part.