Mooring Connector Load-Activated Release Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mooring connectors are irreparably damaged when released under high loads, requiring release at a safe threshold of 30% of the minimum break load, leading to premature release of mooring lines and equipment downtime.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with a locking member that moves from a fully locked to a fully unlocked position under load, allowing safe release from a complementary connector even at high loads up to 75% of the minimum break load, utilizing the applied load to facilitate unlocking and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing mooring connectors are released under high load, then the connectors can be damaged irreparably, but releasing at the safe threshold of 30% of minimum break load causes premature release and equipment downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of high load into a beneficial unlocking force. When load exceeds the spring force, the locking balls are forced radially inward against the inclined surfaces of the locking member, automatically triggering the unlocking sequence. This transforms the previously harmful high load condition into the mechanism that enables safe release under high load up to 75% of minimum break load.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameter threshold from 30% to 75% of minimum break load by introducing a controllable unlocking mechanism. The spring force is calibrated to allow the locking balls to remain engaged under normal high load conditions but to permit controlled radial movement when load exceeds the spring force, enabling release at higher load thresholds without damage.
2Ease of operation
If the locking member is moved to partially unlocked position under high load, then the load is supported by reduced surface area which can cause damage, but the invention enables rapid movement to fully unlocked position
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the dangerous intermediate partially unlocked state by designing a mechanism where the locking balls, once forced radially inward by excessive load, rapidly traverse the unlocking path. The inclined surfaces and spring mechanism work together to ensure the locking member moves quickly from locked to fully unlocked position, skipping through the vulnerable partial release state where load is borne by reduced surface area.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector adapted for release under load from a complementary connector. The connector having a locking element for engagement with the complementary connector to lock the complementary connector to the connector; and a locking member moveable from a locked position to an unlocked position. The locking member operative to permit the/each locking element to lock the complementary connector to the connector when in the locked position and operative to allow the/each locking element to release the complementary connector when in the unlocked position. The locking member and locking element arranged such that when the connector is locked to the complementary connector and the locking member is in a partially unlocked position, a load applied to the/each locking element causes the/each locking element to urge the locking member towards its fully unlocked position, thereby unlocking the complementary connector from the connector.