Tunnel Thruster Underwater Assembly Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly and disassembly of tunnel thrusters are complicated by limited space and the risk of damage due to narrow margins between the propeller ends and the tunnel wall, making underwater operations costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An arrangement featuring a first interface device fixed to the tunnel wall and a second interface device on the thruster unit, combined with clamping means and an auxiliary transportation device with sensor and pulling mechanisms, allows for precise positioning and secure attachment of the thruster unit within the tunnel, enabling underwater assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional block and tackle methods are used for assembly/disassembly, then the thruster unit can be moved, but the guiding control is insufficient and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an auxiliary transportation device as an intermediary mechanism between the thruster unit and the tunnel wall. This device includes guide elements that engage with corresponding features on the tunnel wall, providing controlled guidance during assembly and disassembly operations. The intermediary device enables precise positioning and movement control, eliminating the guiding deficiencies of traditional block and tackle methods.
2Reliability
If the drive shaft projects beyond the attachment point to achieve good thruster capacity, then the thruster capacity is improved, but the height of the thruster unit becomes considerably larger than the propeller diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the drive shaft arrangement by utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the tunnel rather than projecting vertically beyond the attachment point. The drive shaft is oriented to extend along the tunnel axis, allowing the propeller to rotate in a plane perpendicular to the tunnel wall. This dimensional reorientation maintains the necessary drive shaft projection for adequate capacity while controlling the overall height of the thruster unit assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If assembly operations are performed in a dry dock to avoid underwater complications, then the assembly can be done traditionally, but the cost increases significantly to at least 200,000 Euro per day
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the auxiliary transportation device and attachment arrangements to enable self-contained underwater assembly operations. The device includes integrated guide elements, clamping mechanisms, and positioning features that allow the thruster unit to be securely attached and positioned directly in the water without requiring dry dock facilities. This self-service capability eliminates the need for expensive dry dock infrastructure while maintaining assembly feasibility through specialized underwater-compatible components.
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to a method and an assembly/disassembly arrangement for a tunnel thruster unit, comprising a thruster unit (2) and a tunnel (3, 4), a first attachment arrangement (31, 23) for fitting of said thruster unit (2) to said tunnel (3, 4) and at least one further attachment arrangement (100-105) for safe fitting of said thruster unit (2) in said tunnel (3, 4), wherein further attachment arrangement (100-105) is in the form of a first interface device (100, 104) fixedly attached to and protruding from attached to the inside of the tunnel wall (3) and a second interface device (102, 105) fixedly attached to said thruster unit (2).