Fairlead Structure With Retractable Coupling Means

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing offshore structures, particularly floating ones, face inefficiencies and high costs in maintaining anchoring systems due to complex and rarely used power-on means for tensioning and blocking anchoring chains, leading to suboptimal cost-effectiveness in anchoring and mooring operations.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a separate part with retractable coupling means and actuators within the fairlead system allows for efficient tensioning and blocking of anchoring elements, enabling the use of a single piece for multiple fairleads, simplifying the structure and reducing manufacturing costs while facilitating maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If complex power-on means for tensioning and blocking anchoring chains are integrated into the fairlead, then the anchoring system can be fully automated and controlled, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of anchoring systemVSAvoidcomplexity of fairlead structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fairlead is divided into separate functional modules: a first part containing the chain guide and blocking means, and a second part containing the tensioning means. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance by enabling separate replacement of individual parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tensioning means are designed to be transferable between different fairleads, allowing a single tensioning unit to serve multiple anchoring points. This reduces the overall number of components needed and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining full automation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If power-on means for tensioning and blocking are integrated directly into the fairlead, then the anchoring operation can be performed with a single device, but the manufacturing cost increases and maintenance becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of anchoring operationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost of fairlead

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fairlead is divided into separate functional modules: a first part containing the chain guide and blocking means, and a second part containing the tensioning means. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance by enabling separate replacement of individual parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tensioning means are designed to be transferable between different fairleads, allowing a single tensioning unit to serve multiple anchoring points. This reduces the overall number of components needed and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining full automation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If complex fairlead structures with integrated tensioning and blocking means are used, then the anchoring system can be fully functional, but the maintenance cost and time increase due to difficulty in accessing and replacing components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality of anchoring systemVSAvoidmaintainability of fairlead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The fairlead is divided into separate functional modules: a first part containing the chain guide and blocking means, and a second part containing the tensioning means. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance by enabling separate replacement of individual parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling means between the first and second parts are designed to be detachable, allowing the parts to be separated for maintenance and reconnected during operation. This dynamic coupling enables both reliable functionality during operation and easy access for repair when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3442857B1Offshore structure having at least one fairlead

Publication Date: 2021.02.17 NAVAL ENERGIES

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AI summary

This offshore structure (1), such as a floating structure, having at least one fairlead (5) for guiding an anchoring element (3) thereof at an anchoring point (4), said fairlead (5) comprising guide means that are able to guide the anchoring element (3) in movement in translation between the structure (1) and the anchoring point (4), means for moving the anchoring element (3) in translation in the guide means in order to place said anchoring element under tension, and locking means that are able to prevent the anchoring element (3) from moving in translation in the guide means, for mooring the structure to the anchoring point, is characterized in that the means for moving the anchoring element (3) in translation in the guide means are integrated into a distinct part separate from the rest of the structure of the fairlead, and in that this part and the rest of the structure of the fairlead comprise retractable coupling means thereof.