Underwater Strap Joining of Elongated Elements Without Downtime
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current underwater systems require costly downtime to join elongated elements like pipes and shells, as they need to be removed from the water surface for assembly, disrupting operations and resource efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an underwater vehicle with a frame, strap feeding device, movable arms, clamping, driving, junction, and cutting devices, allowing straps to be applied around elongated elements underwater, using an articulated arm for precise control and real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If elongated elements are removed from underwater for joining operations, then the joining can be performed with standard equipment, but the underwater system experiences downtime and operational disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an underwater vehicle as an intermediary platform that carries the joining apparatus directly to the elongated elements in the water body. This mediator enables joining operations to be performed in-situ without removing the elements from the water, thus maintaining operational continuity while achieving the joining function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions the joining operation from a surface-based dimension to an underwater dimension by deploying the apparatus through an underwater vehicle. This dimensional shift allows the joining process to occur at the operational depth of the elongated elements, eliminating the need for retrieval and surface-based assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If elongated elements are retrieved to surface for assembly, then joining operations can be completed, but time and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The joining apparatus is pre-loaded onto the underwater vehicle at the surface before deployment. By preparing the joining equipment in advance and transporting it underwater, the system eliminates the time-consuming process of retrieving elongated elements to the surface for assembly, as all joining operations are performed in-situ.
Solution Approach 2:
The underwater vehicle serves as a mobile intermediary platform that brings the joining apparatus directly to the elongated elements in their operational position. This eliminates the time loss associated with retrieving elements to the surface, as the joining function is delivered to the elements rather than the elements being brought to the joining function.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard joining equipment is used, then joining can be achieved, but the equipment is bulky and not adaptable to different elongated elements
Solution Approach 1:
The joining apparatus is designed with universal capabilities to handle different types of elongated elements (pipes, cables, bundles) through standardized clamping and joining mechanisms. The apparatus can adapt to various element configurations and sizes, providing multi-functional joining capability without requiring element-specific equipment for each type.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates movable and adjustable components that can dynamically adapt to different elongated element geometries. The ability to adjust clamping forces, positioning, and joining parameters allows the same apparatus to effectively join various types of elements without being bulky or requiring multiple specialized devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for joining elongated elements in a body of water has a frame (19); a strap feeding device (32); two arms (20) movable with respect to the frame (19) and configured to guide a strap (R) around the elongated elements (2, G); a clamping device (21), configured to retain an end portion of the strap (R); a driving device (22) configured to advance and tighten the strap (R) around the elongated elements (2, G); a junction device (23), configured to join two overlapping portions of the strap (R) so as to close the strap (R) around the elongated elements (2, G); and a cutting device (24) configured to separate the strap (R) upstream of the joined portion.