Elastic Anchor Line Device for Floating Base Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchoring systems for floating supports in offshore oil and renewable marine energy applications face challenges in managing the significant stresses from wind, current, and swell, leading to fatigue failure and excessive movement, as conventional deformable damping elements are poorly suited to absorb large and complex forces.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elastic device with elastic elements working in shear or compression, made of elastomers bonded to metal or composite inserts, into the anchor lines to reduce stiffness and absorb deformation forces, thereby reducing loads at attachment points and allowing limited movement of floating supports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional deformable damping elements are used in anchor lines, then some deformation absorption is achieved, but they are poorly suited to absorb large forces and are bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the anchor line by incorporating elastic elements (such as elastomers) that fundamentally alter the stiffness and deformation characteristics of the line, enabling it to absorb large forces efficiently without complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite structures combining elastic elements (elastomers) with traditional anchor line materials (chains, cables), creating a hybrid system that leverages the high elasticity and energy absorption of elastomers while maintaining the strength and durability of traditional materials
2Stability of the object's composition
If anchor lines are made taut to resist wind, current and swell forces, then positioning stability is improved, but fatigue failure risk increases due to significant stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates elastic elements in advance within the anchor line to create a cushioning effect that absorbs and dissipates the energy from wind, current, and swell forces before they can cause fatigue damage to the anchor line or floating support
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the mechanical parameters of the anchor line by adding elastic elements, changing it from a rigid, stress-prone system to a more compliant system that can accommodate dynamic loads while maintaining positioning stability
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
The elastic device effectively reduces forces in anchor lines and at attachment points by up to 40% and maintains structural integrity under extreme conditions, while minimizing movement of the floating support.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic element inserted between the two rigid parts, allowing the sliding movement of one relative to the other
Implementation Method 2
At least one elastic element works in shear
Implementation Method 3
at least one elastic element works in compression
Data Source
Figure 1a~3c
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to anchoring systems for floating bases for the production of energy at sea (floating wind turbine, wave energy, floating hydraulic turbines, ETM platform, etc.) and/or for petroleum exploitation at sea, constituted by at least one anchoring line which comprises at least one portion which is constituted by cable, chain or a combination of the two and at least one elastic device.