Faired Cable Twist Detection and Hoisting Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for handling ducted tractor cables used to tow submersible bodies face significant risks of damage due to double twisting of the fairing, leading to system downtime and maintenance challenges, especially when the cables pass through guide devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for monitoring and managing the fairing cable to detect double twists, involving a first hoisting stage to partially raise the submerged twist out of the water and prevent it from entering the guide device, with optional slower winding and manual assistance to ensure proper alignment and reduce damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the cable is deployed and towed at high speeds, then the hydrodynamic drag is reduced due to streamlined fairings, but the fairing is at risk of double twisting and damage when passing through guide devices
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device detects double twists in advance before they cause damage. By continuously monitoring the cable during deployment and recovery operations, the system identifies twisted configurations early and allows for corrective action before the fairing passes through guide devices, preventing crushing and damage while maintaining high-speed towing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring device provides real-time feedback on the fairing's configuration during cable deployment and recovery. This feedback mechanism enables operators to detect double twists and adjust operations accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that prevents damage while maintaining efficient towing operations
2Ease of operation
If the fairing is crushed due to double twisting, then the cable cannot pass through guide devices, but this leads to system immobilization and extended maintenance downtime
Solution Approach 1:
By detecting double twists before they result in fairing crushing, the monitoring device prevents the harmful condition from developing. This preliminary detection and warning system allows operators to take corrective action during normal operations, avoiding system immobilization and extended maintenance downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring device converts the potentially harmful double twist condition into a beneficial early warning signal. By detecting the twisted configuration before it causes damage, the system transforms a harmful mechanical condition into useful information that enables preventive maintenance and avoids system shutdown
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
This approach effectively reduces the risk of fairing damage by stabilizing the double twist, allowing for safe passage through guide devices and minimizing system downtime, without requiring modifications to existing winch or guide devices.
Implementation Method 1
the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic flows as well as gravity
Implementation Method 2
the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic flows as well as gravity
Implementation Method 3
a first cable monitoring step for detecting whether the fairing is undergoing a double twist
Implementation Method 4
a first hoisting step of the faired cable during which the faired cable is hoisted
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A method for handling a faired cable (1) using a fairing (2), said cable being towed by a vessel (100) on-board which is installed a winch (5) for winding up and unwinding the faired cable (1) through a guide device (4) for guiding the faired cable, the method comprising: - a first step (10) of monitoring the cable (1), in order to detect whether the fairing (2) has undergone a double twist around the cable comprising a complete submerged twist and a complete airborne twist, - and, when a double twist is detected, a first step (11) of hoisting the faired cable (1) during which the faired cable (1) is hoisted, the first hoisting step (11) being implemented in such a way that the complete submerged twist at least partially exits the water and does not enter the guide device (4).