Tether Release Apparatus with Toric Locking Shoes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing release apparatuses for large mooring tethers, such as mooring chains and cables, face challenges in efficiently severing or releasing loads under high tension, particularly due to the time-consuming nature of cutting large, thick chains and the limitations of winch-based systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of release apparatuses with movable locking shoes and a hydraulic system that securely connect and disconnect tethers, utilizing toric geometries on the locking surfaces to facilitate smooth disengagement and withstand high forces, along with a method of manufacturing locking shoes through carburizing and heat treatment for enhanced strength and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cutting is used to sever large mooring chains or cables, then the tether can be separated, but the process takes a relatively long amount of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical cutting system with a controlled fracture system. The release apparatus uses a fracture initiator that creates a controlled break in the tether through chemical or mechanical energy concentration at a specific point, eliminating the time-consuming mechanical cutting process while maintaining effective tether separation.
2Productivity
If a winch is used to run out the tether, then the tether can be released, but the length of chain or cable that can be run out is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tether into two separate tethers connected through the release apparatus. Each tether can be independently managed and released, effectively doubling the operational length capability compared to a single tether system limited by winch capacity.
3Ease of operation
If locking shoes with toric geometries are used, then smooth disengagement is facilitated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates toric (toroidal) geometries in the locking shoes, which provide curved contact surfaces that facilitate smooth rolling or sliding motion during engagement and disengagement. This curved geometry reduces friction and wear while maintaining simple overall device architecture.
4Strength
If the release apparatus is designed to withstand hundreds of thousands of pounds of tension, then structural integrity is maintained, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction in the release apparatus components, particularly in the locking shoes and housing. This allows the structure to withstand extremely high tensions (hundreds of thousands of pounds) while maintaining reasonable size and complexity through the superior strength-to-weight ratio and structural efficiency of composite materials.
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 solution enables rapid and secure disconnection of tethers under high tension, exceeding hundreds of thousands of pounds, while maintaining structural integrity and reliability, even in extreme environments like the Arctic Ocean.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic system configured to induce a force in response to a release command to cause movement of the locking shoes between the locked position and the released position
Implementation Method 2
carburizing a plurality of locking shoes configured to be positioned within a release mechanism intended for use in temperatures that are below 5° C. and cooperatively implemented to withstand forces of at least a hundred thousand pounds
Implementation Method 3
austenitizing the plurality of locking shoes at a temperature of greater than 1400° F. following the carburizing
Implementation Method 4
performing a first tempering the plurality of locking shoes at a first tempering temperature; performing a second tempering of the plurality of locking shoes at a second tempering temperature
Implementation Method 5
flame hardening one or more surfaces of each of the plurality of locking shoes
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide release apparatuses comprising: a body having first and second mating sections each connected to separate tethers; locking shoes each movable between a first position configured to lock the first and second mating sections together and a second position configured to allow the first and second mating sections to disconnect; an actuator configured to move the locking shoes between the first and second positions; wherein each of the locking shoes comprises a locking surface configured to contact an engagement surface of the second mating section and maintain a position of the first mating section with the second mating section; wherein portions of the locking surface comprise toric geometries that are not in contact with the engagement surface when the locking shoes are in the first position and do not come into contact with the engagement surface as the locking shoes transition to the second position.