Vertical Piston Corer Handling Unit for Seabed Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for acquiring seabed samples require large vessels and specific deck layouts to transfer piston corers from vertical to horizontal orientations for sample removal, limiting flexibility and increasing operational costs due to space constraints and inefficient use of vessel space.
Innovation Solution
A handling unit that allows sample retrieval from a vertically suspended piston corer, enabling sample removal independent of vessel length and allowing multiple deck locations for operation, with features like a gimbal for motion compensation, lifting devices, and foldable components for efficient use of space and easy transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stinger is used to transfer the piston corer from vertical to horizontal orientation, then the sample can be removed from the piston corer, but the vessel must have minimum dimensions (80-90 m length) and specific deck locations are required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of transferring the piston corer from vertical to horizontal orientation for sample removal, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the piston corer in vertical orientation and bringing the sample removal mechanism to it. The handling unit with container and actuator operates on the vertically suspended piston corer, eliminating the need for stinger and horizontal positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
A handling unit serving as an intermediary device is introduced between the vessel and the piston corer. This handling unit includes a container that can be positioned around the vertically suspended piston corer and an actuator that operates within the container to remove the sample, thus mediating the sample removal process without requiring horizontal orientation.
2Ease of operation
If the piston corer is transferred to horizontal orientation for sample removal, then the sample can be accessed, but only specific locations on the vessel can be used and space is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional approach by not transferring the piston corer horizontally but instead bringing the handling unit to the vertically suspended piston corer. The container of the handling unit is positioned around the piston corer barrels, and the actuator operates within this confined space to remove the sample, thus eliminating the need for extensive deck space.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling unit's container is designed to nest around the piston corer barrels in their vertical suspended position. The actuator and other components are contained within this outer container, creating a nested arrangement that operates in the limited space around the vertically suspended piston corer without requiring additional deck area.
3Ease of operation
If a stinger and support construction are employed for transferring piston corer, then sample removal is enabled, but the vessel must have certain minimum dimensions and specific locations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the stinger and complex support construction from the system. Instead of using these elaborate devices to transfer the piston corer horizontally, the handling unit is designed to operate directly on the vertically suspended piston corer, taking out the unnecessary intermediate transfer mechanism and its support requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling unit serves as a simplified intermediary device that replaces the complex stinger and support construction system. It includes a container that positions around the piston corer and an actuator that performs the sample removal function, eliminating the need for elaborate support structures while maintaining operational capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the piston corer is kept vertically suspended for sample removal, then vessel length restrictions are eliminated and multiple locations can be used, but the sample must be removed while maintaining vertical position
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional sequence by keeping the piston corer in its natural vertical suspended position and bringing the sample removal mechanism to it, rather than changing the piston corer's orientation. This allows sample removal operations to be performed at any location on the vessel where the handling unit can be positioned around the vertically suspended piston corer.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces production time and costs by enabling simultaneous operation of multiple handling units, utilizing available space more effectively and allowing for flexible sample length without vessel length restrictions, while maintaining sample integrity during vessel motion.
Implementation Method 1
a gimbal for motion compensation
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
Handling unit equipped to acquire a sample from a seabed top layer by retracting and retrieving a piston corer holding the sample from a seabed, and to remove the sample from the piston corer, wherein the handling unit is a stand-alone unit arranged for mounting on a vessel and for retrieval of a sample from the piston corer while it remains vertical. The handling unit comprises a container with dimensions and/or lifting points and/or connections as provided on a standard sea freight container. It also comprises a lifting device which is foldable out of and back into a container of the handling unit.