Submerged Rope Lifting Tool with Active Torque Counteraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of fiber ropes in deep-sea hoisting operations is limited by their susceptibility to twisting and entanglement, which can lead to premature wear and potential loss of valuable items due to continuous reeling and exposure to heave motion, and existing methods like parallel ropes face issues with torque-induced entanglement.
Innovation Solution
A lifting tool with a body and operable lock designed to catch rope connectors, equipped with adjustable water flow inducing means such as thrusters, nozzles, or rudders that can autonomously counteract torque using sensors and actuators, preventing twisting and entanglement by generating a couple about the central axis of the payload carrying rope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If fiber ropes are used for deep-sea hoisting operations, then the maximum item size that can be handled is improved, but the ropes become susceptible to twisting and entanglement which reduces their effective life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical rope system with an active control system using water flow inducing means (thrusters, nozzles, or rudders) to counteract twisting forces. Sensors detect rotational acceleration or inclination, and actuators adjust the water flow to generate opposing torque, transforming a purely mechanical passive system into an actively controlled system that maintains rope stability during deep-sea operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control loop where sensors continuously monitor the rope's rotational state (rotational acceleration or inclination) and feed this information to a control unit. The control unit processes this data and adjusts the water flow inducing means accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that actively compensates for twisting forces and maintains rope stability throughout the operation
2Length of moving object
If parallel ropes are used to pay out long fiber ropes, then the rope length capability is improved, but the ropes tend to twist and get entangled due to independent movement in the sea
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the uncontrolled independent movement of parallel ropes with an active hydrodynamic control system. Water flow inducing means generate controlled forces and torques on each rope, replacing the passive mechanical interaction that leads to entanglement with an actively managed system that maintains proper rope spacing and orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary counteracting forces through the water flow inducing means before entanglement can occur. By continuously generating opposing torque based on sensor feedback, the system prevents the twisting and entanglement from developing, rather than reacting after the problem occurs
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 lifting tool effectively prevents twisting and entanglement between parallel ropes by autonomously adjusting thrusters, nozzles, or rudders to counteract rotational forces, thereby extending the life of fiber ropes and ensuring safe operation during deep-sea hoisting.
Implementation Method 1
The lifting tool is equipped with at least one water flow inducing means positioned at a radial distance from the center axis
Implementation Method 2
When adjusting the pair of thrusters, nozzles or rudders properly, a couple acting about the central axis of the payload carrying rope may be generated
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting tool for opposing twisting of generally submerged ropes. The lifting tool includes a body with a center axis, an operable lock configured to selectively limit movement of a rope connector through the body, and a structure coupled to the body and configured to couple to a hoist or crane. The lifting tool also includes at least one rudder positioned at a radial distance from the center axis to oppose rotation of the lifting tool.