Vibration Reduction Means in Cutter Suction Dredger Hoisting Wire System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cutter suction dredgers experience significant vibrations and shock-loads from the cutter head, which are predominantly transferred through the hoisting wire system, leading to structural failures, equipment damage, and crew discomfort, with existing designs failing to adequately isolate or damp these vibrations.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating vibration reduction means into the hoisting wire system, including passive elements like dashpots and rubber cushions, as well as active compensation using actuators and electronic measuring equipment, to mitigate the transfer of vibrations from the cutter head to the dredger.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the cutter head is used to excavate hard rock or soil, then the dredging capability and productivity are improved, but heavy shock-loads and vibrations are generated that are transferred to the dredger structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedredging capabilityVSAvoidvibrations and shock-loads
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A vibration reduction means is introduced as an intermediary element between the cutter head and the dredger structure. This intermediary component absorbs and dampens the vibrations and shock-loads generated during cutter head operation, preventing their direct transmission to the dredger structure while allowing the cutter head to continue its excavation function effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration reduction means is pre-installed in the hoisting wire system to provide cushioning before the vibrations and shock-loads reach the dredger structure. This prior cushioning mechanism is designed to mitigate the harmful effects of vibrations and shock-loads before they can cause structural damage or discomfort to the crew.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If vibration reduction means are added to the hoisting wire system, then the transfer of vibrations to the dredger is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration transferVSAvoidhoisting wire system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration reduction means utilizes relatively simple, cost-effective components such as dampers and vibration isolation elements that can be easily replaced if needed. These components are designed to be straightforward in construction and maintenance, minimizing the increase in device complexity while effectively reducing vibration transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Manufacturing precision

If the cutter head position is controlled accurately for precise profile dredging, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the sensitivity to vibrations and shock-loads increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile accuracyVSAvoidvibration sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration reduction means acts as a mediator that decouples the precision positioning system from the high-vibration cutter head operation. This allows the hoisting wire system to maintain accurate control of the cutter head position for precise profile dredging while the vibration reduction means independently handles the mitigation of vibrations and shock-loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Significantly reduces vibration and shock-load levels on the dredger, preventing structural failures and crew discomfort, and enabling safe operation in hard soils or rocks by effectively isolating or compensating for the cutter head's vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

vibration reduction means for reducing the transfer of vibrations generated by the cutter head to the cutter suction dredger through the hoisting wire system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

The vibration reduction means may comprise at least one element chosen from the group consisting of a dashpot, an elastic element, a rubber cushion, a spring, a pneumatic damper, a hydraulic damper and a shock absorber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2626473B1Method for reducing the transfer of vibrations to a cutter suction dredger generated by a cutter head and cutter suction dredger on which such method is applied
Publication Date: 2016.12.07 JAN DE NUL
  • EP2626473B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2626473B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2626473B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Cutter suction dredger (1), comprising a cutter dredger ladder (3) with a cutter head (12) movable upwards and downwards by means of a hoisting wire system (22), wherein the hoisting wire system (22) is provided with vibration reduction means (56) for reducing the transfer of vibrations generated by the cutter head (12) to the cutter suction dredger (1) through the hoisting wire system (22).