Marine Power Conduit Locking Assembly for Socket Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power conduit systems in offshore wind turbines experience wear and tear due to the relative movement of cables through sockets, leading to high maintenance costs and potential failure.
Innovation Solution
A marine power conduit interface assembly featuring a housing with a locking device and slide mechanism that secures the cable within a socket, utilizing a locking arm that moves between radially retracted and expanded positions to lock the assembly in place, facilitated by a latch system that allows easy installation and decommissioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cable is allowed to move freely through a socket, then ease of installation is improved, but wear and tear on the cable increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm is pre-configured in a retracted position during installation, allowing the cable to be inserted freely through the socket. Once installation is complete, the locking arm automatically transitions to an expanded position to secure the cable, preventing subsequent movement and wear. This preliminary configuration resolves the contradiction by enabling ease of installation initially, then automatically providing cable protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm is designed as a dynamic component that can transition between retracted and expanded positions. During installation, it remains retracted to allow cable movement. After installation, it expands to lock the cable in place, preventing wear. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by adapting the locking mechanism's state based on the installation phase.
2Reliability
If a locking device is added to secure the cable, then cable durability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is merged with the interface assembly housing, with the locking arm integrated into the structural components. The lock operator is combined with the slide mechanism, allowing a single axial movement to control both the locking arm and the overall assembly position. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining cable durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm serves multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical lock to secure the cable, provides structural support within the interface assembly, and works in conjunction with the tapered faces to provide self-aligning capabilities during installation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while ensuring cable durability.
3Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added to control the locking arm, then cable durability is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is pre-configured in an engaged state that automatically allows the locking arm to transition to its locked position once the assembly is installed. During installation, the latch is designed to disengage automatically when the assembly reaches its final position, eliminating the need for manual operation. This preliminary configuration improves ease of operation while ensuring cable durability through automatic locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to operate automatically based on the position of the assembly during installation. When the interface assembly is inserted into the socket, the latch automatically disengages to allow the locking arm to expand and lock the cable. This self-service operation eliminates manual intervention, improving ease of operation while ensuring reliable cable securing.
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
Reduces wear on power conduits by stabilizing their position within the socket, minimizing maintenance costs and extending the lifespan of the cable connections.
Implementation Method 1
relative sliding movement of the housing and slide in an axial direction moves the tapered faces of the lock operator and the locking arm relative to one another to move the locking arm between the first and second radial positions
Data Source
AI summary
A marine power conduit interface assembly has a slide slidable within a housing. Sliding of the slide in the housing locks the assembly in a socket of an energy generator. The slide has a leg extending axially within a groove formed in the inner surface of the bore of the housing, connected to a ring with a flange which extends radially outwards from an outer surface of the housing. The ring is connected to the leg by a radially inwardly extending finger passing through a slot in the housing. The lock can be activated and deactivated by sliding of the slide in the housing.