Heavy-Load Rotational Orientation Control with a Frictionless Swivel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotational control systems for large and heavy loads, such as wind turbine blades and offshore structures, face challenges with high rotational inertia, unbalanced wind loads, and friction in crane hook swivels, leading to unpredictable load rotation and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
An orientation control apparatus comprising a housing, gyroscopes or torque generating devices, thrusters, and a motorized frictionless swivel, controlled by a controller to manage rotational orientation, with supplementary sources of torque and adjustable drag elements to counteract environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gyroscopes are used to control rotation of heavy loads, then rotational control is improved, but friction in crane hook swivels becomes a significant factor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical swivel mechanism with a motorized frictionless swivel that uses electromagnetic or magnetic bearing technology to eliminate mechanical friction. This substitution allows the gyroscope system to operate without being counteracted by significant frictional forces in the swivel joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the friction parameter of the swivel mechanism from high (mechanical contact) to near-zero (frictionless magnetic or electromagnetic bearing). This parameter change enables the gyroscope to effectively control rotation of heavy loads without losing torque to friction.
2Reliability
If the size and number of gyroscopic modules are increased to handle heavier loads, then load capacity is improved, but space, weight and economic constraints are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: the gyroscope modules are mounted directly on the load, the motorized frictionless swivel is integrated with the mounting structure, and the control system coordinates all components as one unified apparatus. This merging reduces overall system complexity despite increased load capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamically adjustable gyroscope configurations where the size and number of gyroscopic modules can be adapted to match the specific load requirements. This dynamic approach allows optimization for each application rather than over-designing for maximum capacity in all cases.
3Device complexity
If traditional rotational control is used for long and wide loads, then simplicity is maintained, but wind loads cause unpredictable rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the rotational orientation of the load and feed this information back to the control system. The controller adjusts the gyroscope output in real-time to counteract wind-induced rotations and maintain the desired orientation, providing active stabilization against environmental disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary counteracting torque through the gyroscope system to prevent wind-induced rotation before it becomes significant. The control system anticipates and compensates for wind loads by applying opposing rotational forces, keeping the load stable rather than reacting after disturbance occurs.
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
Provides precise and stable rotational control of large loads under various conditions, minimizing human intervention and enhancing safety by reducing friction and wind effects.
Implementation Method 1
the orientation of the suspended load is controlled by transferring the angular momentum within the control moment gyroscopic modules
Implementation Method 2
one or more thrusters movably mounted directly or indirectly to the housing or framework
Implementation Method 3
A motorized frictionless swivel is coupled directly or indirectly to the housing or framework and to one or more lines suspending the load
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling rotational orientation of a load suspended from the apparatus comprises a housing or framework for coupling to the load. At least one torque generating device is mounted to the housing or framework. A motorized frictionless swivel is coupled directly or indirectly to the housing or framework and to one or more lines suspending the load. A controller in communication with the torque generating device and the motorized frictionless swivel controls a proportion of rotational force applied to the load from the torque generating device and the motorized frictionless swivel to control the rotational orientation of the load. One or more thrusters movably mounted directly or indirectly to the housing or framework via respective mounting elements vary a position of the thrusters from a centre of the housing or framework and the controller controls a proportion of rotational force applied to the load from the thrusters.