Vessel Support Arms for Sea Platform Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vessels lack the capability to efficiently and safely remove and install parts of sea platforms, particularly those with support structures and top sides, due to limitations in support arm length, mobility, and integration with ballast systems, which hinders efficient transfer and positioning of heavy equipment like oil rigs and wind turbines.
Innovation Solution
A vessel equipped with extendable support arms that can move relative to the hull, a ballast system for adjusting the vessel's position, and a hoisting system to manage the weight of sea platform components, allowing for precise positioning and transfer of top sides and support structures between the vessel and a quay or seabed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If support arms are made longer to extend beyond the hull, then the capability to support and transfer heavy equipment is improved, but the vessel's stability and control become more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms are made movable relative to the hull, allowing dynamic adjustment of arm position and orientation. This enables the arms to adapt to different loading conditions and maintain vessel stability while providing extended reach for supporting heavy equipment like oil rigs and wind turbines.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms can change their spatial parameters (position, angle, extension distance) relative to the hull. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes both the reach capability for heavy equipment and the vessel's stability during operation.
2Ease of operation
If support arms are made movable to increase flexibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Movable support arms with adjustable positioning mechanisms provide operational flexibility for handling various sea platform components. The dynamic nature of the arms allows easy reconfiguration for different tasks while managing complexity through controlled mobility rather than fixed rigid structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vessel integrates a ballast system for position adjustment, then the adaptability to different operating conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast system serves multiple functions: adjusting vessel position, compensating for load changes, and stabilizing the vessel during operations. This multi-functionality enhances adaptability to different operating conditions with a single integrated system rather than multiple separate mechanisms.
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
Enables the safe and efficient removal and installation of sea platform parts by providing extensive support and mobility, facilitating the transfer of heavy equipment like oil rigs and wind turbines, reducing operational complexity and enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
a ballast system constructed and arranged to lower and raise the vessel relative to the water surface
Implementation Method 2
a ballast system constructed and arranged to lower and raise the vessel relative to the water surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A vessel (1) for removal and/or installation of at least a part of a sea platform comprising a support structure and a top side, said vessel comprising a hull (6) and two support arms (11,12) located at a distance from each other and attached to the hull (6), wherein the support arms in use extend beyond the hull in a substantially horizontal direction.