Mid-Line Tensioner Locking Design for Low-Bend Mooring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mooring systems face issues with wear and failure due to out-of-plane stresses and increased cost and weight of tensioning apparatuses, which are exacerbated by bending strains during tensioning of mooring lines.
Innovation Solution
A mid-line tensioner apparatus with a guide portion and lock mechanism that secures the mooring line between the guide portion and a second mooring line, allowing for tensioning while minimizing out-of-plane bending and reducing the need for a separate locking mechanism, resulting in a smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the size of the tensioning apparatus is increased to accommodate larger angles for guiding the mooring line, then the bending strain on the mooring line is minimized, but the cost and weight of the tensioning apparatus increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning apparatus is divided into separate functional components: a guide portion for guiding the mooring line and a locking mechanism for maintaining tension. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing the overall size and weight while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is extracted as a separate functional element that can be integrated with the guide portion. This allows the guide portion to be minimized in size for reducing bending strain, while the locking mechanism provides the necessary tension maintenance function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the size of the tensioning apparatus is increased to accommodate larger angles for guiding the mooring line, then the bending strain on the mooring line is minimized, but the cost of the tensioning apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the apparatus into guide portion and locking mechanism, each can be manufactured as a simpler, more cost-effective component rather than requiring a large, complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portion is designed to perform multiple functions: guiding the mooring line, minimizing bending strain through its geometry, and integrating the locking mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, lowering manufacturing cost.
3Reliability
If a separate locking mechanism is added to maintain mooring line tension, then the tensioning capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the guide portion to form an integrated tensioning apparatus. This combination maintains the reliability of tension maintenance while reducing device complexity compared to having completely separate locking and guiding systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and maintain tension on the mooring line without requiring complex external control systems. The apparatus self-regulates to maintain the desired tension state.
Data Source
AI summary
A mooring apparatus (50) comprising a guide portion (55) for guiding a portion of a first mooring line (60), an arrangement (65) for connecting or coupling the apparatus (50) to a second mooring line (70), and a lock (75) or lock means. The guide portion (55) is moveably connected to the arrangement, and the lock is connected to, attached to or provided on the arrangement. A system (250) for tensioning a mooring line, the system comprising the mooring apparatus (50) and the first mooring line (60) and/or the second mooring line (70). A method of tensioning a mooring line, wherein the method comprises providing the system for tensioning a mooring line, and the method further comprises applying a pulling force to a first portion of a first mooring line (60) in a direction away from the apparatus (50).