Multi-Winches Hoisting System Splitable Rope Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hoisting systems face limitations in flexibility and extension capacity, particularly in reaching deeper water depths, due to the rigidity of traditional steel wire ropes and the complexity of existing winch systems.
Innovation Solution
A hoisting system comprising a main winch system with a splitable auxiliary winch system, where the auxiliary winch has a splitable rope connector allowing quick disconnection and reconnection, and a hang-off point for temporarily holding rope connectors, enabling the extension of the main rope's length by adding a second section, thus increasing the system's reach without adding complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional steel wire ropes are used in hoisting systems, then the system maintains structural strength and reliability, but the system lacks flexibility and extension capacity for deep-water applications
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary rope is divided into multiple sections that can be independently connected and disconnected. The first section connects to the main rope, while the second section can be added or removed based on required extension capacity, allowing the system to adapt to different water depths without redesigning the entire hoisting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The hoisting system transitions from a static, fixed-length rope configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The auxiliary rope sections can be connected or disconnected during operations, enabling the system to change its effective length and adapt to varying operational requirements in real-time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the auxiliary rope is divided into multiple sections with connectable components, then the system gains flexibility and extension capacity, but the system complexity increases due to additional connectors and assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical connection between rope sections, enables quick attachment and detachment, and maintains load-bearing capacity. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall assembly process despite the multi-section rope design.
3Length of stationary object
If the auxiliary winch system is used to extend the main rope's length, then the reach is increased for deep-water operations, but the system complexity increases with dual winch operations
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary rope acts as an intermediary element between the main rope and the load. The auxiliary winch system controls this intermediate section, allowing extension of the main rope's effective reach without requiring the main winch system to directly handle the entire extended length, thereby simplifying the control architecture.
4Ease of operation
If quick-disconnection mechanisms are implemented in rope connectors, then the ease of operation is improved for handling and maintenance, but the reliability may be compromised due to additional connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design enables operators to perform connection and disconnection operations without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures. The quick-disconnection mechanism allows maintenance and reconfiguration to be performed rapidly by operators themselves, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable connections through properly engineered locking features.
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 2d~2e
AI summary
The invention relates to a hoisting system (100, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4) for hoisting a load (99). The hoisting system (100, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4) comprises: i) a main winch system (110) having a main rope (115) with an end connector (118) mounted to an end (115e) of the main rope (115), ii) an auxiliary winch system (120) having an auxiliary rope (125) having at least one rope connector (123a, 123s) of which at least one is a splitable rope connector (123s), the auxiliary rope (125) comprising a first section (125-1) and a second section (125-2) connected to the first section (125-1) via the splitable rope connector (123s), wherein the splitable rope connector (125s) comprises at least two connector parts (123s1, 123s2) that are releasably connected with each other for allowing quick disconnection and reconnection between the second section (125-2) and the first section (125-1), wherein the connector parts (123s1, 123s2) are configured for releasably connecting with the end connector (118) of the main rope (115), and iii) a hang-off point (200) placed and configured for at least temporarily holding a respective rope connector (123a, 123s) of the auxiliary rope (125) for transferring the load (99) to the hang-off point (200). An embodiment comprises two auxiliary winch systems. The invention further relates to a method for hoisting a load using a hoisting system in accordance with the invention. This method has various embodiments. The invention enables a much larger reach of the hoisting system, by connecting the hoisting ropes in series.