Hinged Transfer Structure for Reel Handling on Laying Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for transferring reels between a laying vessel and an auxiliary platform in underwater laying operations face challenges such as long downtime, complex and hazardous reel handling, and concentrated stresses on structural elements due to the weight of the reels.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a connecting structure hinged to both the laying vessel and the auxiliary platform, supported by hydraulic cylinders to distribute the weight and allow for relative movement, eliminating the need for crane-lifted reels and optimizing force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If reels are lifted by lifting cranes during transfer, then reels can be moved between auxiliary platform and laying vessel, but positioning precision deteriorates due to oscillation of suspended load and handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A transfer structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the auxiliary platform and laying vessel. This transfer structure includes a transfer dock that can be selectively connected to either the auxiliary platform or the laying vessel, serving as a stable intermediate platform for reel operations. The transfer structure acts as a mediator that eliminates the need for crane lifting, providing a stable surface for reel positioning and handling without oscillation issues.
2Ease of operation
If reels are transferred using lifting cranes, then reels can be moved between platforms, but device complexity and safety risks increase due to complex crane operations and suspended load hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer structure serves as a mediator that replaces the complex crane handling system. By providing a dedicated transfer dock that can be connected to either the auxiliary platform or laying vessel, the system eliminates the need for lifting cranes entirely. Reels are moved along the transfer structure using simpler mechanisms such as winches or rollers, significantly reducing device complexity and associated safety risks.
3Ease of manufacture
If laying vessel stops at quay for string winding, then new string can be wound on reel, but productivity decreases due to long stops and inactivity period
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two independent functional units: the auxiliary platform dedicated to string prefabrication and reel winding, and the laying vessel dedicated to the laying operation. This segmentation allows the auxiliary platform to prepare multiple reels with strings in advance, while the laying vessel continues its laying work without interruption. When a reel is depleted, the laying vessel can quickly exchange reels at the transfer structure without needing to stop for string prefabrication, thereby maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary platform performs preliminary actions by prefabricating strings and winding them onto reels before the laying vessel needs them. Multiple reels are prepared in advance on the auxiliary platform, creating a ready supply of replacement reels. This preliminary preparation eliminates waiting time during reel exchanges, as the laying vessel can immediately swap to a pre-prepared reel without stopping for string winding operations.
4Strength
If connecting structure is rigidly fixed to laying vessel and auxiliary platform, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to compensate relative position variations
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting structure incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to adapt to relative position variations between the auxiliary platform and laying vessel. The transfer dock can be selectively connected to either platform, and the connecting structure includes movable or adjustable components that maintain structural integrity while accommodating changes in relative positioning. This dynamic design enables the system to maintain both strength and adaptability simultaneously.
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
This solution reduces downtime, enhances safety by minimizing the need for crane operations, and distributes the weight of heavy reels, reducing structural stress and improving handling precision.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of first hydraulic cylinders arranged between the connecting structure and the weather deck, and a plurality of second hydraulic cylinders arranged between the connecting structure and the auxiliary platform
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A system for moving between a laying vessel (2) and an auxiliary platform (3) reels (1) configured for laying elongated members on a bed of a body of water (6) exhibits a laying vessel (2) for laying elongated members on the bed of a body of water (6) and having a weather deck (4); an auxiliary platform (3); at least one reel (1) configured for housing a bobbin of elongated members; a connecting structure (13) hinged to the weather deck (4) of the laying vessel (2) about a first hinge (CI) and to the auxiliary platform (3) about a second hinge (C2) for allowing compensation for the variations of the relative positions between the laying vessel (2) and the auxiliary platform (3); and a plurality of first hydraulic cylinders (20) arranged between the connecting structure (13) and the weather deck (4) and a plurality of second hydraulic cylinders (21) arranged between the connecting structure (13) and the auxiliary platform (3).