Dual Chainwheel Link Coupler for Marine Mooring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In marine applications, particularly in offshore drilling, there is a need for coupling and moving two lengths of different sized chains, such as messenger and anchor chains, where the existing technologies are inadequate in efficiently transitioning between the smaller and larger chain sizes during mooring operations.

Innovation Solution

A dual chainwheel assembly with a link coupler that includes a small-chain link coupler and a large-chain link coupler, allowing for secure coupling and movement of different sized chains by engaging with specific wildcat profiles, facilitating the transition between smaller and larger chain sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single chainwheel is used for both messenger chain and anchor chain, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to handle different chain sizes is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different chain sizesVSAvoidchainwheel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chainwheel is segmented into two distinct profiles: a first profile configured to engage the messenger chain and a second profile configured to engage the anchor chain. This segmentation allows each profile to be optimized for its specific chain type while maintaining a unified chainwheel structure, thereby improving adaptability without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chainwheel is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both the first profile for messenger chain engagement and the second profile for anchor chain engagement within a single component. This universal design enables the chainwheel to handle different chain sizes and types, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate chainwheels are used for messenger chain and anchor chain, then the adaptability to different chain sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechain size compatibilityVSAvoidnumber of chainwheels

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functionality of two separate chainwheels into a single chainwheel by incorporating two different profiles in one component. This combining approach maintains the adaptability to handle different chain sizes while reducing the number of separate components, thereby decreasing device complexity compared to using separate chainwheels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single chainwheel achieves universality by being designed to engage both messenger chain and anchor chain through its dual profiles. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate chainwheels while maintaining full compatibility with different chain sizes, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a link coupler transitions from small chain to large chain, then the versatility of the coupling system is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechain transition capabilityVSAvoidcoupler geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The link coupler incorporates different geometric features at different locations: a first geometry configured to engage the messenger chain and a second geometry configured to engage the anchor chain. This local quality approach allows each region of the coupler to be optimized for its specific chain type, achieving versatile chain transition capability while managing manufacturing precision requirements through localized design optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10759628B2Link coupler, chainwheel, and assembly thereof for coupling and moving chains of different sizes

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 BARDEX CORP

AI summary

A link coupler for coupling two lengths of different sized chain together and facilitating movement of the two lengths of different sized chain is provided. Also provided is an assembly of the link coupler with a dual chainwheel, a small chain, and a large chain. The link coupler includes a body, a small-chain link coupler coupled with the body at a first end of the body, and a large-chain link coupler coupled with the body at a second end of the body. The dual chainwheel includes a small wildcat profile and a large wildcat profile. The small chain is coupled with the small-chain link coupler, and the large chain is coupled with the large-chain link coupler.