Marine Crane Compression Support for Anchor Handling Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crane systems for marine vessels, such as Anchor Handling Tug Vessels, lack flexibility and stability during anchor handling operations, particularly when large forces are involved, and often require assistance from other vessels to ensure safe working conditions.
Innovation Solution
A floating vessel equipped with a travelling crane arrangement featuring a transverse beam and trolleys that move along tracks, with a lifting mechanism that includes a support arm to brace the beam during lifting operations, allowing for independent movement of lifting members and tools like robotic arms, and a roller hook system for secure anchoring and load management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fixed roller system is used for anchor handling, then the structure is simple and stable, but the flexibility and adaptability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The crane system is divided into multiple independent segments: the transverse beam that spans across the vessel, the movable trolley that travels along the beam, and the lifting mechanism within the trolley. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, providing flexibility in anchor handling operations while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed roller configuration to a dynamic crane system where the trolley can move along the transverse beam and the beam itself can be positioned at different locations on the vessel. This dynamic capability enables the crane to adapt to various anchor handling scenarios without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a transverse crane spanning across the vessel is used, then flexibility is improved, but stability during heavy lifting operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse beam is designed to extend across the vessel and is supported at multiple points along its length. This distributed support structure acts as a counterbalancing system, where the beam's span and support points are positioned to counteract the moments and forces generated during lifting operations, thereby maintaining stability while preserving flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting mechanism within the trolley incorporates localized support structures and bracing elements that are positioned specifically to reinforce the beam at critical load-bearing points. This local reinforcement provides enhanced stability during heavy lifting without compromising the overall flexibility of the crane system.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the beam is supported in compression during lifting, then structural stability is improved, but the complexity of the support mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using tension-based support cables or hydraulic actuators that would add complexity, the system inverts the approach by designing the transverse beam and its supports to work in compression. The beam is structurally configured to bear compressive loads from the lifting operations, which simplifies the support mechanism while maintaining or enhancing stability.
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 crane arrangement provides enhanced flexibility and stability during anchor handling, reducing the risk of accidents by distributing load stress and enabling safer, more efficient lifting and lowering of heavy loads, even when large forces are applied, without the need for additional vessel assistance.
Implementation Method 1
a support which is selectively positionable in an brace position in which it extends between the deck and the trolley to at least partially support the beam in compression during use of the crane to lift or otherwise support the weight of a load
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a travelling crane arrangement for a floating vessel having a pair of substantially parallel tracks. The crane arrangement comprises: a pair of uprights (18) for movement on respective said tracks and a transverse beam (16) extending between said uprights so as to extend across a deck of the vessel in spaced relation thereto. The beam has a trolley (24,25) arranged for movement along the beam and the trolley carries at least part of a lifting mechanism which is operable to lift a load above the deck. The crane arrangement is characterised by the provision of a support (92,93) selectively positionable in a brace position in which it extends between the deck and the trolley to at least partially support the beam in compression during use of the crane to lift or otherwise support the weight of a load.