Integrated Tower Leg Winch Support for Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipeline laying systems face structural inefficiencies due to independent fabrication of tower legs and winch frames, leading to localized force concentration and potential weak points in winch mounting, which increases the number of components, weight, and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
Integrally forming a winch support within the tower leg, allowing the leg to house winch components and directly transfer forces, reducing the need for separate winch housings and mounting arrangements, and incorporating localized stiffening to enhance structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traction winch is attached to the tower through separate pin and sliding clamp arrangements, then the winch can be mounted independently, but the forces are concentrated into localized areas requiring dedicated stiffened mounting points and separate fabrication processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the winch support function directly into the tower leg by providing an integral support structure. The winch is supported directly by the tower leg itself rather than through separate mounting arrangements, combining what were previously separate components (tower leg and winch support) into a unified structure. This eliminates the need for pins, sliding clamps, and separate stiffened mounting points while maintaining the capability to support the winch independently.
2Ease of manufacture
If the tower leg and winch frame are fabricated independently with separate mounting points, then each component can be manufactured separately, but this creates localized force concentration and structural inefficiency without load sharing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tower leg and winch support into a single integrated structure where the winch is supported directly by the tower leg. This unified structure allows forces to be distributed throughout the entire leg rather than concentrated at localized mounting points, improving structural integrity and enabling load sharing across the integrated component while still allowing for practical manufacturing approaches.
3Reliability
If separate pin and clamp arrangements are used to attach the winch to the tower, then the winch can be mounted to the tower structure, but this increases the number of components and creates potential weak points and wear at connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates separate connection components by integrating the winch support directly into the tower leg. The winch is supported at an integral location on the leg without requiring pins, clamps, or other separate fastening elements. This unified approach removes potential weak points and wear surfaces associated with connection interfaces while maintaining secure winch attachment and improving overall system reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A tower (40) for a pipe laying system comprises a frame with a leg (42) to support the frame, and a winch support (50) integrally formed with the leg (42). The winch support (50) is able to receive and support a winch and/or winch components. The winch support can be formed in a lower portion of the tower leg.