Ejection-Locked Pull-Out Connector for Rapid Ship-Tube Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ship-tube connection structures for immersed tube tunnels require manual assembly and disassembly of cables, leading to high labor intensity and lack of rapid separation capabilities, posing safety risks in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A top-lock pull-out type connecting device with an ejector rod and sliding member mechanism that allows for 'jacked and tensioned' rigid connections, utilizing a second locking member to control locking and unlocking without additional mechanisms, ensuring safety and ease of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cable connection structures are used for ship-tube connection, then the connection can be established, but manual assembly and disassembly require large numbers of cables and high labor intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is divided into distinct functional modules: a connection body with locking mechanism, an ejector rod for automatic unlocking, and a sliding member for position control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing the overall complexity compared to conventional cable systems that require multiple individual cables and manual assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector rod is designed to automatically push the sliding member to unlock the connection when activated, enabling self-service unlocking without requiring manual disassembly of multiple cables. The locking mechanism engages and disengages automatically through the sliding motion of the sliding member, reducing labor intensity while maintaining connection reliability.
2Reliability
If conventional connection structures are used, then connection is established, but rapid separation for emergency danger avoidance is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector rod is pre-positioned and spring-loaded (or mechanically biased) to immediately push the sliding member when activated, enabling rapid separation without requiring time-consuming manual operations. The locking mechanism is designed to disengage automatically upon activation of the ejector rod, providing preliminary preparedness for emergency situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector rod serves as a dedicated emergency release mechanism that extracts the sliding member from its locked position, separating the unlocking function from the normal connection structure. This extraction of the release mechanism allows for rapid, independent activation without affecting the integrity of the main connection body, enabling quick emergency separation.
3Device complexity
If simple locking mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but accidental disconnections cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding member is designed to move dynamically between locked and unlocked positions based on forces applied to the ejector rod. The locking mechanism transitions from a static simple latch to a dynamic system that responds to activation forces, providing controlled engagement and disengagement while preventing accidental disconnection through the requirement of deliberate activation force.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding member acts as an intermediary between the ejector rod and the locking mechanism. It translates the linear motion of the ejector rod into the rotational or lateral motion required to engage or disengage the locking elements, providing a mechanical mediation that ensures positive locking while allowing controlled release through the ejector rod activation.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6(b)
Figure 6(c)~6(g)
AI summary
The present application provides a top-lock pull-out type connecting device and an immersed tube construction ship; the connecting device comprising a support member, fixedly connected to the load-bearing element and located on a side of the load-bearing element facing the borne element; a sliding member, been able to slide relative to the load-bearing element in a connection direction of the load-bearing and borne elements; an ejector rod, used to push the sliding member, fixedly connected to the borne element; a first locking member, used to lock the ejector rod, movably connected between an end of the sliding member close to the borne element and the support member, and can to be driven by the sliding member to be close to or away from the ejector rod; and a second locking member, used to lock the sliding member, and connected between an end of the sliding member away from the borne element and the load-bearing element.