Hydraulic Chain Wheel Replacement on Vessels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for changing chain wheels on vessels are hazardous and costly, particularly when done at sea, due to the heavy and bulky nature of the components, which often require manual handling and frequent replacement.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a hydraulic cylinder fixed to the axle, allowing for controlled movement and replacement of chain wheels by connecting them to the cylinder and a conveying device, enabling safe and controlled operation even in open sea conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual lifting tools and equipment are used to remove and fit chain wheels, then the chain wheel can be replaced, but the operation becomes hazardous especially when the vessel is subjected to heavy sea

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of chain wheel replacementVSAvoiddifficulty of chain wheel replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a hydraulic cylinder system to provide controlled mechanical force for moving the heavy chain wheel on and off the axle. The hydraulic system enables precise control of the chain wheel position during replacement, eliminating the hazards associated with manual lifting tools while operating in heavy sea conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a conveying device as an intermediary mechanism between the hydraulic cylinder and the chain wheel. This mediator provides stable support and controlled transfer of the heavy chain wheel, reducing the risk of accidental movement and improving safety during the replacement operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If chain wheel replacement is performed at sea, then operational continuity is maintained, but the risk of injuries increases due to heavy sea conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidrisk of injuries from heavy sea

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying device acts as a stable intermediary platform that secures the chain wheel during transfer operations. This mediator isolates the replacement operation from the harmful effects of heavy sea conditions, enabling safe execution at sea without increasing injury risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with a controlled hydraulic system that provides stable, predictable force application. This substitution eliminates the unpredictable human factor in heavy sea conditions while maintaining operational continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If chain wheels are handled on shore, then safety is improved, but operational interruption and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of chain wheel handlingVSAvoidoperational interruption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic cylinder system enables safe chain wheel replacement to be performed at sea, eliminating the need to return to shore. This hydraulic assistance provides the controlled force needed to handle heavy chain wheels in motion, reducing operational interruption and associated costs while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

4Device complexity

If heavy chain wheels are moved manually, then equipment complexity is reduced, but the risk of unintended movement and accidents increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of replacement equipmentVSAvoidcontrol over chain wheel movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic cylinder provides controlled mechanical force with precise positioning capability, enabling reliable control of chain wheel movement without requiring complex mechanical guidance systems. The hydraulic system's inherent controllability reduces accident risk while maintaining relatively simple equipment architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 method significantly reduces the risk of accidents and allows for safe, controlled chain wheel replacement on vessels, even in heavy seas, by stabilizing the chain wheels during transfer, thus minimizing injury risk and operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

moving the first chain wheel off the axle by means of the cylinder; moving the second chain wheel onto the axle by means of the cylinder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

the cylinder should be constructed in such a way that it can absorb the bending moments arising because of the weight of the chain wheel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBending moment resistance: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2265539B1Method and device for chain wheel change

Publication Date: 2013.03.27 NAT OILWELL VARCO NORMAY AS

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AI summary

Method for a chain wheel change, a first chain wheel (1) being on an axle (2), and the method including: - arranging a hydraulic cylinder (10) at the axle (2); - moving the first chain wheel (Ia) off the axle (2) by means of the cylinder (10); - connecting the first chain wheel (Ia) to a conveying device (38) while the first chain wheel (Ia) is held in position by the cylinder (10); - connecting a second chain wheel (Ib) to the cylinder (10) while the second chain wheel (Ib) is held in position by the conveying device (38); and - moving the second chain wheel (Ib) onto the axle (2) by means of the cylinder (10).