Offshore Platform Docking Device for Wave-Adaptive Personnel Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transferring personnel to and from offshore platforms, such as using crew transfer vessels and crane-based systems, are uncomfortable, expensive, and time-consuming, and do not effectively manage the challenges of wave motion during docking.
Innovation Solution
An offshore platform equipped with a vertically oriented, movable docking device that can be raised and lowered to provide accessible docking points at various sea levels, featuring rotatable and adjustable docking points with ladders and guards to stabilize boats and facilitate safe personnel transfer, and a method involving the lowering of the docking device to sea level for convenient access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If crew transfer vessels and crane-based systems are used for personnel transfer, then personnel can be transported to and from the platform, but the transfer process becomes uncomfortable, expensive, and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
A docking device is introduced as an intermediary structure between the platform and the crew transfer vessel. This docking device includes a docking point that can be positioned at different heights and a staircase structure that provides a stable, protected pathway for personnel to transfer between the vessel and platform, eliminating the need for direct crane operations or uncomfortable open-deck transfers.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking device is designed with height adjustability, allowing it to be dynamically positioned at different vertical levels to match varying sea conditions and vessel positions. This dynamic adaptation enables comfortable personnel transfer regardless of wave motion or tidal variations.
2Reliability
If the docking device is made accessible to personnel with interior space, then personnel can safely transfer, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The staircase structure is nested within the hollow interior of the docking device, which itself is positioned within the platform structure. This nested arrangement provides protected, enclosed pathways for personnel while efficiently utilizing the vertical space and structural capacity of the platform, reducing the need for additional external support structures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the docking device is made rotatable to adapt to swell, then boat docking stability improves, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking device incorporates a rotational capability that allows it to dynamically adjust its orientation to match the direction and magnitude of wave swell. This dynamic adjustment stabilizes the docking point relative to the approaching vessel, reducing rolling movements and making docking safer and more comfortable.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the platform is lifted higher above sea level to reduce wave load, then platform stability improves, but personnel transfer difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking device is designed with height adjustability, allowing it to be dynamically positioned at different vertical levels. When the platform is raised higher for stability, the docking device can be lowered to maintain an accessible transfer height, thus preserving both platform stability and transfer ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into the fixed platform structure and the independently adjustable docking device. This segmentation allows the platform to be raised for stability while the docking device independently adjusts its position to maintain optimal transfer conditions, decoupling the two functions.
Data Source
AI summary
An offshore platform device comprising a platform and a docking device which has a vertically oriented longitudinal axis (L) and is designed to be raised along its longitudinal axis (L) relative to the platform (3) into a transport position and to be lowered into an operational position, the docking device (4) having at its lower end at least one docking point (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) which is accessible from a boat (11) in the operational position.