Offshore Crane Cable Storage System with Slewing Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage/traction systems for offshore cranes are heavy and bulky, posing a challenge in optimizing their structure for weight and size, which is crucial for offshore vessel design.
Innovation Solution
A new storage/traction system featuring a single slewing ring with two free-rotating rings, a cylindrical storage reel with dual motorization, and a capstan winch with two motorized drums, optimized for reduced bulk and weight, and integrated with a winding device for efficient cable management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional storage/traction systems are used, then cable handling function is ensured, but weight and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The slewing ring assembly integrates the storage reel support, rotation mechanism, and positioning functions into a single unified structure. The motorization unit combines drive mechanisms with the slewing ring to enable both rotation and positioning operations, reducing the need for separate mechanical components and thereby reducing overall system weight and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleving ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the storage reel, enables rotation, provides positioning capability, and acts as a mounting structure for motorization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, directly addressing the contradiction by reducing weight and complexity while maintaining full operational capability.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional storage/traction systems are used, then cable handling function is ensured, but system bulk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage reel is nested within the sleving ring structure, with the motorization unit integrated into the same assembly. This nesting arrangement allows components to occupy shared spatial volume rather than requiring separate mounting spaces, thereby reducing the overall bulk of the system while maintaining structural complexity only where functionally necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the support structure, rotation mechanism, and motorization into a single integrated sleving ring assembly, the patent reduces the number of separate structural elements required. This consolidation directly reduces system bulk while avoiding unnecessary structural complexity through functional integration.
3Weight of moving object
If a single sleving ring with two free-rotating rings is used, then weight and bulk are reduced, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sleving ring is segmented into two free-rotating rings that can be manufactured and assembled separately before being integrated into the final assembly. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components while the modular design facilitates easier assembly and maintenance, counteracting the potential increase in assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The two free-rotating rings provide dynamic movement capability, allowing independent rotation of each ring. This dynamic design enables simplified assembly procedures where components can be installed in a less constrained manner compared to rigid fixed-structure assemblies, thereby improving ease of manufacture despite the reduced weight and bulk.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for the storage and traction of a cable, in particular a synthetic cable fitted to an offshore crane. The storage/traction system includes a frame that carries in particular a storage device including a support carrying a storage reel through an assembly defining an axis of rotation. Between the storage reel and the support, the assembly includes of a single slewing ring including two rings that are free to rotate with respect to each other: —a fixed ring that is fastened to the support; and —a moving ring that is, on the one hand, fastened to the storage reel and, on the other hand, rotated by a motorization.