String-Type Mooring System With Spring Restoring Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mooring systems face challenges in maintaining stability of vessels and platforms, especially under conditions of tidal fluctuation and severe weather, such as strong winds and waves, due to direct cable connections which lack adaptability and stability control.
Innovation Solution
A string-type mooring system featuring a support frame with free guide rollers, elastic springs, and hydraulic devices that provide omnidirectional restoring forces and adjustable vertical equilibrium, incorporating anti-collision fairlead bases and quick detachable connection joints to manage movement and loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If direct cable connections are used to moor vessels and platforms, then the structure is simple, but the stability cannot be maintained under tidal fluctuation and severe weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing fixed direct cable connections with a dynamic system featuring a movable crossbeam that can translate vertically along guide rails. This dynamic structure adapts to tidal fluctuations and wave motions, maintaining stable mooring through controlled movement rather than rigid fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism between the platform and dock consisting of the movable crossbeam, guide rollers, and spring-damper systems. This intermediary absorbs and dissipates environmental forces (waves, tides, wind), protecting both the platform and dock while maintaining mooring stability through controlled interaction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed mooring connections are used, then the structure is simple, but the system cannot adapt to tidal fluctuations and vertical position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The movable crossbeam design enables the mooring system to dynamically adjust its vertical position in response to tidal fluctuations. The crossbeam travels along guide rails, allowing the platform to rise and fall with tides while maintaining proper mooring tension and alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical anchoring systems with a gravity-based system where the crossbeam's weight and the spring-damper mechanisms provide the necessary restoring forces. This substitution simplifies the control mechanism while improving adaptability to vertical position changes.
3Ease of operation
If rigid cable ties are used, then the connection is strong, but the system lacks the ability to provide controlled movement and quick release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mooring connection into detachable components: the platform arm with connection joints that can be quickly coupled and decoupled from the crossbeam. This segmentation enables rapid release when needed while maintaining strong connection during normal operation through proper joint design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection joints are pre-configured with coupling mechanisms that allow for quick attachment and detachment. The system is prepared in advance with ready-to-connect interfaces, eliminating the need for complex fastening procedures during release operations.
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 ensures stability and quick release of platforms by adapting to tidal changes and extreme conditions, providing controlled movement and safety through elastic deformation and mechanical self-locking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
provides an omnidirectional restoring force for the moored platform through elastic deformation of the spring
Implementation Method 2
The hydraulic devices are mechanical self-locking hydraulic devices
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a string-type mooring system. A support frame is provided on a dock. Two free guide rollers are provided at vertical corresponding positions that are respectively below a cross arm of the support frame and above the dock. The two free guide rollers are respectively wound with a cable. One end of each cable is connected to a platform arm fixed on a platform, and the other end thereof is horizontally connected with one end of a spring. The other ends of the two springs are respectively connected with a hydraulic device. The present invention provides an omnidirectional restoring force for the moored platform through the elastic deformation of the springs to control the movement response of the platform within a certain range. The present invention can adjust the slow change of the vertical position of the platform caused by tidal fluctuation.