Mooring Frame with Multi-Axis Joints for Floating Units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mooring systems for floating units face challenges in accommodating vertical translational motion and rotational motion about horizontal axes while restricting lateral and vertical motions, especially in scenarios with significant freeboard differences, leading to high costs and complexity in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A mooring frame system with two interconnected units, each capable of rotational motion about three independent axes, utilizing vacuum pads or electromagnetic pads for attachment, and incorporating spring and damping elements to absorb energy from relative motions in the horizontal plane, with optional frame support units for vertical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mooring system allows vertical translational motion and rotational motion about horizontal axes, then the floating unit can accommodate freeboard differences, but lateral and vertical motions cannot be sufficiently restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The mooring system is divided into multiple independent mooring units (first and second mooring units) that can be selectively engaged. Each unit provides specific degrees of freedom, allowing the system to accommodate vertical motion and rotation while restricting lateral motion through the coordinated action of separate units.
Solution Approach 2:
A joint element acts as an intermediary between the first and second mooring units, enabling rotational motion while transmitting forces between the units. This intermediary component allows the system to decouple rotational freedom from lateral translation, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
2Length of stationary object
If a close mooring distance is achieved between floating units, then operational efficiency improves, but the system becomes unstable when there is a large freeboard difference
Solution Approach 1:
The mooring units are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow them to adapt to varying freeboard differences. The units can accommodate vertical displacement and rotational motion while maintaining a close horizontal mooring distance, providing stability despite the height difference between floating units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the mooring units based on the freeboard difference. By allowing vertical translational motion and rotational motion within certain ranges, the system maintains stability and close mooring distance simultaneously, adapting to different operational conditions.
3Reliability
If a robust and reliable connection is provided between floating unit and structure, then mooring reliability improves, but manufacturing and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple independent mooring units that can be manufactured and installed separately. This modular approach maintains reliability through redundancy while reducing overall manufacturing and installation costs compared to a single complex connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint element serves multiple functions: it connects the mooring units, allows rotational motion, and transmits forces between units. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby lowering manufacturing and installation costs while maintaining robust connection reliability.
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 provides a robust, reliable, and cost-effective mooring solution that allows for close proximity between floating units despite freeboard differences, reducing operational and maintenance costs by effectively managing horizontal motions while maintaining vertical stability.
Implementation Method 1
The frames are provided with vacuum pads or electromagnetic pads for temporary mooring of the floating unit to the floating or non-floating unit or vessel
Implementation Method 2
The frames are provided with vacuum pads or electromagnetic pads for temporary mooring of the floating unit to the floating or non-floating unit or vessel
Implementation Method 3
The frames are provided with mooring units and support elements that absorb energy from relative translational motion in the horizontal plane by using integrated stiffness elements, for example spring elements
Implementation Method 4
Damping elements may also be included if that is required
Data Source
AI summary
A mooring frame (26, 27) for mooring of a floating unit (10), the mooring frame (26, 27) being adapted for mounting on the floating unit (10) or a floating or non-floating structure and comprising an attachment unit (30) for attachment to the floating unit (10) or the floating or non-floating structure. The mooring frame (26, 27) further comprises a first mooring unit (40) for transferring forces and/or absorbing energy in a first direction, and a second mooring unit (50) for transferring forces and/or absorbing energy in a second direction which is at least partially perpendicular to the first direction, wherein—the first mooring unit (40) and the second mooring unit (50) are attached to each other with a joint element (51) which allows relative rotation about two or three independent axes, —the attachment unit (30) is attached to the mooring frame (26, 27) with a joint element (41) which allows relative rotation about three independent axes, —the first mooring unit (40) is adapted to be attached to the floating unit (10) or the floating or non-floating structure with a joint element (20) which allows relative rotation about two or three independent axes, and—the second mooring unit (50) is adapted to be attached to the floating unit (10) or the floating or non-floating structure with a joint element (22) which allows relative rotation about two or three independent axes. At least one of the joint element (20) and the joint element (41) or joint element (51) allows torsional movement of the first mooring unit (40) relative to the floating unit (10) or the floating or non-floating structure, or torsional movement is allowed within the first mooring unit (40) itself, and at least one of the joint element (22) and the joint element (51) or joint element (41) allows torsional movement of the second mooring unit (50) relative to the floating unit (10) or the floating or non-floating structure, or torsional movement is allowed within the second mooring unit (50) itself.