Yoke Plate Assembly with Uni-Joints for Mooring Load Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mooring systems for floating objects in water struggle with unequal load distribution between mooring lines, leading to extreme loads and fatigue damage, and require expensive custom connectors for load balancing.
Innovation Solution
A yoke plate assembly with an elongated yoke plate and lever arms connected by uni-joints, allowing equal tensile force distribution and articulation in two planes, which compensates for line length differences and reduces out-of-plane bending fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mooring systems are used, then the structure is simple, but unequal load distribution causes extreme loads and fatigue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The mooring system is segmented into multiple independent mooring lines (at least two) that are distributed around the floating object. Each mooring line operates independently but contributes to the overall load distribution, preventing concentration of extreme loads on a single line while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple mooring lines are merged into a unified mooring system that works together to distribute loads. The lines are connected through a common attachment mechanism on the floating object and anchored at different locations on the seabed, creating a combined system that shares tensile forces and reduces fatigue damage through load distribution.
2Reliability
If load balancing connectors are used, then load distribution improves, but cost increases due to expensive custom connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The mooring system achieves self-balancing load distribution through its geometric configuration and the natural behavior of tension elements. The system automatically adjusts load distribution based on the positions of anchors and attachment points, eliminating the need for expensive active load balancing connectors while maintaining reliable load sharing between multiple mooring lines.
3Ease of operation
If mooring lines of different lengths are used, then installation is easier, but load distribution becomes unequal
Solution Approach 1:
The mooring system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through movable attachment mechanisms and flexible mooring lines that can accommodate length differences. The system allows for adjustment of line lengths or positions during installation and operation, enabling equal load distribution even when initial line lengths differ, thus maintaining reliability while providing installation flexibility.
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
The yoke plate assembly effectively shares loads between mooring lines, reduces fatigue damage, and allows the use of conventional components, eliminating the need for expensive custom connectors.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated yoke plate with a centre thereof pivotally connected to the assembly plate by an articulation
Implementation Method 2
the first coupler is arranged as a first uni-joint between the first end of the elongated yoke plate and the first lever arm, and the second coupler is arranged as a second uni-joint between the second end of the elongated yoke plate and the second lever arm
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A yoke plate assembly for mooring a floating object in a body of water by means of a pair mooring lines, includes an assembly plate for mechanically coupling to an anchor body, an elongated yoke plate with a centre thereof pivotally connected to the assembly plate by an articulation, a first lever arm having a first proximal end connected by a first coupler to a first end of the elongated yoke plate, a second lever arm having a second proximal end connected by a second coupler to a second end of the elongated yoke plate longitudinally opposite to the first end. The first lever arm at a first distal end thereof is connectable by a first distal joint to one of the pair of mooring lines, and the second lever arm at a second distal end thereof is connectable by a second distal joint to the other of the pair of mooring lines.