Load Compensating Mooring Hooks for Dynamic Tension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mooring systems for vessels are inadequate in managing large wave heights, leading to unsafe conditions and increased risk of mooring line breakage and equipment damage, particularly in offshore terminals where wave heights exceed one meter.
Innovation Solution
A mooring apparatus with an actuator connected to a mooring hook and base, a vessel motion detection system, and a control system that adjusts mooring line tension dynamically to oppose vessel motion, minimizing excessive tension and resonance, allowing for safer operations in challenging weather conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the size and number of mooring lines are increased to handle larger waves, then the system strength and wave handling capacity are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional passive mechanical mooring systems with an active control system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators to dynamically adjust mooring line tension. This substitution allows the system to handle larger waves without simply adding more lines, as the control system actively manages the existing lines to compensate for wave forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities to the mooring system through actuators that can actively change the tension and length of mooring lines in real-time based on detected vessel motion and wave conditions. This transforms the static mooring system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing sea conditions, improving strength without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If mechanical springs are added to reduce line breaking risk, then the reliability is improved, but the vessel surge motion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor vessel position and motion, and the control processor adjusts actuator commands accordingly. This closed-loop feedback allows the system to maintain reliability by preventing line breakage while simultaneously managing vessel surge motion through active compensation, rather than passive spring elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive mechanical springs with an active control system using actuators and sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for large mechanical springs while achieving both reliability (preventing line breakage) and stability (controlling vessel motion) through electronic control and real-time adjustment of mooring line tension.
3Reliability
If the vessel is limited to protected waters with smaller waves, then the safety is improved, but the adaptability to different operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the mooring system from a static design suitable only for protected waters to a dynamic system that can adapt to various sea conditions including offshore environments with larger waves. The active control system continuously adjusts mooring line parameters to maintain safety across different operating conditions, expanding the vessel's operational versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the mooring system through actuators that dynamically adjust line tension, length, and angle. By changing these parameters in real-time based on sea conditions, the system maintains safety in protected waters while also becoming adaptable to offshore environments with larger waves and more variable conditions.
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 enables safer and continued vessel operations in conditions previously considered unsafe, reducing the likelihood of mooring line breakage and enhancing personnel safety by dynamically managing mooring line tension and vessel alignment with terminal facilities, even in significant wave heights of up to 2 to 3 meters.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator connected to a mooring hook and the mooring base. The actuator provides translational movement of the mooring hook towards the mooring base
Implementation Method 2
The vessel motion detection system provides an input indicative of vessel motion to the mooring apparatus control system
Data Source
AI summary
A mooring apparatus that includes an actuator connected to a mooring hook and the mooring base. The actuator provides translational movement of the mooring hook towards the mooring base. The mooring apparatus also includes a vessel motion detection system and a mooring apparatus control system. The mooring apparatus may include a mooring line tension gauge. The vessel motion detection system provides an input indicative of vessel motion to the mooring apparatus control system. The mooring apparatus control system then provides an output signal to the appropriate mooring system(s) which results in adjustment of the mooring line tension in the appropriate mooring system(s). Methods for use thereof are also disclosed.