Modular Offshore Attachment System Using Latched Adaptor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for attaching additional support and equipment to offshore structures like semi-submersibles and platforms are time-consuming, resource-intensive, and often require skilled workers, especially when retrofitting or expanding existing structures underwater.
Innovation Solution
An attachment system comprising a porch with side plates and an adaptor, where the adaptor engages with the side plates using upper and lower lugs and latches, allowing for easy installation and removal of equipment without the need for welding, and can be secured using a latch or clamp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional welding or bolting methods are used to attach additional equipment to offshore structures, then the attachment provides strong structural connection, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and requires skilled workers
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate modular components: a porch structure that attaches to the offshore structure, and an adaptor that connects to the equipment. These segments can be independently installed and removed without requiring complex welding operations, thus reducing installation time while maintaining connection strength through the modular interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The porch and adaptor serve as intermediary components between the offshore structure and the additional equipment. This intermediate attachment system provides a standardized interface that eliminates the need for direct welding or bolting to the main structure, enabling quick installation by skilled workers while maintaining structural integrity through the designed engagement mechanism.
2Reliability
If traditional welding methods are used for retrofitting offshore structures, then permanent structural support is achieved, but the process becomes resource-intensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from static permanent welding to a dynamic removable connection. The porch and adaptor can be installed, adjusted, and removed as operational needs change, providing reliable structural support when needed while simplifying the overall process by eliminating permanent modification requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The porch structure with standardized sockets and the adaptor with corresponding lugs create a universal attachment interface that can accommodate different equipment types and configurations. This multi-functional design reduces process complexity by providing a standardized method for various retrofitting scenarios without requiring custom welding procedures for each application.
3Stability of the object's composition
If equipment is permanently welded to offshore structures, then structural integrity is maintained, but future modifications or removals become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connection into removable porch and adaptor components, the system maintains structural integrity through properly engineered engagement interfaces while enabling easy reconfiguration. The segmented design allows equipment to be attached, moved, or removed without compromising the overall structural stability of the offshore installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection transitions from static permanent welding to dynamic removable attachment. The porch and adaptor can be engaged and disengaged as operational requirements change, providing both structural stability during operation and adaptability for future modifications, expansions, or equipment replacements.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
An attachment system (101) for an offshore structure (107) includes a porch (104) configured to be affixed to the offshore structure (107), an adaptor (103) configured to engage with one or more plates (105A, 105B) of the porch, and a latch (109A, 109B) to retain the adaptor into engagement with the one or more plates (105A, 105B), in which the adaptor (103) is configured to support an equipment device. A method of attaching equipment device to a structure (107) includes affixing a porch (104) of an attachment system (101) to the structure, engaging an adaptor (103) with one or more plates (105A, 105B) of the porch (104), and attaching an equipment device to the adaptor (103).