Sea Chest Maintenance Access Trunk for Vessel Hull
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for maintaining sea chests, such as using divers or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), are hindered by water currents and sea conditions, often requiring dry docking or cofferdam installation, which are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A sea chest maintenance access trunk that provides a watertight, above-waterline access route to the sea chest, allowing for safe and efficient entry by divers or ROVs, while preventing water ingress and protecting personnel from currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If divers or ROVs are used to maintain the sea chest from outside the vessel, then maintenance can be performed without dry docking, but the current and sea state affect their ability to safely and effectively maintain the sea chest
Solution Approach 1:
The access trunk serves as an intermediary structure that connects the sea chest to the vessel interior. It provides a protected pathway through which divers or ROVs can access the sea chest while being shielded from harmful current and sea state effects by the trunk structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The access trunk incorporates a flexible or movable closure mechanism that can be opened to allow access and closed to prevent water ingress. This flexible element allows the system to adapt between different operational states (maintenance access vs. watertight closure) while protecting against environmental factors.
2Reliability
If the sea chest is dry docked for maintenance, then safe and effective maintenance can be performed, but the vessel is unavailable for extended periods and dry docking is costly
Solution Approach 1:
The access trunk divides the maintenance access problem into separate components: a permanent structural element (the trunk) and a movable closure mechanism. This segmentation allows the trunk to remain in place while the closure can be opened for maintenance and closed for operation, eliminating the need for complete dry docking.
Solution Approach 2:
The access trunk is pre-installed and ready for use before maintenance is needed. The structure is in place with the closure mechanism prepared, so maintenance can begin immediately when the closure is opened, significantly reducing the time required compared to dry docking procedures.
3Ease of operation
If a cofferdam is installed to access the sea chest, then maintenance access can be obtained, but the installation and removal of cofferdam adds complexity and time to the maintenance process
Solution Approach 1:
The access trunk serves as a permanent intermediary structure that eliminates the need for temporary cofferdams. Instead of installing and removing cofferdams for each maintenance operation, the trunk provides a standing structure that can be quickly opened and closed, significantly simplifying the maintenance process.
Solution Approach 2:
The access trunk is a self-contained structure with an integrated closure mechanism that can be operated independently of external support structures like cofferdams. The system is self-sufficient, requiring no additional temporary installations to provide access or protection during maintenance operations.
4Ease of operation
If the watertight closure is kept open for maintenance access, then divers or ROV can access the sea chest, but water may enter the vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism incorporates a flexible closure element that can be sealed against the access trunk opening. This flexible element creates a watertight barrier when closed and can be easily opened for maintenance access, providing both protection and accessibility as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static - it can transition between closed and open states based on operational requirements. When closed, it provides watertight protection; when opened, it allows maintenance access. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between constant protection and needed accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments disclosed herein provide a sea chest maintenance access trunk to a sea chest positioned within a vessel. The access trunk is in fluid communication with the sea chest. A watertight closure is selectively opened or closed and is positioned above the waterline to prevent fluid from entering the vessel when in an open configuration. It also permits diver or ROV access to the sea chest when in an open configuration.