ROV Mooring Link Measuring Tool for Subsea Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inspecting and measuring the external diameter of mooring links in offshore installations are inaccurate and pose health risks to divers, requiring a more reliable and safer solution.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical mooring link measuring tool comprising a handling rod, an adjustment plate, and a graduated fork with variable arm spacing for precise external diameter measurements, operable by ROV, diver, or underwater drone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual visual inspection with diver is used, then inspection can be performed, but measurement precision is insufficient and human health risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical inspection method with an automated ROV-operated measuring tool. The ROV (remotely operated vehicle) performs the measurement function that was previously done manually by divers, eliminating human exposure to hazardous underwater conditions while maintaining measurement capability through robotic manipulation of the measuring device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of the ROV and the measuring tool as a mediator between the inspector and the mooring link. Instead of the diver directly contacting and measuring the link, the ROV-operated tool serves as an intermediary that performs the measurement remotely, transferring the measurement function from human hands to a robotic system.
2Measurement precision
If hydraulic or electrically actuated measuring devices are used, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex hydraulic or electric actuation systems from the measuring device, retaining only the essential mechanical components needed for measurement. By taking out the sophisticated actuation mechanisms, the design is simplified to use basic mechanical elements that are easier to manufacture and maintain, while still achieving the required measurement precision through mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive mechanical components that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than investing in complex hydraulic or electric systems. The measuring tool uses basic mechanical elements like springs, levers, and scales that are cost-effective and straightforward to manufacture, aligning with the principle of using simple, affordable components over complex, expensive ones.
3Ease of operation
If hydraulic fluids are used in measuring devices, then actuation capability is improved, but environmental pollution risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the hydraulic fluid system from the measuring device, removing the source of potential chemical pollution. By taking out the hydraulic actuation mechanism that uses chemical fluids, the design replaces it with a mechanical system that does not rely on potentially contaminating substances, thus eliminating the environmental harm while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of hydraulic fluids into a benefit by replacing them with a mechanical system that is inherently environmentally friendly. The mechanical system uses no chemicals, turning the absence of hydraulic fluids into an environmental advantage rather than a functional limitation, thus converting a potential harm into a benefit.
4Measurement precision
If complex ROV-operated measuring tools are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex electronic and hydraulic systems from the measuring tool, retaining only the essential mechanical measurement components. By removing the sophisticated actuation and control systems, the manufacturing cost is reduced while the core measurement function is maintained through simple mechanical elements that are easier and cheaper to manufacture and maintain.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to embodiments of a mooring link measuring tool comprising at least one handling rod; at least one adjustment plate; at least one graduated fork with at least two arms. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to embodiments of a method of measuring a mooring link using the mooring link measuring tool comprising the steps of coupling at least one manipulator arm of at least one ROV to at least one handling rod; positioning the mooring link measuring tool on the mooring link; moving the mooring link measuring tool against the mooring link until the mooring link locks between at least two arms of the at least one graduated fork; measuring at least one perpendicular diameter of the mooring link; obtaining at least one image of the at least one adjustment plate positioned on the graduated fork.