Mooring Chain Measurement Device Using Mechanical Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inspecting subsea mooring chains, such as those described in GB2338786 and FR2587104, are costly, unreliable, and require clear images of scale bars, which are affected by marine growth, necessitating pre-cleaning and complex image processing, making in situ measurements inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with a pair of arms equipped with vernier scales, electronic sensors, and hydraulic actuators that allow for direct measurement of chain links without relying on camera images, using a positioning apparatus for ROV attachment and capable of cutting through marine growth, enabling accurate length and thickness measurements without pre-cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera-based measurement systems are used to inspect mooring chains in situ, then measurement capability is provided, but the system becomes expensive and unreliable due to marine growth affecting image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical camera-based measurement system with a direct mechanical measurement system. A measuring arm with a contact tip physically contacts the chain link to measure its diameter directly, eliminating the need for optical imaging through marine growth. This mechanical substitution provides reliable measurements independent of visual conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the measurement function from the optical imaging system and creates a separate mechanical measurement arm. The measuring arm with contact tip is a distinct component that directly measures chain link dimensions without relying on camera images, separating the measurement function from the problematic imaging system.
2Measurement precision
If camera-based systems with scale bars are used for measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but complex image processing and pre-cleaning are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex optical imaging and image processing system with a simple mechanical measurement arm. The direct mechanical contact measurement eliminates the need for scale bars, camera calibration, and complex image analysis algorithms, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement function is extracted from the complex camera and image processing system into a dedicated mechanical measurement arm. This separation creates a standalone mechanical measuring device that operates independently of the optical imaging system, simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Ease of operation
If visual inspection methods are used for mooring chains, then inspection capability is provided, but the process becomes costly and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated mechanical measurement system mounted on an ROV. The mechanical measurement arm automatically contacts and measures chain links as the ROV moves along the chain, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection and significantly improving inspection productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical measurement arm performs measurements automatically through direct physical contact with the chain links. The system self-measures the chain dimensions without requiring human operators to visually assess each link, enabling autonomous operation and improving inspection efficiency.
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
Enables reliable, real-time measurements of chain links without the need for image processing or pre-cleaning, providing accurate data on stretching and wear without the requirement for expensive camera systems or complex image analysis, and can be used with small-scale ROVs for efficient underwater inspections.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator means may include a hydraulic ram
Implementation Method 2
The measuring means may comprise a linear transducer, which may form part of an actuator
Data Source
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AI summary
A measuring device for measuring elongate members comprises, an attachment element configured to attach to a first part of an elongate member and at least one arm adapted to engage with a second part of the elongate member. The attachment element is connected to a carriage, and the at least one arm is mounted on and moveable with respect to the carriage. A measuring means is associated with at least one arm, the measuring means being arranged to measure the distance moved by the arm relative to the carriage.