Ship-to-Ship Fluid Transfer Duct with Mobile Rigidification Element

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid transfer systems between ships, such as those for liquid natural gas, face challenges in rough seas due to random movements of flexible ducts, leading to maneuvering difficulties and insecure connection processes.

Innovation Solution

A system featuring a mast with a rigidification element that allows the flexible ducts to be aligned for secure handling and then flexes to accommodate relative movements between ships, comprising a rigid portion and a flexible portion with a mobile rigidification element that can switch between elongate and retracted positions to facilitate connection and movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flexible ducts are used for fluid transfer between ships, then the system can accommodate relative movements between ships, but the ducts become difficult to handle and connection becomes lengthy and insecure in rough seas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of relative movementsVSAvoidhandling of ducts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The duct is divided into multiple segments: a first rigid portion, a second flexible portion, and a rigidification element. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function - the rigid portions provide structural support and alignment, while the flexible portion accommodates movements, and the rigidification element enables controlled positioning during connection operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rigidification element is designed to be mobile along the duct, transitioning between an elongate position (providing rigidity for alignment during connection) and a retracted position (allowing flexibility for movement accommodation). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by changing the duct's mechanical properties based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the duct is made entirely rigid, then handling and alignment become easier, but the duct cannot accommodate relative movements between ships

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment during connectionVSAvoidaccommodation of relative movements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The duct is divided into multiple segments: a first rigid portion, a second flexible portion, and a rigidification element. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function - the rigid portions provide structural support and alignment, while the flexible portion accommodates movements, and the rigidification element enables controlled positioning during connection operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rigidification element is designed to be mobile along the duct, transitioning between an elongate position (providing rigidity for alignment during connection) and a retracted position (allowing flexibility for movement accommodation). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by changing the duct's mechanical properties based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the duct is made entirely flexible, then the duct can accommodate relative movements, but handling becomes complicated and connection becomes insecure in rough seas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of relative movementsVSAvoidsecurity of connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The duct is divided into multiple segments: a first rigid portion, a second flexible portion, and a rigidification element. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function - the rigid portions provide structural support and alignment, while the flexible portion accommodates movements, and the rigidification element enables controlled positioning during connection operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rigidification element is designed to be mobile along the duct, transitioning between an elongate position (providing rigidity for alignment during connection) and a retracted position (allowing flexibility for movement accommodation). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by changing the duct's mechanical properties based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9919773B2System for fluid transfer between a ship and a facility, such as a client ship

Publication Date: 2018.03.20 GAZTRANSPORT & TECHNIGAZ SA

AI summary

A system for transfer of a fluid between a ship and a facility having a mast, at least one fluid transfer line which extends along the mast, and at least one duct suspended on the distal end of the mast, which is firstly connected to the fluid transfer line, and secondly equipped with a connection element which is designed to cooperate with a manifold of the facility. The duct has a first, rigid portion and a second, flexible portion, and a rigidification element which is fitted such as to be mobile along the duct between a position for rigidification of the flexible portion and a position of release.