Transfer Mechanism for Flexible Tubular Conduit Fittings
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for transferring fittings attached to flexible tubular conduits over guiding means on pipelay towers are inefficient, particularly for longer conduit lengths, requiring larger tensioning systems and manual assistance at elevated heights, which is unsafe and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A transfer mechanism with a rotating frame and clamping mechanism that secures the fitting, allowing it to move along a path outside the guiding means from upstream to downstream, eliminating the need for deck cranes and manual assistance, and maintaining a minimal bending radius.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fitting with greater outer diameter is used on the flexible tubular conduit, then the fitting can provide necessary structural support, but it cannot easily navigate the guiding means to get the conduit vertically aligned
Solution Approach 1:
A transfer mechanism acts as an intermediary device between the fitting and the guiding means. The transfer mechanism includes a frame that can rotate about the guiding means and a clamping mechanism that secures the fitting, enabling the fitting to be transferred from upstream to downstream of the guiding means without direct navigation through it
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer mechanism introduces a rotational dimension by allowing the frame to rotate about the guiding means. This enables the fitting to be moved along a circular path outside the guiding means surface, transitioning from upstream to downstream position without attempting to force the fitting through the guiding means
2Ease of operation
If deck cranes or auxiliary winches are used to lift and position the fitting, then the fitting can be positioned downstream of the guiding means, but the device complexity and operational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer mechanism combines the functions of lifting, positioning, and guiding into a single integrated device. The frame rotation capability and clamping mechanism work together to perform both the lifting and positioning operations that previously required separate deck cranes and auxiliary winches
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it secures the fitting via the clamping mechanism, rotates about the guiding means to change the fitting's position, and transfers the fitting from upstream to downstream. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized pieces of equipment
3Ease of operation
If manual assistance is provided at elevated heights on the pipelay tower, then the fitting can be guided through the guiding means, but safety risks and operational practicality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer mechanism is designed to operate autonomously without requiring manual intervention at elevated heights. The clamping mechanism automatically secures the fitting, and the frame rotation is controlled to transfer the fitting downstream, eliminating the need for workers to manually guide the fitting through the guiding means
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer mechanism (28) for transferring a fitting (46) on a flexible tubular conduit (48) about a guiding means (26) of a pipelay tower (20). The transfer mechanism (28) includes a frame (30) adapted to rotate about said guiding means (26); and a clamping mechanism (34) connected to the frame (30) and adapted to connect and secure the fitting (46) to the transfer mechanism (28). Actuation of the transfer mechanism (28) is configured to rotate the frame (30) about the guiding means (26) and cause at least one part of a fitting (46) connected to the transfer mechanism (28) to move along a path outside a surface of the guiding means (26) from a first position upstream of the guiding means (26) to a second position downstream of the guiding means (26).