Porch-Mounted VR Sensor Packs for Replaceable Tendon Tension Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional porch-mounted tendon tension monitoring systems using load cell sensors are unreliable and require frequent servicing due to limited service life and high maintenance costs, while variable reluctance measurement technology sensors are more reliable but lack displacement sensitivity and space compatibility for such applications.
Innovation Solution
A porch-mounted tendon tension monitoring system utilizing optimized variable reluctance measurement technology sensors with increased wire turns and mechanical amplifiers, allowing for accurate tension measurement without supporting compressive loads, enabling simpler serviceability and longer service life without disassembling the tendon tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional load cell sensors are used in porch-mounted systems, then the system can be installed with simpler initial configuration, but the service life is limited to five to ten years with high maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical load cell sensors with variable reluctance measurement technology sensors that use magnetic fields and inductance measurements. This substitution eliminates the mechanical wear and fatigue limitations of load cells while maintaining the porch-mounted installation configuration, thereby extending service life from 5-10 years to potentially the full lifespan of the tendon.
2Reliability
If variable reluctance measurement technology sensors are used in porch-mounted systems, then reliability and service life are significantly improved, but the sensors have insufficient displacement sensitivity for the application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from measuring displacement directly to measuring inductance changes, which is a different physical dimension. By measuring the change in inductance of the variable reluctance sensor as the tendon tension changes, the system achieves sufficient measurement precision for tension monitoring without requiring the sensor to directly resolve small displacement values.
3Reliability
If conventional variable reluctance measurement technology sensors are used in porch-mounted systems, then reliability is improved, but the sensors do not fit the space profile available between the tendon porch and tendon top connector assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the variable reluctance sensor, specifically reducing its size and adjusting its mounting configuration to fit within the limited space between the tendon porch and the tendon top connector assembly. This allows the reliable VRMT sensor technology to be deployed in the porch-mounted configuration without spatial conflicts.
4Ease of repair
If porch-mounted systems are serviced by removing tendon tension, then sensor replacement is possible, but significant additional costs and operational downtime are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the porch-mounted sensor system as a segmented, modular assembly where the variable reluctance sensors are mounted on the porch structure separate from the tendon itself. This segmentation allows the sensors to be accessed, removed, and replaced independently without requiring removal of tendon tension, enabling maintenance during normal platform operations.
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
The system provides improved accuracy and extended service life with reduced maintenance needs, as the sensors can be replaced without removing tendon tension, resulting in a more compact, cost-effective, and reliable tendon tension monitoring solution for offshore platforms.
Implementation Method 1
porch-mounted variable reluctance measurement technology tendon tension monitoring systems
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to floating platform mooring and involves an improved platform mounted tendon tension monitoring system with porch-mounted variable reluctance measurement technology sensors configured. The variable reluctance measurement technology sensors of this system are optimized for porch mounting. The porch-mounted tendon tension monitoring system can also be configured such that the porch-mounted optimized variable reluctance measurement technology sensors are replaceable. Sensors may be replaced to extend the desired useful lifetime of a tendon tension monitoring system or in the event that a sensor happens to malfunction. A plurality of variable reluctance measurement technology sensors can be configured in sensor packs at the corners or at other locations where tendon tension monitoring can be useful for a floating platform.