Chain Stopper Automatic Engagement Mechanism for Offshore Mooring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain stoppers in offshore mooring applications suffer from high wear and fatigue due to inadequate force handling, particularly in semi-automatic designs that are complex and unreliable, and often require manual operation, leading to increased stress on chain links.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automatic chain stopper with a chain locking portion that automatically engages a first chain link to prevent pulling in one direction, while an activation portion, connected via a connecting body, allows disengagement when the chain is pulled in a second direction, optimizing load distribution and reducing wear through a claw design that fits around curved chain links and a groove for efficient force absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to engage the chain stopper, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the operation complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The chain stopper automatically engages with the chain link when the chain is in the locked position, without requiring manual intervention. The activation portion is designed to be engaged by the chain itself, which automatically triggers the disengagement of the locking portion, allowing the chain to be pulled in the second direction.
2Extent of automation
If semi-automatic chain stoppers with springs are used, then automatic engagement is achieved, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the spring mechanism and other complex automatic engagement devices from the chain stopper design. Instead, it relies on the geometric configuration of the locking portion and activation portion, which work together through pure mechanical interaction with the chain links, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining automatic engagement capability.
3Force
If the chain stopper engages chain links under high tension, then the mooring function is effective, but wear and fatigue of the chain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking portion is designed with a curved surface that complements the curvature of the chain link. This curved geometry allows the locking portion to distribute the chain tension forces more evenly across the chain link surface, reducing stress concentration and minimizing wear and fatigue on the chain.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the locking portion is designed to fit around curved chain links, then wear is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking portion features a localized curved engagement surface that specifically matches the curvature of the chain link at the contact point. This localized geometric adaptation allows the stopper to handle chain links gently without requiring the entire device to be complex, as only the specific engagement area needs the specialized geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
A chain stopper is connectable to a support structure, such as a platform, and comprises: a chain locking portion for automatically engaging a first chain link of a chain so as to prevent the chain from being pulled in a first direction and; an activation portion connected to the chain locking portion. The activation portion is configured such that, upon pulling the chain in a second direction, the activation portion is adapted to be engaged by the chain so as to disengage the chain locking portion from the first chain link, allowing the chain to be pulled in the second direction.