Releasable Latch Arm Using a Frangible Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retaining latch systems for cable protection systems in offshore wind turbines are prone to failure due to significant point loading, spring corrosion, and maintenance issues, leading to costly replacements and potential catastrophic cable loss.
Innovation Solution
A frangible connector mechanism in a latch arm that selectively releases a retaining element from a storage position to a deployed position in response to an abutting relationship with the facility wall, eliminating the need for constant biasing forces and reducing maintenance requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If spring-loaded retaining latch systems are used to hold cable protection systems in place, then the systems can be easily installed and removed, but the springs are prone to corrosion and failure leading to latch migration and catastrophic cable loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring component entirely from the retaining latch system. The frangible connector replaces the spring-loaded mechanism, eliminating the source of corrosion and failure while maintaining the ability to install and remove the cable protection system through controlled breaking of the frangible connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible connector is designed as a disposable component that is intentionally weak and meant to break after use. Once the cable protection system is installed and the frangible connector breaks, the latch arm remains in the engaged position permanently, eliminating the need for reusable springs that can corrode and fail over time.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional retaining latch systems with constant biasing forces are used, then the latches can remain engaged, but they require maintenance due to spring corrosion and point loading issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spring component that causes corrosion and maintenance issues. The frangible connector provides initial engagement force without requiring constant biasing, and the latch arm remains passively engaged without moving parts that can corrode or fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch system is designed to be self-acting after installation. The latch arm engages with the retaining arm and remains in place through its mechanical geometry and the broken frangible connector, requiring no maintenance, adjustment, or replacement of biasing components throughout the service life of the cable protection system.
3Reliability
If frangible connector mechanism is used to selectively release retaining elements, then reliability and longevity are enhanced by preventing latch migration and corrosion, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the latch mechanism into distinct functional segments: the latch arm for engagement, the frangible connector for controlled release, and the retaining arm for holding the cable protection system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply and reliably without complex interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible connector is designed with specific material and geometric parameters that make it intentionally weak compared to other components. This parameter change ensures it breaks under minimal force while all other components remain robust and simple, achieving reliability through controlled weakness in one specific element rather than complex active control mechanisms.
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 solution enhances the reliability and longevity of cable protection systems by preventing undesired latch migration and corrosion, allowing for easier removal and replacement without relying on springs, thereby reducing operational costs and ensuring continued functionality over a 30-year design life.
Implementation Method 1
The frangible connector is breakable when a cracking force incident on the frangible connector exceeds a predetermined threshold force
Implementation Method 2
providing an abutment force on at least one abutment element that moves with a respective at least one latch arm
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for selectively releasing at least one retaining element during a pull-in process that locates a rigid support body at a predetermined location with respect to an aperture in a wall of a facility are disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a rigid support body comprising a through bore that extends through a length of the support body and through which a flexible elongate member is locatable; at least one latch arm slidable along a respective axis of sliding with respect to the support body; and for each latch arm, an abutment element that moves with the latch arm and is disposed to abut with a portion of a wall of a facility when the support body is located through an aperture in the wall of the facility; wherein the latch arm is disposed to respectively slide in a first direction of motion away from a retaining element supported on the rigid support body when the rigid support body passes through the aperture to thereby release the retaining element from a storage position when the retaining element is within the facility.