Vessel Cable Handling System with Constant Length Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for handling long-length cables on vessels, such as cable barges, are limited by the size of winding drums and complexity, restricting the length of cable that can be transported due to width and height constraints in waterways, particularly when manufacturing occurs inland and transportation involves locks and bridges.
Innovation Solution
A handling system featuring a movable laying device along a loop-shaped path within an elongated storage compartment, with a cable guide that maintains a constant cable length by doubling back and using interlinked segments to guide the cable, allowing continuous feeding and increased capacity without increasing drum size, and includes a control unit to manage cable tension and laying speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If cables are wound on large rotating turn tables on a Cable Laying Vessel, then the length of cable that can be transported is increased, but the vessel size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable storage system is divided into multiple separate winding drums (first winding drum, second winding drum, third winding drum) arranged in sequence along the longitudinal axis. Each drum can be independently controlled and filled, allowing the cable to be wound sequentially from one drum to the next. This segmentation enables transport of longer cables by distributing the storage across multiple simpler units rather than requiring one large complex turn table.
Solution Approach 2:
The winding drums are arranged in a longitudinal sequence along the vessel's length rather than rotating on a single horizontal plane. The cable transitions between drums in a staged manner, effectively using the longitudinal dimension of the vessel to accommodate longer cable lengths without increasing the rotational diameter or complexity of individual drums.
2Ease of manufacture
If cables are transported from inland factories via waterways, then the cable can be manufactured near the port, but the reel size is limited by lock and bridge constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The cable transport system uses multiple separate winding drums instead of a single large reel. Each drum has a manageable width and height that can pass through locks and bridges, yet the combined capacity of multiple drums arranged longitudinally allows transport of very long cables manufactured at inland facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The winding drums are designed to be rotatable and replaceable. As one drum fills with cable, the system can transition to the next drum, and empty drums can be replaced or repositioned. This dynamic capability allows the vessel to transport cables longer than any single drum's capacity while maintaining compact dimensions for navigating waterway constraints.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple winding drums are arranged coaxially in a straight line, then more cable length can be transported, but the assembly becomes complex to operate
Solution Approach 1:
Each winding drum is equipped with its own drive mechanism and can operate independently. The system provides universal functionality where any drum can serve as the active winding point, and drums can be used in different sequences depending on the cable length and operational requirements. This multi-functionality simplifies operation compared to a single complex turn table by distributing the operational load across multiple identical, simpler units.
Solution Approach 2:
The winding drums are pre-arranged in a fixed longitudinal sequence on the vessel. Before cable loading begins, the system is configured with all necessary drums in position, and the cable routing path is pre-established. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for complex real-time reconfiguration during operation, simplifying the handling process compared to systems requiring dynamic repositioning of drums.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the vessel navigates through locks and bridges, then inland manufacturing is enabled, but the width and height constraints limit reel size
Solution Approach 1:
The cable storage is segmented into multiple winding drums with reduced individual dimensions compared to a single large reel. Each drum's width and height are sized to clear lock and bridge constraints, while the longitudinal arrangement of multiple drums provides the necessary total storage capacity for long cables from inland manufacturing sites.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing reel diameter or width to accommodate longer cables, the system uses the longitudinal dimension of the vessel by arranging multiple drums in sequence along the length. This dimensional transition allows the vessel to carry longer cables while maintaining compact cross-sectional dimensions required for navigating locks and bridges.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a handling system, a vessel and a method for handling a cable on said vessel. The vessel (2) comprises a hull (20) that defines an elongated storage compartment (25). The handling system (3) comprises an input member (30) for receiving the cable (9) onto the vessel (2) and for feeding the cable (9) into the storage compartment (25) at an input position (B), a laying device (4) that is movable along a loop-shaped laying path (P), an output member (42) that is arranged for laying the cable (9) inside the storage compartment (25) at an output position (C) and a first cable guide (6) for accumulating a length of the cable (9) between the input position (B) and the output position (C), wherein the first cable guide (6) is arranged for guiding said accumulated length of the cable along a first guide path that is variable in shape to keep the length of the cable between the input position (B) and the output position (C) constant or substantially constant.