Mechanical Latching Mechanism for Marine Equipment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latching devices for securing and maneuvering marine or industrial equipment on ship decks or loading platforms often malfunction due to signal issues with hydraulic actuators, leading to equipment drops or losses, and introduce complexity and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A latching mechanism utilizing a bullet assembly with a shaft, sliding block, and latch fingers, actuated by a tension member, which moves between open and closed positions to securely engage and disengage loads, eliminating the need for hydraulic signals and reducing operator error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If hydraulic actuators are used to control latching/unlatching functions, then the latching device can be automated, but the system becomes complex and prone to signal failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the hydraulic actuator system from the latching device, replacing it with a purely mechanical latching mechanism. The latching function is achieved through mechanical engagement of latch fingers with a bullet assembly, removing the complex hydraulic signaling and actuation system entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hydraulic system with a mechanical system. Instead of using hydraulic actuators controlled by signals, the invention uses mechanical force applied through a tension member to directly actuate the latching mechanism, substituting complex hydraulic control with simple mechanical engagement.
2Extent of automation
If hydraulic actuators are used for latching, then automated control is achieved, but human error and signal issues can cause equipment to be dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hydraulic actuator and signal system that introduced reliability concerns. By extracting these components, the invention eliminates the risk of signal failures and hydraulic malfunctions, achieving more reliable operation through purely mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through mechanical force. The tension member directly applies force to the bullet assembly, which automatically engages or disengages the latch fingers without requiring external hydraulic signals or complex control systems, making the system more reliable and less prone to human error.
3Extent of automation
If hydraulic actuators are used, then latching function is automated, but specific procedures and training are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic control procedures with simple mechanical operation. The latching device is actuated by direct mechanical force applied to the tension member, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic signal management and reducing training requirements to basic mechanical operation.
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 mechanism provides secure coupling and reduced risk of equipment drops, simplifies operations by using mechanical actuation, and reduces training requirements, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
said tension member being configured to raise and lower said bullet assembly under an applied tension
Implementation Method 2
a sliding block, said sliding block being configured to move along said shaft of said bullet assembly between a first position and a second position
Data Source
AI summary
A latching mechanism for securing and maneuvering industrial or marine equipment. The latching mechanism is coupled to a lift and configured for maneuvering a load, and comprises a latch housing, the latch housing comprising a plurality of latch fingers, the latch fingers being configured to move between an open position and a closed position; a bullet assembly, the bullet assembly comprising a shaft, a bullet head and a terminal end, the bullet head being connected to one end of the shaft and the terminal end being connected to the other end of the shaft, and the terminal end being configured to connect to the load; a block, the block being configured to move along the shaft of the bullet assembly between a first position and a second position; each of the latch fingers including a groove, said groove being configured for receiving and holding at least a portion of the block in said second position; the bullet assembly being configured to couple to a tension member, and the tension member being configured to raise and lower the bullet assembly under an applied tension; the bullet head being configured to engage the plurality of latch fingers in a latched mode in response to the applied force on the bullet assembly; the bullet assembly being responsive to a further applied tension to move the block into the second position and engage the groove in the plurality of latch fingers and move the plurality of latch fingers into the open position; and in the open position the latch fingers being configured to allow the bullet head to pass and the block to disengage from the groove and move into the first position, and into an unlatched mode, so that the load attached to the tension member can be maneuvered by the lift.