Chain Stopper Alignment via Segmented Guide Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chain stopper devices face misalignment issues when the angle of the chain relative to the vessel changes, leading to potential damage and increased production costs if the device is enlarged to mitigate this, as it increases weight and material requirements.
Innovation Solution
A chain stopper device with a second guide element that aligns the chain independently of its angle, preventing misalignment by guiding it to be coaxial with the first guide element, and a chain engaging arrangement that switches between configurations to allow or inhibit movement based on tension, ensuring proper alignment and reducing strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the size of the chain stopper is increased to reduce misalignment risk, then the reliability of chain alignment is improved, but the weight and material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chain stopper is divided into multiple functional components: a first guide element for initial chain guidance, a second guide element for alignment correction, and a fairlead. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific alignment function, achieving reliable chain alignment without requiring an overall increase in the size of the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The second guide element acts as an intermediary component between the chain and the first guide element. It corrects chain alignment by guiding the chain into proper alignment with the first guide element, thereby preventing misalignment issues without requiring the first guide element itself to be larger.
2Reliability
If the chain stopper size is increased to prevent chain misalignment, then the chain alignment is improved, but the production costs increase due to larger material requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the alignment function across multiple smaller guide elements rather than using one large guide element, the invention reduces the total material requirements while maintaining alignment reliability, thereby lowering production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide elements are configured to dynamically adapt to chain angle variations. The second guide element specifically addresses dynamic misalignment issues that occur when the chain angle changes, allowing the use of smaller, more cost-effective components rather than an oversized static structure.
3Reliability
If the chain stopper is enlarged to reduce misalignment, then the chain alignment reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is segmented into two distinct guide elements, each with a specific role. This segmentation creates a modular structure that is easier to manufacture, assemble, and maintain compared to a single complex large-sized guide structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide elements are designed with multi-functionality: they guide the chain, correct alignment issues, and accommodate varying chain angles. This multi-functionality allows smaller, simpler components to achieve the same reliability as a larger specialized structure would provide.
Data Source
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Figure 3(a)~3(b)
Figure 4(a)~4(c)
AI summary
A device for connecting a chain or line, such as a portion of a chain or line, to a structure, the device comprising a first portion comprising a first axis, the first portion being configured to connect or be connectable to a structure so as to be movable relative to the structure; a first guide element, the first guide element being arranged on or relative to the first portion to be movable around or about the first axis of the first portion; and a second guide element, the second guide element being configured to align at least a portion of a chain relative to the first guide element.