Detachable Mooring Chain Link With Upper Lift Point for ROV Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detachable mooring chain links face challenges in maneuverability and wear due to the placement of the connection point for exerting a lifting force, which hinders efficient underwater disconnection of mooring chains, particularly when the connection point is below the center of mass and moves during operation.
Innovation Solution
A detachable mooring chain link design with a connection point located above the imaginary transverse plane and center of mass, allowing for improved maneuverability and control during disconnection, featuring a cross-piece for rigidity and an elastic cord for managing the closing piece, with a method involving an ROV to remove the closing piece and apply a lifting force at the connection point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connection point is placed below the center of mass (as in conventional designs), then the structure is simpler, but the maneuverability and control during disconnection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection point is inverted from its conventional position below the center of mass to an position above the center of mass. This inversion fundamentally changes the leverage mechanics, allowing the lifting force to create a rotational moment that swings the link toward the opening for easy disconnection, rather than requiring complex manual manipulation from below.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection point is positioned in the upper part of the link body, utilizing the vertical dimension above the imaginary transverse plane. This spatial repositioning creates a longer moment arm for the lifting force, improving mechanical advantage and control during the disconnection operation without adding structural complexity.
2Reliability
If the connection point moves during operation (as in conventional designs), then the structure is simpler, but wear on the sling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection point is pre-positioned in a fixed location on the upper part of the link body, designed to remain stationary during the disconnection operation. This preliminary positioning ensures that the lifting force is always applied at the optimal point, preventing movement and reducing wear on the sling while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Productivity
If the connection point is above the center of mass, then control during disconnection is improved, but the structural design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection point serves multiple functions: it is the attachment point for the lifting force, the pivot point for the swinging motion during disconnection, and a reference point for positioning the link. By making the connection point multi-functional, the design achieves improved disconnection efficiency without adding separate components, thus avoiding increased structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A detachable chain link having an imaginary transverse plane passing through the center of the detachable link, dividing it into an upper part for connecting an upper chain and a lower part for connecting a lower chain. The detachable chain link including a body having an upper arched segment, a lower arched segment, and a straight segment attaching the upper and lower arched segments. The body has between the upper and lower arched segments an opening that is closable with a closing piece. The body also includes a connection point for receiving a lifting force which causes the detachable chain link to rotate to release a link of the upper mooring chain from the upper arched segment through the opening. The connection point being arranged in the upper part of the detachable chain link above the imaginary transverse plane.