Mobile Container Tensioning Unit with Passive Friction Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inadequate tensioning of elongated hoisting members, such as wire ropes, during spooling operations can cause damage and safety issues, particularly in deep water hoisting, and existing solutions like capstans and traction winches are bulky and require specialized vessels.
Innovation Solution
A compact tensioning device using passive friction-generating belts and a disc brake system, integrated into a mobile container unit, ensures consistent tension by adjusting friction and braking force manually, without external hydraulic or pneumatic supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If capstans or traction winches are used to tension wire ropes during spooling operations, then sufficient tension can be maintained, but the device becomes bulky and requires designated vessels with specialized infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The friction-generating members are divided into multiple segments or zones along their surface, allowing different friction characteristics in different regions. This segmentation enables effective tensioning in a more compact configuration compared to traditional capstan designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional linear capstan designs to a multi-dimensional friction-generating system where members can rotate around support members in complex paths. This dimensional change allows for more efficient space utilization and reduced device size while maintaining tensioning effectiveness.
2Reliability
If intermediate loads are used to tension wire ropes for heavier loads, then wire rope tension is sufficient, but the operation becomes time-consuming and requires deck space for intermediate loads
Solution Approach 1:
The friction-generating members are pre-configured with specific friction characteristics and geometries that automatically provide the necessary tension during spooling operations. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for intermediate loading steps, allowing continuous spooling at full productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction-generating members automatically generate the required tension through their own frictional properties and rotational mechanics. The system serves itself by using the wire rope's interaction with the friction members to create the necessary tension, eliminating dependency on external intermediate loads.
3Ease of operation
If friction-generating members are actively driven to spool wire rope, then spooling control is improved, but the device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The friction-generating members are designed to rotate passively, driven solely by the frictional interaction with the moving wire rope. This self-driven mechanism eliminates complex motor drives, control systems, and power transmission components, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces active mechanical drive systems with a passive friction-based mechanism. Instead of using motors and control systems to drive the friction members, the system relies on the natural frictional force generated by wire rope contact, substituting complex mechanical control with simpler physics-based 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
Provides reliable tensioning for elongated hoisting members, preventing damage and ensuring safety, while being transportable and adaptable to various vessels without needing dedicated infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
first and second friction-generating members being adapted to provide friction to the elongated hoisting member when said first and second friction-generating members are pressed against each other with a portion of the elongated hoisting member therebetween
Implementation Method 2
a braking means for braking the rotation of said first and second friction-generating members around said first and second support members
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
There is described a device (1) for tensioning an elongated hoisting member (10), wherein said device (1) comprises: - a first friction-generating member (2) rotatably supported around a first support member (6); - a second friction-generating member (4) rotatably supported around a second sup¬ port member (8), said first and second friction-generating members (2, 4) being adapted to provide friction to the elongated hoisting member (10) when said first and second friction-generating members (2, 4) are pressed against each other with a por- tion of the elongated hoisting member (10) therebetween; and - a braking means (18) for braking the rotation of said first and second friction- generating members (2, 4) around said first and second support members (6, 8). There is also described a system including such a device (1), as well as a method for operating such a system.