Detachable Mooring Chain Link With Upper Lift Point for Underwater Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detachable mooring chain links for underwater disconnection face challenges in maneuverability and wear due to the location of the connection point below the center of mass, hindering efficient disconnection operations and causing sling wear.
Innovation Solution
A detachable mooring chain link design with a connection point above the center of mass, allowing improved maneuverability and control during disconnection, featuring a cross-piece for rigidity and a closing piece attachment mechanism for ease of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the connection point is located below the center of mass, then the link structure is simpler, but the maneuverability and control during disconnection operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional location of the connection point by placing it above the center of mass instead of below. This inversion resolves the contradiction by improving maneuverability and control during disconnection operations, as the lifting force applied at the upper connection point creates a more effective rotational moment about the center of mass, enabling easier opening of the detachable link.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the connection point is located below the center of mass, then the structure is more stable, but sling wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the connection point location to above the center of mass, which resolves the contradiction by reducing sling wear. When the lifting force is applied at the upper connection point, the sling follows a more favorable path that minimizes friction and contact wear, while the rotational motion still occurs effectively around the center of mass.
3Ease of operation
If the connection point is moved above the center of mass, then maneuverability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by specifically positioning the connection point in the upper portion of the link body above the center of mass, rather than changing the entire link structure. This localized modification improves maneuverability and control during disconnection operations without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as it only requires repositioning one critical element.
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
Enhances the efficiency and durability of underwater disconnection operations by improving control and reducing sling wear, enabling seamless integration with existing mooring systems.
Implementation Method 1
a connection point (112) for receiving a lifting force (Lf) which causes the detachable link (100) to swing with respect to the connection point (112)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Detachable mooring chain link (100) having an imaginary transverse plane passing through the center of the detachable link (100), dividing it into an upper part for connecting an upper chain (200a) and a lower part for connecting a lower chain (200b), and a body (110) having an upper arched segment (110a), a lower arched segment (110b), and a straight segment (110c) attaching the arched segments (110a, 110b), the body (110) has between the arched segments (110a, 110b) an opening (111) that is closed with a closing piece (120) and a connection point (112) for receiving a lifting force (Lf) which causes the detachable link (100) to swing towards the opening (111) to release the upper mooring chain (200a) from the upper arched segment (110a) through the opening (111), wherein the connection point (112) is arranged in the upper part of the detachable link (100) above the imaginary transverse plane.