Release Apparatus Locking Shoes Contact Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing release apparatuses for large mooring tethers, such as mooring chains and cables, face challenges in efficiently severing or releasing high-load connections, particularly due to the time-consuming nature of cutting large, thick metal links and limitations in the length of chain or cable that can be run out.
Innovation Solution
A release apparatus comprising mating sections with movable locking shoes and a hydraulic system, where the locking shoes feature toric geometries to facilitate smooth disengagement and withstand high tension forces, and a hydraulic system with a bypass valve to manage pressure and prevent premature activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cutting is used to sever large mooring tethers, then the tether can be separated, but the process takes a relatively long amount of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cutting systems with a release apparatus that uses controlled disengagement of mating sections. The locking shoes with toric geometries and contact angles enable rapid separation without the need for cutting tools, directly addressing the time-consuming nature of cutting large metal links.
Solution Approach 2:
The release apparatus divides the tether connection into separable mating sections with locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows the connection to be released by disengaging the locking shoes rather than cutting through the entire tether, significantly reducing the time required for separation.
2Productivity
If a winch is used to run out chain or cable, then the tether can be released, but there is a limit to the length of chain or cable that can be run out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the winch-based mechanical system with a direct release mechanism using mating sections and locking shoes. This substitution eliminates the need to wind and unwind the tether through a winch, allowing for the release of tethers of any length without being constrained by winch capacity or the length that can be practically run out.
3Strength
If locking shoes with contact angles are used, then the locking surface distributes contact forces, but the design must prevent damage to engagement surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the contact angle parameter of the locking surfaces to distribute contact forces effectively. By carefully selecting the contact angle, the design achieves optimal force distribution that prevents excessive stress concentration and potential damage to the engagement surfaces while maintaining high load withstanding capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The toric geometries are applied specifically to the locking surfaces where contact occurs, creating localized optimized contact zones. This local quality enhancement ensures that the critical engagement areas have the precise geometric properties needed for force distribution and damage prevention, while other parts of the component can have different properties.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide release apparatuses comprising: a body comprising a first mating section and a second mating section connected to first and second tethers; and a plurality of movable locking shoes secured with the first mating section and movable between a first position configured to lock the first mating section and the second mating section together and a second position configured to allow the first mating section and the second mating section to disconnect; wherein each of the plurality of locking shoes comprises a locking surface configured to contact an engagement surface of the second mating section and maintain a position of the first mating section with the second mating section when the plurality of locking shoes are in the first position, and wherein the locking surface of each of the plurality of locking shoes is formed at a contact angle between about 18 degrees and 24 degrees.