Tendon Top Connector Reverse Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tendon top connectors for floating structures like tension leg platforms are primarily designed for tension loading and fail to effectively manage reverse loading conditions, leading to potential disconnection during severe environmental movements.
Innovation Solution
A hemispherical dome attached to the tendon porch via segmented clamps allows controlled upward movement and load transfer from the tendon top connector to the porch, accommodating a range of tendon angles and preventing disconnection under reverse loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing tendon top connectors are used for tension loading, then connection reliability is improved, but reverse loading causes disconnection and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a bowl-shaped upper portion for receiving the tendon, a hemispherical dome for reverse load contact, and a lower portion for attachment to the tendon porch. This segmentation allows each segment to specialize in handling specific loading conditions, with the dome specifically designed to engage during reverse loading to prevent disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The hemispherical dome with its curved surface is specifically designed to contact the bowl-shaped upper portion of the tendon top connector during reverse loading. The spherical geometry allows for controlled movement and load transfer while accommodating a range of tendon angles, converting the harmful reverse loading force into a beneficial contact mechanism that prevents disconnection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tendon top connector is allowed to move freely, then adaptability to tendon angle changes is improved, but disconnection occurs under reverse loading
Solution Approach 1:
The hemispherical dome is positioned and sized to contact the bowl-shaped upper portion before reverse loading can cause disconnection. This preliminary contact mechanism prevents the harmful effect of disconnection by engaging the dome-bowl interface during reverse loading conditions, while allowing normal angular movements during tension loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows dynamic behavior under different loading conditions: during normal tension loading, the tendon top connector can rotate and move freely to accommodate angle changes; during reverse loading, the hemispherical dome engages to provide controlled movement and maintain connection stability. This dynamic response adapts the connector's degree of freedom based on the loading state.
Data Source
AI summary
A tendon top connector for a moored, floating structure such as a tension leg platform, a tension leg buoy or the like has a bowl-shaped extension on the member which transfers the tension of the tendon to the flex connector. A dome-shaped structure at least partially surrounds the bowl-shaped extension but is spaced apart from it to permit at least some rotational movement of the connector. The dome-shaped structure may be attached by clamps or other mounting means to a flange member affixed to the tendon porch. This arrangement provides a load path when the tendon top connector is reverse loaded that extends from the tendon length adjustment joint, through slips, through the bowl-shaped extension, through the dome-shaped structure, through the segmented clamps, and finally into a flange attached to the tendon porch. In this way, detachment of the tendon top connector is prevented if a reverse load is applied such as may occur during extreme metocean conditions.