Shore Power Coupling Rail With Flat Cable Carrier Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ship-to-land-side supply grid connection devices face issues with space efficiency, safety from falling objects, and interference with mooring lines and gangways, particularly due to the protruding deflection zones of cable carriers.
Innovation Solution
A land-side coupling unit with a cable carrier having a vertical bending axis, arranged flat in a guide channel, which slides rather than rolls, and is protected by a cover, allowing for a compact design that does not obstruct mooring lines or gangways, and can be retrofitted without structural modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cable carrier is arranged standing with the bending axis horizontal, then the cable carrier can be easily installed, but it protrudes upwards and is vulnerable to damage from falling objects and interferes with mooring lines and gangways
Solution Approach 1:
The cable carrier is rotated 90 degrees around its longitudinal axis, changing the orientation of the bending axis from horizontal to vertical. This dimensional reorientation causes the deflection zone to extend horizontally rather than vertically, eliminating upward protrusion while maintaining the cable carrier's functional integrity and protection capabilities
2Ease of operation
If the cable carrier protrudes upwards to maintain its structure, then it can accommodate cables effectively, but it creates obstacles for mooring lines and gangways and reduces space efficiency on the quay
Solution Approach 1:
By reorienting the cable carrier laterally, the deflection zone is relocated from the vertical space above the quay to the horizontal plane at quay level. This allows mooring lines and gangways to pass freely above the cable carrier without obstruction, while the horizontal extension remains compact and space-efficient
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing the cable carrier to protrude upward as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the arrangement by making it lie flat laterally. This inverted configuration eliminates interference with vertical operations (mooring, gangway access) while maintaining cable accommodation functionality
3Reliability
If the cable carrier is exposed for easy access and maintenance, then it is easy to service, but it is vulnerable to damage from falling objects and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
A protective cover is introduced that can be flexibly opened and closed. The cover protects the cable carrier from falling objects and environmental damage during normal operation, while allowing controlled access during maintenance. The lateral orientation facilitates this by enabling cover opening from the side without requiring vertical clearance
Data Source
AI summary
A device for connecting a ship to a land-side supply grid includes a rail system having a guide channel, a cover designed to cover the guide channel and formed by a plurality of successive articulated cover plates and a land-side coupling unit mounted on the rail system for travel and designed for receiving a cable-connected ship-side plug. The coupling unit includes a lifting device designed to open the cover by opening the cover plates in a position-dependent manner, and a shield to protect an area of the guide channel opened by the lifting device against falling objects. A cable carrier cable-connects the coupling unit to the land-side supply grid. The cable carrier is arranged lying flat on a side in the guide channel and pivotable about a vertical bending axis.