Offshore Crane Hook Handling Device with Dual Movable Cradles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling and storage of offshore crane hooks and hook parts are hazardous and inefficient due to their large size and weight, leading to risks from pendulum motions and excessive use of manual labor, with existing methods consuming valuable deck space and obstructing the overboarding area.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising two movable cradles of different vertical heights, allowing for safe and controlled movement and storage of hooks and hook parts, with mechanical or hydraulic means for vertical adjustment and positioning within the ship structure, reducing the need for crane-assisted lifting and minimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hooks are handled using conventional methods with manual labor and crane-assisted lifting, then hooks can be moved between positions, but the process is hazardous due to pendulum motions and consumes excessive manual labor
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated hook handling device acts as an intermediary between the crane and the hook. This device includes a hook holder that securely grasps the hook, eliminating uncontrolled pendulum motions. The device provides a stable platform for hook manipulation, transferring the hook from the crane lift wire to storage positions or between hooks without direct manual handling of the heavy hook itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook handling device enables self-service handling by providing automated or semi-automated mechanisms for hook manipulation. The device can independently position, secure, and transfer hooks without requiring deck crew to manually guide heavy hooks, thereby eliminating the hazards associated with manual labor and uncontrolled hook movements.
2Reliability
If hooks are stored in conventional storage locations on deck, then hooks can be kept secure, but valuable deck space is consumed and the overboarding area is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The hook storage system transitions from conventional horizontal deck storage to a vertical three-dimensional storage configuration. Hooks are stored in vertically arranged holders or racks that utilize the vertical space above the deck rather than consuming horizontal deck area. This dimensional change allows secure hook storage while preserving valuable deck space and maintaining clear overboarding areas for crane operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system employs a nested or compact arrangement where multiple hooks can be stored in a vertically stacked configuration. The hook holders are designed to accommodate hooks in a space-efficient manner, with each hook positioned above or below the previous one, maximizing the use of vertical space while minimizing the horizontal footprint of the storage system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hooks need to be exchanged while the ship is at sea, then operational flexibility is maintained, but the complexity of handling and positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hook handling device is designed as a universal system that can handle multiple different types of hooks used in offshore crane operations. The device includes standardized interfaces and adjustable components that accommodate various hook sizes and configurations, enabling seamless exchange between different hook types without requiring multiple specialized handling devices, thus maintaining operational flexibility while controlling system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for handling and storage of at least one traveling unit (16) of an offshore crane where the term traveling unit (16) may include one or more of such items as a single-line hook (18), a sheave block hook (34) or at least a part of a modular hook system (21), and where the device includes a first cradle (1) that is designed to receive a traveling unit (16), and a second cradle (26) that is designed to receive another traveling unit (16) and where the first cradle (1) and the second cradle (26) are movable relative to each other.