Offshore Line Connector Locking for Automatic Underwater Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical connection devices for offshore lines require complex and costly human intervention for disconnection, especially in underwater conditions, which is time-consuming and inefficient, particularly in large-scale applications like floating wind farms.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical connection device with two modules that can be automatically disconnected without external intervention, featuring a translational operating member and locking mechanism allowing transition between locked and unlocked configurations, facilitated by a fairlead system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If current mechanical connection devices are used for connecting offshore lines, then the connection can be established, but human intervention is required for disconnection which increases cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The operating member is designed to automatically trigger the locking means to transition from locked to unlocked configuration through its own translational movement from initial to final position, enabling the device to disconnect itself without external human intervention. The system uses the existing tension forces in the offshore lines to drive this automatic disconnection process.
2Extent of automation
If human intervention is required for disconnection below waterline, then connection security is maintained, but intervention cost and risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically performs the disconnection function that previously required human divers or ROVs by utilizing the mechanical movement of the operating member along its translational path, which automatically actuates the locking means to release, thereby eliminating the need for complex human intervention operations in difficult underwater environments.
3Productivity
If multiple modules need to be disconnected in floating wind farms, then the system capacity increases, but the total disconnection time and cost multiply
Solution Approach 1:
Each mechanical connection device equipped with the automatic operating member and locking means can independently and simultaneously disconnect without waiting for human intervention, allowing multiple modules in floating wind farms to be disconnected in parallel, thereby significantly reducing the total disconnection time compared to sequential manual operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a mechanical connection device designed for the detachable mechanical connection of the free ends of two offshore lines, advantageously a mooring line and a messenger line. The mechanical connection device includes two modules that are attached to a free end of the offshore lines. The mechanical connection device includes a locking unit that includes an operating member, to operate the locking unit from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration. The operating member is movable between two positions with a translational degree of freedom parallel to the longitudinal axis of the modules in the assembled state, preferably in a downstream to upstream direction.