Modular Lifting Device Assembly on Sea Platforms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Transporting heavy loads safely and efficiently onto sea-bound platforms is challenging due to the weight of the loads and heavy seas, and the availability and high cost of heavy-duty floating cranes.
Innovation Solution
A modular lifting device is assembled from small, lightweight modules using auxiliary hoists on the platform, allowing for safe and cost-effective installation and disassembly, enabling the lifting of large and heavy loads without relying on expensive floating cranes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a floating crane is used to transport heavy loads onto the platform, then the lifting capacity is sufficient, but the cost is extremely high and availability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is divided into multiple transportable modules that can be assembled on the platform using existing auxiliary hoists. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high lifting capacity without requiring expensive floating cranes, as each module can be transported separately by conventional means and assembled in situ.
2Force
If a floating crane is used to transport heavy loads, then the lifting capacity is sufficient, but the operation is prevented in heavy seas
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is assembled in advance on the platform using auxiliary hoists before heavy lifting operations are required. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need to operate floating cranes during heavy seas, as the modular components can be transported and assembled in calm conditions, and the completed structure remains stable during adverse weather.
3Ease of manufacture
If auxiliary hoists are used to assemble the lifting device, then the cost is reduced and availability increased, but the lifting capacity must be sufficient for module assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The overall lifting device is segmented into smaller modules that weigh less than the capacity of auxiliary platform hoists. This allows assembly using existing platform equipment rather than requiring heavy-duty floating cranes. The modular design enables the system to leverage available auxiliary hoist capacity while achieving much higher overall lifting capacity through the assembled structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a modular lifting device is assembled on the platform, then the cost is reduced and flexibility increased, but the assembly process requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is divided into standardized modules with uniform connection interfaces. This segmentation with standardization reduces assembly complexity despite the multi-step process, as each module can be assembled using the same procedures and equipment. The modular design provides flexibility for different configurations while maintaining relatively simple assembly through repetition of standardized connection processes.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A
AI summary
The method involves providing a set of modules (18) to a lift (20) in a region of a sea-bonded platform (10) by delivering units i.e. ships (16) or pontoon. The modules are arranged on the sea-bonded platform. The modules are assembled to the lift placed on the sea-bonded platform. One of the modules is lifted from one of the delivery units with an auxiliary lift (12) placed on the sea-bonded platform. The module is unloaded with the auxiliary lift. Degradation of the lift is performed in inverse sequence. An independent claim is also included for a sea-bonded platform comprising auxiliary lifting units to assemble modules to a lift located on the sea-bonded platform.