Spreader Bar with Compensators for Marine Lifting Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spreader bars for lifting loads from floating vessels to other vessels face challenges in managing fluctuations in vertical distance due to sea motions, leading to snatch loads and increased risk of damage during transfer.

Innovation Solution

A spreader bar system with a frame, lifting pulleys, connectors, actuators, and compensators that adjust to maintain tension in wires, allowing for secure lifting by accommodating vertical fluctuations and preventing the load from swinging or hitting the crane or vessel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a spreader bar is used to distribute lifting force onto multiple lifting regions, then the lifting stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple connectors and wires

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting system is divided into multiple independent lifting lines, each with its own connector and wire, allowing the lifting force to be distributed to multiple lifting regions while maintaining independent control and tensioning of each line

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spreader bar incorporates movable connectors and tensioning mechanisms that can dynamically adjust to vertical distance fluctuations, maintaining tension in the wires while accommodating sea motions and load movements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If manual connection of the spreader bar to the load is performed, then the ease of operation is reduced, but the measurement precision of connection timing is improved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection timing precisionVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automatic detection and control mechanisms that can autonomously monitor the connection status and tensioning requirements, reducing the need for manual intervention while maintaining precise control over the lifting operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensors and monitoring devices to detect the connection status and vertical distance fluctuations, providing real-time feedback that enables precise control of the tensioning mechanisms and actuators during the lifting operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the spreader bar is designed to accommodate large vertical distance fluctuations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for compensators and tensioning mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to vertical fluctuationsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses compensators and actuators that can change the length and tension of the wires in real-time, adapting to varying vertical distances between the spreader bar and load while maintaining optimal lifting conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system effectively transfers loads with reduced risk of damage, maintaining tension and stability during lifting, even in rough sea conditions, by compensating for vertical distance fluctuations and allowing remote-controlled operation.

Implementation Method 1

a lifting pulley arranged on the frame, so that a horizontal distance between the lifting pulleys of the first and second systems corresponds to the horizontal distance between the first and second lifting regions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulley: Pulley

Implementation Method 2

a compensator mounted or arranged on the frame for acting on the actuator wire to compensate for possible fluctuations in the vertical distance between the respective lifting region of the load and the spreader bar and thereby ensure that the main wire and the actuator wire remain under tension

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS12017890B2Spreader bar for distributing a lifting force of a crane and method of using such a spreader bar

Publication Date: 2024.06.25 VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS AS

AI summary

The invention relates to a spreader bar (1) for distributing a lifting force from a crane (2) onto a two lifting regions (3,4) f a load (5) to be lifted. The spreader bar comprises a frame (6) and first and second systems (7,8). Each system comprises a lifting pulley (9), a connector (10) for connecting the spreader bar to the respective lifting region via a main wire (11) guided by the lifting pulley, an actuator (15) for vertically moving the connector via an actuator wire (16), and a movably arranged suspension element (19) connecting the actuator wire and the main wire. A compensator (20) compensates for possible fluctuations in the vertical distance between the respective lifting region of the load and the spreader bar. Such fluctuations can be due to the crane or the load being located on a floating vessel. When the suspension element is engaged with a blocking element (23), the lifting force from the crane can be transferred to the main wire in order to lift the load.