Swivel U-Joint Connectors for Fast Offshore Mooring Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mooring systems for offshore vessels are time-consuming and complex, requiring external intervention for connecting and disconnecting vessels from mooring structures, especially in harsh sea conditions.
Innovation Solution
The development of mechanical joints with articulated connections, including turntables and trunnion supports, allowing for rotational movement and easy disconnection of vessels from mooring structures, utilizing a pin system for secure connection and disconnection processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mooring systems are used for connecting vessels to mooring structures, then the connection can be maintained in harsh sea conditions, but the connection and disconnection process becomes time-consuming and requires complex systems with external intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The mooring system is divided into modular components: a base structure with turntable assembly, separate link arms, and a vessel-mounted yoke assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and enables faster assembly/disconnection by eliminating the need to handle the entire mooring system as one complex unit. The link arms can be quickly attached and detached from the yoke without requiring external intervention for the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The turntable assembly incorporates rotational freedom about a vertical axis, and the yoke assembly allows rotation about its longitudinal axis and orthogonal axes through trunnion supports. This dynamic capability enables the connection to adapt to vessel movements and sea conditions while maintaining reliability, yet the articulated nature facilitates quicker connection and disconnection compared to rigid conventional systems.
2Reliability
If conventional mooring systems are used, then vessels can be moored securely, but the system complexity increases and external intervention is required even in limited sea states
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical joints are designed to be self-aligning through their articulated construction. The turntable's rotational freedom and the yoke's multi-axis rotation capabilities allow the system to automatically adapt to vessel movements and maintain secure mooring without requiring external intervention for alignment adjustments, even in moderate sea states.
Solution Approach 2:
The turntable assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the primary rotational connection point, accommodates vessel movements through vertical axis rotation, and interfaces with the link arms. The yoke assembly similarly provides universal rotation capabilities about multiple axes. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating several functions into fewer articulated components rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If disconnectable mooring systems are used to allow vessels to leave the field, then vessels can avoid severe weather events, but the disconnecting process requires complex systems and external intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnectable mooring system uses segmented components that can be independently manipulated. The link arms serve as intermediate elements that can be detached from either the base structure or the vessel-mounted yoke. This segmentation enables straightforward disconnection procedures where operators can simply detach the link arms without needing to handle the entire mooring system, improving ease of operation while maintaining vessel mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated, rotating connections in the turntable and yoke assemblies provide dynamic movement capabilities that facilitate easier disconnection. The rotational freedoms allow the components to be maneuvered into convenient positions for attachment and detachment, making the disconnection process more straightforward compared to rigid conventional systems that require precise alignment and external intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Mechanical joints and processes for using same. The joint can include a turntable having a first part and a second part rotatively connected to the first part and configured to rotate about a first axis. First and second supports can extend from opposing sides of a bore defined by the second part. The joint can include a body that includes first and second trunnions extending from a first pair of opposing sides thereof aligned along a second axis. A second pair of opposing sides of the body can define second and third bores aligned along a third axis. The joint can also include a pin configured to connect a member to the body such that when the member is connected to the body and the first and second trunnions are supported by the first and second supports, the member can rotate about the first, second, and third axes.