Ship Coupling Damping Peak Loads with Elastic Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ship couplings face challenges in effectively damping peak loads and maintaining connection between hulls during wave motion and maneuvering, which can lead to damage and loss of damping capacity due to fluid separation in hydraulic cylinders.
Innovation Solution
A ship coupling design featuring a prestressed elastic element that keeps the hydraulic cylinder stationary under normal loads and absorbs peak loads, combined with a coupling rod and piston rod connected via a connecting element, allowing for 90-degree rotation for coupling and decoupling, and a shock-absorbing device with non-metallic damping elements to manage horizontal and vertical movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a hydraulic cylinder is used to connect two ship hulls, then the coupling can transfer thrust and forces from maneuverability, but the hydraulic cylinder may suffer damage and lose damping capacity due to fluid separation during peak loads
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into two independent damping systems: a hydraulic cylinder for continuous damping under normal loads, and a mechanical element with play for damping under peak loads. This segmentation allows each component to operate within its optimal range without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical element with play is pre-configured to engage before the hydraulic cylinder can be damaged by peak loads. The play in the mechanical element acts as a preliminary cushion that absorbs extreme forces, protecting the hydraulic system from damage and maintaining its damping capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling allows for relative movement in six degrees of freedom, then the hulls can move freely during wave motion, but the coupling must still maintain stable connection and transfer forces effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates dynamic elements including a rotatable coupling rod that can rotate 90 degrees for engagement/disengagement, and a mechanical element with play that allows controlled movement. These dynamic features enable the coupling to adapt to six degrees of freedom while maintaining reliable force transfer through the hydraulic cylinder and mechanical element.
3Force
If a prestressed elastic element is added to keep the hydraulic cylinder stationary under normal loads, then damping of peak loads is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prestressed elastic element is integrated into the existing hydraulic cylinder assembly, combining multiple functions into a compact structure. The elastic element works in conjunction with the hydraulic cylinder and mechanical element with play, creating a unified damping system that enhances peak load damping without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design provides enhanced damping of peak loads, prevents hydraulic cylinder damage, and allows for a stable connection between hulls, maintaining damping capacity and enabling draft-independent connection of pushing and pushed vehicles with variable horizontal coupling planes.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic cylinder with a piston rod which absorbs tensile and compressive forces and is guided in the hydraulic cylinder
Implementation Method 2
absorbing peak loads between two hulls connected to one another by the marine coupling (1)
Implementation Method 3
a shock-absorbing device with non-metallic damping elements to manage horizontal and vertical movements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a marine coupling 1 for connecting two hulls, in particular a pushing vehicle, for example a tugboat, and a pushed vehicle, for example a barge, comprising a coupling rod 6 with a coupling element 11 and a hydraulic cylinder 2 with a piston rod 5 guided in the hydraulic cylinder 2, wherein the piston rod 5 and the coupling rod 6 are connected to one another. According to the invention, the hydraulic cylinder 2 is arranged in a housing 4 connected to a hull, together with a prestressed elastic element 3. The tensile and thrust forces between two coupled sliding bodies are dampened by the hydraulic cylinder.Particularly large forces that exceed the restoring force of the prestressed elastic element 3 are additionally dampened by the elastic element 3, so that the hydraulic cylinder 2 is protected from damage or destruction, which can result in the uncoupling of the interconnected hulls.