Winch Heave Compensation Pivot Point Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing winch devices with active heave compensation systems require complex hydraulic systems and significant energy to adapt to different loads, as they need to increase hydraulic accumulator pressure, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A winch device with a passive compensation system that uses a deflection roller and a cylinder-piston combination, where the distance between the articulation point and the axis can be adjusted, allowing for adaptation to different loads with minimal energy input, and an optional active system for additional compensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the pressure in the hydraulic accumulator is increased to adapt the passive compensation system to heavier loads, then the compensation system can handle heavier loads, but the energy consumption and time required for adaptation increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different loadsVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the distance between the pivot point of the compensation system on the boom and the axis variable, allowing the support moment to be changed by moving the pivot point. This dynamic adjustment enables adaptation to different loads without requiring changes to the hydraulic accumulator pressure, thereby reducing energy consumption during adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameter (distance between pivot point and axis) instead of changing the pressure parameter in the hydraulic accumulator. This parameter substitution allows load adaptation while avoiding the high energy costs associated with pressurizing the hydraulic system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the pressure in the hydraulic accumulator is increased to adapt the passive compensation system to heavier loads, then the compensation system can handle heavier loads, but the time required for adaptation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different loadsVSAvoidadaptation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a drive that can generate translational movement of the pivot point along a movement path on the boom, enabling quick adjustment of the support moment. This dynamic repositioning is much faster than the process of pressurizing a hydraulic accumulator, significantly reducing adaptation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the hydraulic pressure adjustment mechanism with a mechanical translation mechanism for the pivot point. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming hydraulic pressurization process and allows for rapid mechanical adjustment to different load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complex hydraulic system is used to increase the pressure in the hydraulic accumulator, then the passive compensation system can adapt to heavier loads, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different loadsVSAvoidhydraulic system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the pressure adjustment function from the hydraulic system and replaces it with a simple mechanical translation of the pivot point. This extraction eliminates the need for complex hydraulic components (compressors, pressure control valves, etc.) while retaining the load adaptation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the complex hydraulic pressure control system with a simple mechanical translation mechanism for the pivot point. This replacement dramatically simplifies the device structure while maintaining the ability to adapt to different load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 quick and energy-efficient adaptation to varying loads, reducing friction and mass inertia, and minimizing the time required for adjustments, while ensuring effective heave compensation on ships.

Implementation Method 1

A compensation system for passive heave compensation... essentially spring force... A compressible gas is provided in the cylinder. If the cylinder can be compressed using nitrogen and, preferably, a piston accumulator of the passive compensation system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas compression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

at least one deflection pulley for a flexible traction device is arranged. The traction device serves to lift and lower a load by means of a winch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3252001B1Winching device
Publication Date: 2022.07.06 VAN HALTEREN TECH BOXTEL BV
  • EP3252001B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3252001B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A winch device with a passive heave-compensating system (20) containing a fixed amount of compressible gas is disclosed. Adjustment of the system is achieved by changing a support moment on a pivoting boom (8). This can be accomplished by moving the point where the support force is introduced into the boom along its length.