Mooring Line Connecting System with Eccentric Pulling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing offshore mooring systems require diver-assisted connections and lack efficient mechanisms for dual axis hinge configurations, leading to excessive loading and wear, especially in deep water applications, and do not facilitate easy disconnection and reconnection of mooring lines.
Innovation Solution
A diver-less connecting system featuring a pin with two ends, a guiding arrangement with a hang-off structure, and a temporary pulling mechanism for transverse and rotational adjustments, allowing for secure attachment and detachment of mooring lines to both floating and ground-fixed structures, using a combination of guide heads and secondary connection links to manage in-plane and out-of-plane loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dual axis hinge connection is implemented to avoid excessive loading and wear, then the reliability of the mooring system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into two separate parts: a first part attached to the mooring line and a second part attached to the body. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently for its specific function while simplifying the overall installation and maintenance process.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin is pre-installed on the first part before connection, and the hang-off structure with guiding arrangement is pre-configured on the second part. This preliminary preparation enables a quick and simple connection operation without requiring complex assembly procedures during installation.
2Reliability
If diver-assisted connection is used to ensure proper installation, then the connection reliability is improved, but the loss of time and operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is designed to be self-aligning through the guiding arrangement in the hang-off structure. The pin automatically follows the guide path during connection, eliminating the need for diver intervention to ensure proper alignment and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding arrangement is pre-configured in the hang-off structure to provide automatic alignment cues. This preliminary setup allows the connection to be made quickly and correctly without requiring skilled divers to manually position components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed connection structure is used to maintain stability, then the stability of the object's composition is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate different types of mooring lines including chain, steel wire ropes, and synthetic fiber ropes. The first part can be attached to various mooring line types while maintaining a standardized connection interface with the second part.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin is designed to rotate within the hang-off structure, providing dynamic movement capability. This rotational freedom allows the connection to adapt to different loading conditions and relative motions between the floating body and mooring line while maintaining stable connection.
4Device complexity
If traditional connection methods are used to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of repair and reconnection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The separable two-part design allows the mooring line with the first part to be easily detached from the second part attached to the body. This segmentation enables quick replacement of damaged mooring lines without requiring removal or modification of the body-mounted component.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin and hang-off structure are pre-configured to enable quick reconnection. After repairing or replacing a mooring line, the new first part can be rapidly reconnected to the existing second part using the pre-configured guiding arrangement and pin interface.
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 secure, diver-less connection and disconnection of mooring lines under tension, reducing wear and facilitating repairs, while accommodating various mooring components like chain, steel wire ropes, and synthetic fibers, and managing loads effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the pin—being rotatably fixed to the first part—allows the pin to be guided along at least two sides of the hang-off structure
Implementation Method 2
The system is characterized by a connecting structure for a temporary pulling means mounted on the first part in transverse direction to its longitudinal axis and eccentrically to an axial center of gravity of the first part
Implementation Method 3
the pin in its final position is locked by means operated by one of the group consisting of gravity, spring force, manual operation and use of a remotely operated vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed invention relates to a connecting system for connecting a mooring line to a body comprising a first part being attached to the mooring line and connected with a pin having two ends, to a second part being attached to the body and having an arrangement for guiding the pin into a hang-off structure in the second part where the hang-off structure substantially comprises at least one hook. The system is characterized by a connecting structure for a temporary pulling means mounted on the first part in transverse direction to its longitudinal axis and eccentrically to an axial center of gravity of the first part. The invention relates also to a method regarding the application of the system.