Spud Pole Assembly Hoisting Mode Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dredging vessels with spud poles often face failures in hoisting systems during adverse weather and sea conditions, leading to potential buckling and the need for spud pole replacement.
Innovation Solution
A spud pole assembly with a pivotably connected base frame, hydraulic cylinder, and clamping assembly that can switch between turn over and hoisting modes, utilizing a hydraulic cylinder to pivot and clamp the spud pole, providing a backup facility for retraction when primary hoisting systems fail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a primary hoisting system is used for the spud pole, then the spud pole can be retracted and lowered during normal operations, but the system may fail during adverse weather and sea conditions leading to buckling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a backup hoisting arrangement with a hydraulic cylinder and clamping assembly that can be activated when the primary hoisting system fails. This preventive measure ensures that the spud pole can still be retracted even during adverse weather conditions, preventing buckling and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by employing a hydraulic cylinder that can operate in two distinct modes: turn over mode for pivoting the spud pole holder and hoisting mode for retracting the spud pole. This allows the same component to adapt its function based on operational requirements, enhancing reliability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Reliability
If a backup hoisting arrangement is added to prevent failure, then reliability of spud pole retraction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the hydraulic cylinder to perform multiple functions: it can pivot the spud pole holder in turn over mode and also retract the spud pole in hoisting mode. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining improved reliability.
3Device complexity
If the hydraulic cylinder is used for both turning over and hoisting, then device complexity is reduced, but the system must switch between modes which may cause operational delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the hydraulic cylinder to dynamically switch between turn over mode and hoisting mode based on operational needs. The system can adapt its configuration in real-time, allowing the same component to serve different functions without requiring separate fixed systems, thus balancing simplicity with operational flexibility.
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
Enables efficient retraction of the spud pole in emergency situations, preventing buckling and extending the lifespan of the spud pole by providing a reliable backup mechanism for hoisting, even when primary systems fail.
Implementation Method 1
a first hydraulic cylinder that is at its first side pivotably connected to the base frame and at its operative opposite second side pivotably connected to the spud pole holder to pivot the spud pole holder and the spud pole with respect to the base frame
Implementation Method 2
wherein in the hoisting mode the pivot between the first side of the hydraulic cylinder and the spud pole holder is displaceable with respect to the spud pole holder whereby the extension or retraction of the first hydraulic cylinder lowers or hoists the operatively connected clamping assembly with respect to the base frame
Implementation Method 3
a clamping assembly to clamp the spud pole, which clamping assembly is operatively connected to the first side of the first hydraulic cylinder
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The invention relates to a dredging vessel (1) with a spud pole assembly comprising a base frame (21), a spud pole holder (61) that is pivotably connected to the base frame, a spud pole (60) that is guided by the spud pole holder, a first hydraulic cylinder (78) that is at its first side connected to the base frame and at its second side connected to the spud pole holder to pivot the spud pole with respect to the base frame, and a clamping assembly (90) to clamp the spud pole that is operatively connected to the first side of the first hydraulic cylinder, wherein the spud pole assembly has a hoisting mode wherein the first side of the hydraulic cylinder is displaceable with respect to the spud pole holder whereby the extension or retraction of the first hydraulic cylinder lowers and hoists the operatively connected clamping assembly with respect to the base frame.