Fall Pipe Motion Base Vessel Movement Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fall pipe assembly and operation systems require significant manual intervention, leading to slow installation or disassembly and increased risk of accidents due to vessel movements and alignment challenges in deepwater environments.
Innovation Solution
A fall pipe assembly and operation system with a motion base and control mechanism that compensates for vessel movements, allowing for automated alignment and handling of pipe pieces, reducing manual intervention and improving alignment accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual alignment methods are used for pipe piece assembly, then the system is simpler in structure, but the assembly time increases significantly and alignment precision deteriorates due to vessel movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a motion base with multiple degrees of freedom that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation to compensate for vessel movements. The motion base includes translational and rotational capabilities that allow real-time adaptation to changing vessel attitudes, enabling continuous alignment between pipe pieces despite platform motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion base acts as an intermediary between the fixed pipe structure and the moving vessel. It provides a controlled transition interface that isolates the alignment process from vessel movements, allowing precise pipe piece connection while the vessel continues to move freely on the water surface.
2Device complexity
If manual alignment methods are used for pipe piece assembly, then the device structure is simpler, but alignment precision deteriorates due to vessel pitch and roll movements
Solution Approach 1:
The motion base incorporates dynamic compensation capabilities with multiple degrees of freedom that actively track and counteract vessel pitch and roll movements. Sensors detect vessel attitude changes and the control system adjusts the motion base orientation accordingly, maintaining precise alignment between pipe pieces throughout the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated motion control system. The motion base uses controlled mechanical movements guided by sensor feedback and control algorithms to achieve precise alignment, eliminating the imprecision inherent in manual alignment methods.
3Loss of time
If automated motion base with compensation mechanism is implemented, then assembly time is reduced and alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motion base is designed as a multi-functional platform that simultaneously provides positioning, orientation control, and movement compensation. This universal device handles multiple tasks that would otherwise require separate systems, reducing overall complexity despite the advanced capabilities it provides.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes in the motion base configuration to adapt to different assembly scenarios. By adjusting operational parameters such as motion ranges, compensation speeds, and degree of freedom activation, the system achieves high precision and speed without requiring maximum structural complexity in all configurations.
4Manufacturing precision
If automated motion base with compensation mechanism is implemented, then alignment precision is improved, but the system becomes more complex to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The motion base system incorporates self-service capabilities through automatic vessel motion detection and compensation. The system autonomously tracks vessel movements and adjusts its position and orientation without requiring constant manual intervention, thereby maintaining high alignment precision while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensors that monitor vessel attitude and motion base position to automatically adjust alignment. This closed-loop control eliminates the need for complex manual coordination, as the system self-corrects based on real-time conditions, improving precision while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Fall pipe assembly and operation system for mounting and/or dismounting a fall pipe (3) comprising a pipe piece (5) handling means (32), which is at least partly installed on a motion base (38), which is mounted movably with respect to a vessel, the movement of the motion base being controlled by a motion base control mechanism for compensating vessel movements in such a manner that during lowering of a pipe piece to be installed or during hoisting of a pipe piece to be removed the pipe piece handling means on the motion base is kept in alignment with respect to the upper pipe piece of the fall pipe.