Mooring Buoyant Bodies Elastomeric Spring Absorber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for fixing floating bodies to landing bodies are prone to failure due to complex and insufficiently robust telescope systems, which can lead to uncontrolled drifting in turbulent seas, causing damage to ships and structures.
Innovation Solution
A device with a simple and robust structure featuring elastomeric spring bodies supported by stop bodies, allowing for low-maintenance operation, with spring assemblies absorbing both tensile and compressive forces, and a pivoting mechanism for weight compensation, along with ball joints and cleats for secure rope attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If telescopic systems are used to allow movement between floating body and landing body, then adaptability to wave and wind forces is improved, but device complexity increases and robustness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic boom is segmented into multiple telescopic sections that can extend and contract independently. Each section has its own elastomeric spring element providing cushioning, allowing the system to adapt to varying sea conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure with modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric spring elements change their mechanical parameters (stiffness, damping characteristics) based on the compression level. Under small waves, the springs provide gentle cushioning, while under large waves and strong winds, the progressive spring characteristic provides increased resistance, adapting to the prevailing conditions without complex control systems.
2Reliability
If telescopic systems are used to absorb wave forces, then cushioning effect is improved, but reliability decreases due to insufficient robustness in hostile marine conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric spring elements are designed as simple, robust components that can be easily replaced if worn or damaged. Their simple construction without complex internal mechanisms makes them highly reliable in marine environments, and they can be swapped out quickly during maintenance without requiring specialized equipment or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric spring elements are pre-installed between the telescopic sections to provide cushioning before any collision or excessive force occurs. This beforehand cushioning prevents metal-to-metal contact and absorbs the impact of waves and wind forces, protecting the telescopic system from damage before hostile conditions can cause harm.
3Adaptability or versatility
If stop bodies with large travel are used to accommodate large waves, then adaptability to extreme conditions is improved, but friction and wear on spring bodies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The total travel distance is segmented across multiple elastomeric spring elements arranged in series between the stop bodies. Each spring undergoes only a portion of the total compression, reducing the friction and wear on individual spring bodies while still accommodating the full range of motion required for large wave conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric spring elements are made from flexible rubber-like materials that can undergo large deformations with relatively low friction. The flexible nature of these elastomeric materials allows them to accommodate large travel distances while generating less friction and wear compared to rigid spring mechanisms.
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 solution provides a reliable, low-maintenance system capable of effectively absorbing wave and wind forces, reducing the risk of drifting and structural damage, while ensuring secure mooring and easy operation.
Implementation Method 1
elastomeric spring bodies provided between the stop bodies (9), which bulge in the usual way under the action of compressive forces
Implementation Method 2
one spring assemblie is supported on the tree base via a further ring element and a spacer sleeve and the other spring assemblie is supported on a sleeve
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for fixing floating bodies (1), in particular boats and jetties, to a landing body (2). The device comprises at least two holding trees (5), which are each fixed at one end to the floating body (1) and at the other end to the landing body (2) by means of fittings (3) at respective mooring points (4), wherein the holding trees (5) comprise two sub-trees (6, 7) telescopically movable one inside the other and braced against each other by a spring assembly. In order to produce advantageous anchoring conditions, according to the invention the spring assembly comprises stop members (9) arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction (8) of the tree and elastomeric spring components (10) provided between the stop members (9), and by means of stop lugs (11) that project in the longitudinal direction of the tree the stop members (9) engage over the spring components (10), leaving a receiving space (12) open, the volume of which corresponds at least to the displacement volume of the elastomeric spring components (10) in the stop position of the stop members (9).