Gyroscope-Stabilized Vessel Lifting for Swinging Load Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The lifting and displacement of large, slender objects from a vessel deck, such as wind turbine components, are hampered by wind and wave loads, causing significant swinging movements that complicate or prevent successful operations, especially in rough weather conditions.

Innovation Solution

The use of a gyroscope connected to the hoisting cable and object, which dampens swinging movements by rotating around a primary axis, effectively stabilizing the object during lifting, displacement, and mounting on a support structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If objects are lifted from a moving vessel deck using conventional hoisting means, then the objects can be displaced, but wind and wave loads cause significant swinging movements that complicate or prevent successful operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidstability of the object

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A gyroscope is introduced as an intermediary device between the hoisting cable and the object. The gyroscope's rotating mass creates gyroscopic effects that counteract the swinging movements caused by vessel motion and external forces, thereby stabilizing the suspended object without requiring direct control adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The gyroscope changes the dynamic parameters of the suspended system by introducing rotational inertia and gyroscopic stiffness. This alters the system's response to external disturbances, reducing the amplitude of swinging movements and improving operational stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the vessel operates in rough weather conditions, then the vessel must remain operational, but wave action causes vessel movements that induce swinging of suspended objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to weather conditionsVSAvoidswinging movements of object

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The gyroscope converts the harmful effect of vessel motion into a beneficial stabilizing effect. By maintaining a constant rotation speed, the gyroscope's angular momentum creates a stabilizing torque that counteracts the disturbing forces from waves and wind, transforming the vulnerable suspended system into a stabilized one

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If larger and slenderer objects are lifted, then more components can be transported, but wind load increases causing greater swinging movements

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoidwind load on object

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The gyroscope acts as a dynamic counterweight system. The rotating mass of the gyroscope creates centrifugal and gyroscopic forces that counterbalance the wind-induced swinging forces on large, slender objects, enabling stable transport of larger components that would otherwise be too vulnerable to wind loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 gyroscope significantly reduces the amplitude of swinging movements, allowing for precise manipulation of objects in harsh weather conditions, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a gyroscope which is connected to the hoisting cable, attaching means and/or object and which comprises a rotation-symmetrical body rotating around a primary rotation axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGyroscope effect: Gyroscope

Implementation Method 2

The swinging movements of the attaching means and of the object connected thereto, occurring under the influence of wave and wind forces, are damped during displacement by a gyroscope

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 3

a gyroscope which is connected to the hoisting cable, attaching means and/or object and which comprises a rotation-symmetrical body rotating around a primary rotation axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngular momentum: Angular Momentum

Data Source

PatentUS12528671B2Method for lifting an object from a vessel deck

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 GEOSEA

AI summary

Described is a method for lifting an object from a vessel deck. A hoisting means present on the vessel deck is provided with a hoisting cable to which an attaching means for the object is coupled. The object is connected to the attaching means and then taken up and displaced relative to the vessel deck using the attaching means. The swinging movements of the attaching means and of the object connected thereto, occurring under the influence of wave and wind forces, are damped during displacement by a gyroscope which is connected to the hoisting cable, attaching means and/or object and which includes a rotation-symmetrical body rotating around a primary rotation axis.