Underwater Object Positioning With Rope Constraint and Turntable Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Challenges in positioning depth vibrators under water due to difficulty in locating starting points, twisting of the assembly by water currents, and inefficient material feeding, especially in conditions of swell and water current.
Innovation Solution
A positioning arrangement using a barge with a carrier rig, a rope suspension system, and a constraining and/or turntable arrangement to stabilize and adjust the position of the object, combined with underwater surveying and control electronics for precise placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the depth vibrator is fully submersed in water for underwater installation, then the starting point cannot be visually located, but visual location is needed for precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies acoustic signaling (analogous to color changes in visual systems) by using acoustic release devices that emit signals to indicate the position of the depth vibrator assembly underwater. This allows operators to locate the starting point and monitor position without visual contact, resolving the contradiction between underwater submersion and position detectability.
2Productivity
If the depth vibrator assembly operates in water current, then the assembly may be twisted around the vertical axis, but operational continuity is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms including a turntable arrangement that can rotate the depth vibrator assembly around the vertical axis to counteract twisting forces from water currents. The system continuously adapts the assembly orientation to maintain stability while keeping the installation process ongoing, resolving the contradiction between productivity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through positioning aids that monitor the rotational position of the assembly and provide signals to the turntable arrangement. This closed-loop system detects orientation changes caused by water currents and automatically compensates by adjusting the assembly position, maintaining stability during continuous operation.
3Measurement precision
If a constraining arrangement is added to restrict lateral movement of the rope arrangement, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a constraining arrangement as an intermediary component between the rope arrangement and the depth vibrator assembly. This intermediate element restricts lateral movement of the rope to improve positioning accuracy without requiring complex modifications to the main assembly, effectively resolving the contradiction by adding a simple mediating structure.
4Ease of operation
If the turntable arrangement is used to adjust rotational position, then orientation control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turntable arrangement serves multiple functions: it adjusts the rotational position of the depth vibrator assembly, compensates for water current-induced twisting, and works in conjunction with the constraining arrangement to provide comprehensive positioning control. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating several control needs into a single device.
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect relates to a positioning arrangement (100) for positioning an object (50) under water (14) on a water bottom (15). The positioning arrangement (100) includes a barge (8) configured to float on the water (14); a carrier rig (1) positioned on the barge (8); a rope arrangement (7) by means of which the object (50) is suspended from a mast (28) of the carrier rig (1); and a positioning aid (60). The positioning aid (60) includes at least one of: (a) a constraining arrangement (4) arranged between the mast (28) and the object (50) and configured to restrict a lateral movement of the rope arrangement (7): and (b) a turntable arrangement (45) configured to adjust a rotational position of the object (50) about a vertical swiveling axis (a). A further aspect relates to a method for positioning an object (50) under water (14) on a water bottom (15). The method includes: providing a positioning arrangement (100) according to the first aspect; determining an actual position of the barge (8); determining an actual position of the object (50); controlling at least one of the constraining arrangement (4) and the turntable arrangement (45) to approach the object (50) to a desired position (P) above the water bottom based on at least one of the determined actual position of the barge (8) and the determined actual position of the object (50).