Elongated Object Lifting With Support-Structure Force Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for lifting elongate objects like foundation piles or jackets from vessels face challenges in maintaining control and stability during operations, especially in rough seas, leading to potential damage and reduced operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A lifting system with a crane arm, take-up frame, winch setup, and control lines that utilize a support structure extending from the deck to absorb forces, allowing control lines to manage and dampen movements, ensuring the object remains substantially horizontal and stable during lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If lifting operations are performed in rough sea conditions, then operational time is increased, but the risk of damage to the elongate object and personnel safety increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces control lines as intermediary elements connected between the elongate object and the vessel deck. These control lines act as mediators that allow the vessel to actively counteract swinging movements and external forces, enabling safe operation in rough seas by providing continuous control and stabilization during lifting operations
2Stability of the object's composition
If tugger lines are used to control swinging movements, then object stability is improved, but the complexity of the control system and personnel requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service control mechanism where the winch setup automatically manages the control lines based on object position and movement. The system uses sensors and control algorithms to autonomously adjust line tension and positioning, reducing the need for complex manual control systems and specialized personnel while maintaining stable object positioning
3Reliability
If operations are restricted to calm conditions, then safety is maintained, but operational efficiency and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor the elongate object's position, orientation, and movement during lifting operations. This real-time feedback is processed by the control system to dynamically adjust winch operations and control line tension, enabling safe operation in varying sea conditions including rough seas while maintaining high operational efficiency
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
Enhances operational efficiency by enabling lifting operations in rougher conditions, reducing the risk of damage and personnel hazards, and improving control over swinging movements.
Implementation Method 1
a support structure which differs from the crane arm, extends from the deck to a height and is configured to be able to absorb the forces acting on the object while it is being lifted off the deck
Implementation Method 2
control lines run from the take-up frame to the winch setup and are configured to control the movement of the elongate object when this object is lifted off the deck
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a lifting system for taking up an elongate object from a deck of a vessel. The lifting system has a crane arm which is connected to the deck and from which is suspended a take-up frame to which the elongate object can be attached. Also present is a winch setup and control lines connected thereto and configured to control the movement of the elongate object when this object is lifted off the deck. The control lines run from the take-up frame to the winch setup. The winch setup forms part of a support structure which extends from the deck to a height and is intended to be able to absorb the forces acting on the object while it is being lifted off the deck. Also described is a method for taking up an elongate object from a deck of a vessel.