Crane Connector System for Offshore Wind Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Offshore crane operations for installing wind turbine foundations are inefficient due to the need for multiple personnel to connect and disconnect slings, high wear on hoisting cables, and significant deck space requirements, leading to increased costs and time consumption.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a crane tool with a connector and adaptable connectors-counterparts that reduce the need for personnel, slings, and deck space, allowing for safer and faster operations by enabling direct connection of the hoisting cable to tools and components, and incorporating sensors for precise positioning and automation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the main crane hook is lowered to deck level to connect and disconnect slings, then tools and components can be changed, but this requires at least three staff members, costs much time and deck space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool change capabilityVSAvoidpersonnel and equipment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the connection function from the traditional hook-sling system to a dedicated connector system. The connector is integrated into the crane tool, eliminating the need for separate slings and manual connection operations by multiple personnel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector and adapter system enables self-service connection and disconnection operations. The quick-connect mechanism allows the crane tool to automatically engage with the adapter on tools or components without requiring manual intervention from multiple staff members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the crane hook is lowered to deck level to connect slings, then tool changes can be performed, but this subjects the hoisting cable and winch to considerable wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool change capabilityVSAvoidhoisting cable durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the connection function from the hook-sling system to a dedicated connector system. The connector is integrated into the crane tool, eliminating the need for separate slings and manual connection operations by multiple personnel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector system allows the hoisting cable to remain continuously engaged with the crane tool without being lowered to deck level. This continuous engagement eliminates repeated cable handling and reduces wear on the cable and winch while maintaining the ability to change tools and components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If the crane hook is lifted from deck without a load, then slings can be removed, but this causes considerable wear on the hoisting cable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesling removalVSAvoidhoisting cable durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If traditional hook and slings are used, then tools and components can be lifted, but this requires more personnel, deck space, and time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting operation capabilityVSAvoidconnection and disconnection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11186962B2System for use with a crane on a surface vessel

Publication Date: 2021.11.30 IQIP HOLDING BV

AI summary

The invention relates to a system (1) for use with a crane (4) on a surface vessel (3), comprising a crane tool (15) attached or attachable to a hoisting cable (5) of the crane (4) and one or more adaptors (16) attached or attachable to one or more tools (11-14, 25) for carrying out operations or to one or more components (2, 10), the crane tool (15) comprising a connector (17) and at least one of the adaptors (16) comprising a connector-counterpart (18).