Closed-Loop Mooring Cable Layout for Tidal Tension Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mooring systems face challenges in maintaining tensile force consistency due to tidal level changes, difficulty in replacing mooring cables, and corrosion issues, especially in deep water environments, leading to thick and inflexible cable connections that are hard to manage and replace.
Innovation Solution
A mooring system with a floating unit, mooring anchor, and weight unit connected by closed curve-shaped mooring cables, utilizing weight units to maintain tensile force and minimize local shocks, with stainless steel guide pipes for smooth movement and easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mooring cables are made thick to resist corrosion over long periods, then corrosion resistance is improved, but flexibility and ease of connection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mooring cable system is segmented into multiple independent cable elements that can be individually managed and replaced. The connection structure is divided into separable components (connection parts on floating unit, weight unit, and anchor) that can be independently accessed and maintained, allowing thinner, more flexible cables to be used while maintaining overall system reliability through redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
A weight unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the floating unit and anchor. This weight unit provides a centralized connection point where cables can be easily attached and detached, eliminating the need for difficult deep-water operations. The intermediary structure allows for simplified cable connections and replacements at the surface level.
2Reliability
If mooring cables are replaced frequently to maintain performance, then reliability is improved, but operational difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system is designed with separable connection parts at each end (floating unit connection part, weight unit connection part, anchor connection part), allowing individual cables to be independently replaced without affecting the entire mooring system. This segmentation enables maintenance operations to be performed on single cable elements rather than the complete system.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight unit serves as an intermediary that facilitates cable replacement by providing accessible connection points. Cables can be detached and reattached at the weight unit without requiring deep-water operations or complex underwater maneuvers, significantly simplifying the replacement process.
3Ease of repair
If connection structure is simplified for easy replacement, then ease of repair is improved, but connection strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into standardized connection parts that can be independently designed for optimal strength. Each connection part (on floating unit, weight unit, and anchor) is designed as a separate component with dedicated attachment mechanisms, allowing strong connections while maintaining modularity for easy replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism utilizes parameter changes in the cable system - specifically the ability to change the configuration and tension parameters of individual cable segments. The connection parts are designed to accommodate these parameter changes while maintaining adequate strength through controlled geometric and mechanical parameters.
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 system maintains consistent tensile force despite tidal changes, minimizes shocks, facilitates easy cable replacement, and prevents tilting, reducing corrosion and installation costs while ensuring strong connections.
Implementation Method 1
a weight unit (100) positioned underwater between the floating unit (300) and the mooring anchor (200)
Implementation Method 2
a floating unit (300) configured to float on the sea surface due to buoyancy
Data Source
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AI summary
Proposed is a mooring system, including a floating unit for floating on the sea surface, a mooring anchor installed on the seabed, a weight unit positioned underwater between the floating unit and the mooring anchor, a plurality of mooring cables each having a closed curve shape for mooring the floating unit, wherein each mooring cable includes a first portion whose middle lower part is caught in a mooring-cable catching part of the weight unit, a second portion which passes through a vertical penetration passage of the weight unit and whose middle lower part is caught in a mooring-cable catching part of the mooring anchor, and a third portion which passes through a vertical penetration passage of the floating unit and is connected to the first portion and the second portion and whose middle upper part is caught in a mooring-cable catching part of the floating unit provided in the floating unit.