Articulated Boom Crane Cradle Layout for Offshore Deck Space

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing offshore unit cranes with articulated booms face significant space and structural overload issues due to traditional boom supports, which consume valuable deck space and require additional reinforcement, limiting operational efficiency and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A cradle system is integrated onto the deck to support the terminal boom in a rest position, eliminating the need for a separate boom support and reducing deck space requirements while minimizing structural load, using a cradle with complementary surfaces and locking mechanisms to secure the boom.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a traditional boom support (boom rest) is used to support the articulated boom in rest position, then the boom stability is improved, but the deck space is consumed and the dead weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboom stabilityVSAvoiddeck space

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the boom support function from the traditional long boom rest structure and relocates it to a compact cradle positioned at the terminal boom's resting location. This extraction allows the support function to be separated from the main boom structure, enabling space savings while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a horizontal support approach (traditional boom rest extending along the boom) to a vertical support approach (cradle positioned at the terminal boom's endpoint). This dimensional change allows the support structure to be compact and positioned at the extremity of the boom rather than spanning along its length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a traditional boom support (boom rest) is used to support the articulated boom in rest position, then the boom stability is improved, but the dead weight and structural reinforcement requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboom stabilityVSAvoiddead weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the boom support function from the traditional long boom rest structure and relocates it to a compact cradle positioned at the terminal boom's resting location. This extraction allows the support function to be separated from the main boom structure, enabling weight savings while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a horizontal support approach (traditional boom rest extending along the boom) to a vertical support approach (cradle positioned at the terminal boom's endpoint). This dimensional change allows the support structure to be compact and positioned at the extremity of the boom rather than spanning along its length, reducing material requirements and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a traditional boom support (boom rest) is used to support the articulated boom in rest position, then the boom stability is improved, but the deck reinforcement requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboom stabilityVSAvoiddeck reinforcement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the boom support function from the traditional long boom rest structure and relocates it to a compact cradle positioned at the terminal boom's resting location. This extraction reduces the load distribution requirements on the deck, as the cradle's compact design concentrates the support function at a single location rather than requiring reinforcement along a long span.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a horizontal support approach (traditional boom rest extending along the boom) to a vertical support approach (cradle positioned at the terminal boom's endpoint). This dimensional change reduces the deck reinforcement requirements by eliminating the need for long horizontal support structures that would require extensive deck reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20250361124A1Unit for offshore application, comprising a deck equipped with an articulated boom crane

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 REEL SA

AI summary

The present invention relates to a unit (1) for offshore application, comprising a deck (2) equipped with a crane (3) with an articulated boom (4).which crane (3) comprises:a support structure (5), secured to said deck (2), andan articulated boom (4), carried by said support structure (5).The articulated boom (4) comprises a main boom (41) and a terminal boom (42), in series, which terminal boom (42) has a head (422) at the opposite side of said support structure (5).This deck (2) is equipped with a cradle (10), at a distance from the support structure (5), which comprises a receiving portion (101) on which a head (422) of said terminal boom (42) is intended to rest in said rest position.