Movable Mooring Chain Connector Assembly for Floating Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mooring chain connector assemblies for floating devices require complex underwater operations for connecting mooring chains, necessitating the presence of divers or remote-operated vehicles, which is unsafe and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A mooring chain connector assembly with a channel assembly extending from the bottom of a floating device to above the sea surface, allowing the chain connector to move between positions for easy access above water, featuring a bearing location for the first pivot axis at the lower end and a lever arm mechanism to accommodate both in-plane and out-of-plane motions, enabling connection and maintenance above the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the chain connector is positioned below the sea surface for mooring chain connection, then the connection operation can be performed in the traditional manner, but the operation requires divers or remote-operated vehicles and becomes complex and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The chain connector is designed to be movable between a first position below the sea surface and a second position above the sea surface. The mover mechanism dynamically repositions the chain connector during operation, allowing the connection to be made above water where it is safer and simpler, then moving it back below the surface for normal mooring operations.
2Ease of operation
If the chain connector is positioned above the sea surface for connection operations, then the operation can be performed without divers or remote-operated vehicles, but the chain connector must be moved from its operational position below the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional components: the chain connector for connection operations, the mover for repositioning, and the bearing location for final positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall system manageable despite the added complexity of the mover mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The mover acts as an intermediary mechanism between the chain connector and the bearing location. It temporarily holds and repositions the chain connector, enabling the connection to be made above the surface without requiring permanent structural changes to the floating device.
3Ease of operation
If the chain connector is made movable between positions, then connection operations can occur above the sea surface, but the mechanism for moving the chain connector adds complexity to the assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The position parameter of the chain connector is changed dynamically during operation. The mover mechanism changes the spatial parameter (position above/below surface) temporarily for connection operations, then returns it to the operational position. This parameter change approach allows flexibility without permanent complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A mooring chain connector assembly for a floating device), such as for example a FPSO vessel or a floating offshore structure, is described, the connector assembly comprising a chain connector having a first pivot axis and a coupler for coupling a mooring chain to the chain connector. The assembly further comprises a channel assembly attached to the floating device. The channel assembly have an upper end and a lower end, wherein mooring chain locking device is provided at the upper end of the channel assembly. The channel assembly extends in the floating device from its bottom side to a higher level in the floating device which can be located above sea surface. A bearing location for the first pivot axis of the chain connector is provided at the lower end of the channel assembly. The chain connector is movable in the channel assembly and a hoist is provided to move the chain connector between a first position, in which the first pivot axis is located in the bearing location of the channel assembly and a second position above the channel assembly, in which the coupler of the chain connector is accessible.