Orthogonal Damping System for Constant Heave Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current passive compensation systems in offshore drilling operations, such as those used for heave compensation, face challenges in maintaining a constant suspension force despite varying positions, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy costs, especially when dealing with large loads or long-duration operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system with a main damping means and secondary damping means arranged orthogonally at specific points of the stroke, utilizing articulated systems and hydropneumatic cylinders to maintain a constant force by adjusting the position of secondary damping means relative to the main damping means, ensuring consistent load control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If passive compensation systems use traditional elastic suspensions, then the load can follow support movements, but the suspension force varies significantly with displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secondary damping means arranged orthogonally to the primary damping means, adding a dimensional component to the suspension system. This orthogonal arrangement allows the secondary damping means to compensate for the force variations produced by the primary damping means, maintaining more constant total suspension force while preserving load displacement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the arrangement geometry of the damping means from a single linear arrangement to an orthogonal two-dimensional arrangement. By positioning the secondary damping means perpendicular to the primary damping means and connecting it through a hinged system, the system transforms the force-displacement relationship to achieve more constant suspension force
2Force
If active compensation systems are used to maintain constant suspension force, then load stability improves, but energy consumption becomes prohibitive for heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-regulating passive system where the secondary damping means automatically compensates for force variations without external energy input. The orthogonal arrangement and hinged connection allow the system to self-adjust the suspension force based on the primary damping means' displacement, eliminating the need for active energy-consuming control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary damping means acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the support and the load. By introducing this intermediate orthogonal damping mechanism with hinged connections, the system passively balances force variations without requiring active control energy
3Length of moving object
If the stroke of primary damping means is increased to handle larger displacements, then the load displacement tolerance improves, but the force variation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds an orthogonal dimension with the secondary damping means to compensate for the force variations that inevitably increase with larger primary damping stroke. The hinged system allows the secondary damping means to effectively counterbalance the increased force variations across the extended stroke range
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the variation in suspension force, enhancing the stability and reducing energy consumption, allowing for more precise control of load displacement, even under significant movements like those caused by swell, thereby minimizing damage to floating installations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one primary damping means with longitudinal action and stroke C
Implementation Method 2
at least one secondary damping means with longitudinal action having two ends, one of which is fixed to said frame and the other connected to the end of the primary damping means attached to the load
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for controlling the relative movement of a load (P) comprising at least one primary damping means (1) of the longitudinal action of the movement path (C), and having two ends, one being connected to a frame and the other being connected to the load, and comprising a compensation device having at least one secondary damping means of the longitudinal action, having two ends, one of which is rigidly attached to said frame and the other being connected by a connecting rod (6, 7) to the end of the primary damping means connected to the load, said secondary damping means being arranged such that at a point of the path (C), the secondary damping means has an action in an orthogonal direction to the direction of said movement.