Wireless Tensile Load Link for Marine Line Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing line systems for measuring tensile loads are impractical, often damage fairleads and winches, and cannot effectively connect lines of different materials while providing accurate in-line tensile force measurements, especially in hostile environments.
Innovation Solution
A wireless tensile load link that directly measures tensile forces and transmits signals to a base for read-out, designed to be lightweight, rugged, and compatible with various materials, using strain gauges and a compact, corrosion-resistant design that avoids sharp edges and protrusions, allowing for safe connection and measurement of line tensions in marine and subsea environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional load cells with shackles are used to measure tensile loads, then line tension measurement capability is provided, but the system becomes unwieldy, heavy, and can damage fairleads and winches
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell is segmented into modular components: a first link portion and a second link portion that can be connected through different coupling mechanisms (shackles, sleeves, or direct connection). This segmentation allows the system to be adapted for different line diameters and materials while maintaining lightweight construction, avoiding the need for heavy universal load cell assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The load cell is designed with universal coupling capabilities that can interface with various line types (steel wire, synthetic ropes, different diameters) through multiple coupling methods. The first and second link portions can be coupled via shackles, sleeves, or direct connection, making the same load cell applicable across diverse line system configurations without requiring heavy specialized equipment for each case.
2Measurement precision
If traditional load cells with shackles are used to measure tensile loads, then line tension measurement capability is provided, but the system becomes unwieldy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell is segmented into modular components: a first link portion and a second link portion that can be connected through different coupling mechanisms (shackles, sleeves, or direct connection). This segmentation allows the system to be adapted for different line diameters and materials while maintaining lightweight construction, avoiding the need for heavy universal load cell assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The load cell is designed with universal coupling capabilities that can interface with various line types (steel wire, synthetic ropes, different diameters) through multiple coupling methods. The first and second link portions can be coupled via shackles, sleeves, or direct connection, making the same load cell applicable across diverse line system configurations without requiring heavy specialized equipment for each case.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lines of different materials are connected directly, then connection between different line types is achieved, but the materials can damage each other
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell acts as an intermediary device between lines of different materials. By providing standardized coupling interfaces (shackles, sleeves, or direct connection mechanisms) on the first and second link portions, the load cell mediates the connection between dissimilar line materials, preventing direct contact that would cause damage while enabling versatile connection between steel wire, synthetic ropes, and other line types.
4Measurement precision
If in-line tensile force measurement is implemented, then direct measurement capability is provided, but practical application in hostile environments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell incorporates strain gauge sensors that convert mechanical strain into electrical signals, which are then transmitted wirelessly. This parameter transformation allows the measurement system to operate in hostile environments (marine, subsea, corrosive conditions) where direct electrical connections would be problematic. The wireless transmission capability maintains reliability by eliminating vulnerable wired connections while preserving accurate in-line tensile force measurement.
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 accurate, practical, and safe measurement of tensile loads in line systems, reducing weight and risk of damage, while operating effectively in harsh conditions and providing real-time data for improved operational monitoring and performance analysis.
Implementation Method 1
using strain gauges and a compact, corrosion-resistant design that avoids sharp edges and protrusions, allowing for safe connection and measurement of line tensions
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A tensile load link (3) for interlocking a minimum of two lines (2), guiding said at least two lines(2) along an inner facing (8) and outer facing (9) of said link respectively, wherein said link (3) is provided with at least one transducer for measuring a tensile force (6) in at least one of said lines (2) and/or in said link (3)