Top-Lock Pull-Out Connector for Rapid Ship-Tube Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ship-tube connection structures in immersed tube tunnel construction require manual assembly and disassembly of cables, leading to high labor intensity and lack of a convenient unlocking function, especially in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A top-lock pull-out type connecting device with a support member, sliding member, ejector rod, first and second locking members, and guide tube, allowing for a 'jacked and tensioned' rigid connection through controlled sliding and locking mechanisms, enabling easy unlocking without additional control mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cable connection structures are used for ship-tube connection, then the connection can be established, but manual assembly and disassembly require large number of cables and high labor intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is divided into modular components: support member, sliding member, ejector rod, first locking member, and second locking member. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, simplifying the overall assembly process and reducing the number of cables needed compared to conventional structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates automatic locking and unlocking mechanisms. The sliding member automatically engages with the ejector rod and locking members during connection, and the entire assembly can be rapidly disconnected by pulling the sliding member outward, eliminating the need for manual cable assembly and disassembly operations.
2Ease of operation
If conventional connection structures are used, then connection is established, but unlocking function is inconvenient and labor intensity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-configured with the sliding member positioned within the guide tube and locking members in place. During connection, the sliding member automatically engages with the ejector rod and locking members through preliminary positioning features, enabling rapid unlocking by simply pulling the sliding member outward without complex manual operations.
3Reliability
If conventional connection structures are used, then connection is established, but rapid separation in emergency is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding member is designed to be extractable from the guide tube by pulling it outward. This extraction action simultaneously disengages the ejector rod and locking members, enabling rapid separation of the ship-tube connection in emergency situations without requiring manual intervention or additional time.
4Ease of manufacture
If manual cable assembly is used, then connection is established, but labor intensity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: the support member, sliding member, ejector rod, and locking members work together as one unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate cable assembly operations, significantly reducing labor intensity while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized component production.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a top-lock pull-out type connecting device and an immersed tube construction ship; the connecting device comprising a support member, fixedly connected to the load-bearing element and located on a side of the load-bearing element facing the borne element; a sliding member, been able to slide relative to the load-bearing element in a connection direction of the load-bearing and borne elements; an ejector rod, used to push the sliding member, fixedly connected to the borne element; a first locking member, used to lock the ejector rod, movably connected between an end of the sliding member close to the borne element and the support member, and can to be driven by the sliding member to be close to or away from the ejector rod; and a second locking member, used to lock the sliding member, and connected between an end of the sliding member away from the borne element and the load-bearing element.