Marine Lifting Device with Flexible Support for Wave Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lifting technologies for sea platforms lack the capability to efficiently and accurately lift large parts, such as support structures and topsides, due to limitations in flexibility and motion compensation, particularly in dynamic marine environments like waves.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device with a base structure, a gripping device, a support device, and a lifting beam, equipped with flexible elements and a positioning system, allowing for freedom of movement and active control to compensate for wave-induced motions, enabling secure gripping and lifting of sea platform parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid lifting device is used, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility and motion compensation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device incorporates a movable support device that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation relative to the base structure. The support device includes a support element that can move between a supporting position (where it contacts the lifting beam) and a non-supporting position (where it is spaced from the lifting beam), allowing the system to adapt to wave-induced motions while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible or elastic elements (such as hoses, belts, or chains) to connect the support device to the base structure. These flexible elements provide freedom of movement for the gripping device while maintaining structural connection, enabling the system to compensate for dynamic motions in the marine environment
2Stability of the object's composition
If the gripping device is rigidly fixed to the base structure, then structural stability is improved, but freedom of movement and wave compensation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support device acts as an intermediary between the base structure and the lifting beam. It includes a support element that can engage with or disengage from the lifting beam, providing conditional support that allows movement when needed while maintaining stability when required. The flexible elements serve as intermediaries that transmit forces while allowing relative motion
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is designed to be movable relative to the base structure, transitioning between supporting and non-supporting positions. This dynamic capability allows the system to provide structural stability when the support element engages with the lifting beam, while allowing freedom of movement when the support element is spaced from the lifting beam to compensate for wave-induced motions
3Device complexity
If a simple lifting mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision and lifting accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a positioning device with a position control system that actively controls the position of the gripping device. This feedback mechanism monitors the position and makes adjustments to maintain precise positioning and accurate lifting, compensating for disturbances in the marine environment while using relatively simple mechanical components
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 provides enhanced flexibility and stability during lifting operations, allowing for precise positioning and secure lifting of sea platform parts, even in wave-prone conditions, thereby improving the efficiency and safety of sea platform installation and removal processes.
Implementation Method 1
The lifting device comprises flexible or elastic elements to provide, in a supporting state of the lifting device, freedom of movement of the gripping device with respect to the base structure
Implementation Method 2
The support element is a support pin and the support location is formed by a support saddle for the support pin
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a lifting device (1) for lifting a leg of at least one part of a sea platform comprising a support structure and a top side, wherein the lifting device comprises: a base structure (2) to be mounted on a vessel; a gripping device (3) to grip the leg, wherein the gripping device is movably supported with respect to the base structure; a support device (4) mounted on the base structure, and a lifting beam (5), wherein a first end of the lifting beam is configured to be supported at a support location of the support device and wherein a second end of the lifting beam opposite to the first end is configured to be connected to the gripping device.