Hinged Docking Frame for Subsea Vehicle Launch

Solution Overview

Problem

Deep sea mining vessels face challenges in controlling the launch and recovery of subsurface mining vehicles due to high drag forces and the risk of collision, especially in harsh weather conditions, resulting in significant time loss and damage to the vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A docking device with a hinge-mounted docking frame that tilts between horizontal and vertical positions, allowing for controlled guidance of the mining vehicle through engaging means, including guiding rails and hydraulic arms, to reduce drag and prevent collisions during launch and recovery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the mining vehicle is launched horizontally through the docking well, then the vehicle can be deployed, but high drag forces and collision risks occur in harsh weather conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaunch controlVSAvoiddrag force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the launch dimension from horizontal (through docking well) to vertical (through stern opening), allowing the vehicle to be launched perpendicular to the water surface. This dimensional change reduces drag force exposure during launch and recovery operations in harsh weather conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of launching the vehicle horizontally forward through the docking well, the patent inverts the approach by launching vertically downward through the stern opening. This inversion of the launch direction eliminates the high drag forces experienced during horizontal water entry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If the mining vehicle is launched horizontally through the docking well, then the vehicle can be deployed, but collision risks increase in harsh weather conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaunch controlVSAvoidcollision risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the launch dimension from horizontal (through docking well) to vertical (through stern opening), allowing the vehicle to be launched perpendicular to the water surface. This dimensional change reduces drag force exposure during launch and recovery operations in harsh weather conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of launching the vehicle horizontally forward through the docking well, the patent inverts the approach by launching vertically downward through the stern opening. This inversion of the launch direction eliminates the high drag forces experienced during horizontal water entry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If the mining vehicle is launched over a side edge of the vessel, then the launching device operates from the side edge, but considerable time is lost waiting for weather windows

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaunching operationVSAvoidweather window waiting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the launch dimension from horizontal (through docking well) to vertical (through stern opening), allowing the vehicle to be launched perpendicular to the water surface. This dimensional change reduces drag force exposure during launch and recovery operations in harsh weather conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If the mining vehicle is launched horizontally through the docking well, then the vehicle can be deployed, but significant time loss occurs during launch and recovery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaunch controlVSAvoidlaunch and recovery time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the launch dimension from horizontal (through docking well) to vertical (through stern opening), allowing the vehicle to be launched perpendicular to the water surface. This dimensional change reduces drag force exposure during launch and recovery operations in harsh weather conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables controlled launch and recovery operations in harsh weather conditions, increasing operational time and reducing damage to the mining vehicles by maintaining a rigid connection between the vehicle and the vessel, thus minimizing uncontrolled movements and collisions.

Implementation Method 1

hydraulic drive means (12) mounted on the vessel and mechanically linked to the frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

first guide means (15a, 15b) for guiding the mining vehicle along a longitudinal direction of the frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical guidance: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3083389B1Device for launching a subsurface mining vehicle into a water mass and recovering the same from the water mass

Publication Date: 2019.01.09 IHC HOLLAND IE BV

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AI summary

A device for launching subsurface mining vehicle into a water mass from a docking well of a floating vessel, and/or recovering said vehicle from the water mass is disclosed. The device comprises a docking frame that is hinge mounted to the vessel, and that comprises first mining vehicle engaging means for guiding the mining vehicle along a longitudinal direction of the frame into the water. The docking frame operatively engages with drive means for tilting the frame in a vertical plane between a substantially horizontal mining vehicle docking position and a substantially vertical mining vehicle launching or recovery position. The device further comprises third engaging means for guiding the mining vehicle when the vehicle extends at least partly underneath a base of the vessel. The device allows lowering or recovering subsurface mining vehicle in a controlled manner.