Offshore Coupling Catching and Positioning Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in securely and efficiently coupling an offshore structure, such as a jacket leg, to a hoisting block of a floating hoisting installation, which is complicated by the complex relative movements between the offshore structure and the hoisting installation due to degrees of freedom like heaving, swaying, surging, pitching, yawing, and rolling, as well as the pendulum-like motion of the hoisting block suspended from cables.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize connectable coupling parts on both the hoisting block and the offshore structure, along with a catching and positioning structure, to facilitate quick and safe coupling, allowing for controlled positioning despite complex movements. This includes a catching structure to restrict motion in certain directions and a positioning structure to guide the coupling parts into a connecting position, leveraging the intrinsic mobility of the hoisting block and minimizing reliance on gravitational force for control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional coupling methods are used without catching and positioning structures, then the coupling process is simpler in design, but the positioning precision and safety of coupling offshore structure to hoisting block deteriorates due to complex relative movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidcoupling system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The catching structure is designed to first catch and secure the coupling part before the positioning structure acts on it. This preliminary catching action ensures that the coupling part is held in place during the complex relative movements, providing a stable base for subsequent precise positioning by the positioning structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The catching structure serves as an intermediary element between the hoisting block and the positioning structure. It receives the coupling part from the complex movements and transfers it to the positioning structure, which then guides it into the precise connecting position. This intermediary function allows each structure to perform its specific function effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the hoisting block is allowed to move freely to accommodate complex movements, then the adaptability to floating conditions is improved, but the control over coupling part positioning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to floating movementsVSAvoidcontrol over coupling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The catching structure is designed to dynamically adapt to the movements of the hoisting block while maintaining control over the coupling part. It can accommodate the floating movements through its design features while still providing sufficient constraint to enable precise positioning by the positioning structure when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling system is divided into distinct functional segments: the catching structure that handles the coupling part during movement, and the positioning structure that handles the precise positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the catching structure accommodating movement and the positioning structure providing control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If gravitational force is relied upon for controlling the coupling part, then the system is simpler, but the control precision and reliability deteriorate due to unpredictable motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning structure is designed to provide feedback control for the coupling part positioning. It monitors the position and orientation of the coupling part and adjusts its guiding elements to ensure accurate positioning, compensating for the unpredictable motion caused by gravitational forces and floating movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces reliance on gravitational force with a mechanical positioning structure that actively controls the coupling part positioning. The positioning structure uses mechanical guiding elements and constraints to achieve precise positioning independent of gravitational variations and motion unpredictability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9221654B2Method and system for coupling an offshore structure to a hoisting block of a hoisting installation

Publication Date: 2015.12.29 SOC DEXPLOITATION DU PIETER SCHELTE NV

AI summary

The present invention is related to a method for coupling an offshore structure (1), such as a jacket leg of an offshore platform, to a hoisting block (19) of a hoisting installation (13), preferably a floating hoisting installation. The present invention is also related to a hoisting block provided with a first coupling part of a system according to the invention and to an offshore structure provided with a second coupling part of a system according to the invention. The present invention is further related to a method for coupling a jacket of an offshore platform comprising a number of jacket legs to hoisting blocks suspended from hoisting cables (17) of a hoisting installation, wherein each jacket leg is coupled to a hoisting block according to the method for coupling a jacket leg of an offshore platform to a hoisting block suspended from hoisting cables of a hoisting installation according to the invention.