Segmented Chain Guide for Multi-Size Mooring Chain Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain winches are unable to handle chains with multiple sizes of chain links, which limits their versatility and efficiency in mooring applications, particularly for floating structures where different load conditions require adaptable chain handling.
Innovation Solution
A chain guide and winch system designed to accommodate chains with at least two different sizes, featuring a rotatable chain guide with distinct sectors and a pawl element with separate seats for various chain sizes, allowing for smooth transition and support of different link geometries without requiring additional components or replacing existing equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a chain winch is designed to handle chains with multiple sizes of chain links, then the versatility and adaptability of the winch is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for distinct sectors and multiple chain supports
Solution Approach 1:
The chain guide is divided into distinct sectors (first sector for smaller chain links, second sector for larger chain links) with each sector containing chain supports specifically adapted for its designated chain size. This segmentation allows the single chain guide to handle multiple chain sizes simultaneously without requiring complete redesign for each chain type.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain guide structure serves multiple functions by incorporating both first chain supports and second chain supports within the same device. The first chain supports accommodate smaller chain links while the second chain supports accommodate larger chain links, making the winch universally applicable to different chain specifications without needing additional components.
2Manufacturing precision
If distinct sectors with separate chain supports are implemented, then the manufacturing precision required for each chain size is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the chain guide into distinct sectors with dedicated chain supports, each support can be manufactured with precise specifications tailored to its specific chain size. This allows high manufacturing precision for each chain type while keeping the overall design systematic and organized, making the complex manufacturing process more manageable through clear division of functions.
3Reliability
If the chain guide is designed with separate support sectors for different chain sizes, then the reliability of chain handling is improved by preventing excessive loading, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chain guide is segmented into distinct support sectors, each optimized for specific chain sizes. This ensures that smaller chain links are supported by first chain supports designed for their geometry, while larger chain links are supported by second chain supports designed for their geometry, preventing excessive loading and bending for each chain type.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain guide incorporates transition sectors that dynamically adapt to guide chains during size transitions. These transition sectors allow the chain to move smoothly between different support types, maintaining reliability during the complex operation of handling multiple chain sizes without requiring static, overly complex structures.
4Loss of time
If a single chain winch handles multiple chain sizes, then the loss of time for equipment replacement or addition is reduced, but the ease of operation may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The chain guide is designed as a universal device that can handle multiple chain sizes without requiring replacement or addition of components. The first and second chain supports work together within the same device, eliminating downtime for equipment changes while maintaining ease of operation through a unified, integrated structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a chain guide (22) for a chain winch (10), the chain guide being rotatable about a first rotational axis (11) and adapted for support of a chain (13) comprising chain links having at least two different sizes where a first chain portion (14) comprises a plurality of first chain links (15) and a second chain portion (16) comprises a plurality of second chain links (17) where the size of the second chain links is larger than the size of the first chain links. The chain guide (22) comprises at least one first chain support (23), which is adapted for support of at least the first chain links (15) of the first chain portion (14), and at least one second chain support (24), which is adapted for support of at least the second chain links (17) of the second chain portion (16). There is also disclosed a chain winch (10) which comprises such a chain guide (22).