DESC:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
A MODULAR LIFTING APPARATUS FOR A MARINE VESSEL

Applicant:
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
A company Incorporated in India under the Companies Act, 1956
Under Ministry of Defence,
(A Govt. of India Undertaking)
Having address:
Dockyard Road, Mazagon,
Mumbai - 400010, Maharashtra, India

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND PRIORITY

[001] The present application claims priority from Indian Patent application no. (201821028123) filed on 26th July, 2018.
TECHNICAL FIELD

[002] The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to a modular lifting apparatus. More particularly, the modular lifting apparatus is used for lifting a marine vessel.
BACKGROUND

[003] Generally, an assembly of a marine vessel like a submarine is done by assembling a plurality of structures manufactured independently. Conventionally, cradles or trestles are used to support submarine sections during assembly. Further, the cradles are typically shaped to support specific to a particular submarine. In some conventional systems, support beams for docking the Submarines may be used. It is to be noted that, such conventional methods require a high amount of outfitting in the location of the assembly and requires a lot of assembly time.
SUMMARY

[004] Before the present a modular lifting apparatus for a marine vessel, is described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular systems, and methodologies described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments that are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosures. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for describing the particular implementations, versions, or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to the modular lifting apparatus. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[005] In one implementation, a modular lifting apparatus for a marine vessel is disclosed. In one embodiment, the modular lifting apparatus comprises a plurality of transverse girders and a plurality of longitudinal girders. Further, during assembly the plurality of transverse girders and the plurality of longitudinal girders are joined to form a frame structure.
[006] In another embodiment, the modular lifting apparatus comprises a plurality of vertical legs. In one aspect, the plurality of vertical legs are fixed to a bottom surface of the frame structure. In another aspect, the plurality of vertical legs are spaced at an equal distance from each other. Further, each of the plurality of vertical legs comprises a plurality stiffeners. In one more embodiment, the modular lifting apparatus comprises a plurality of lifting eyes. In one aspect, the plurality of lifting eyes are mounted on a top surface of the frame structure. In another embodiment, the modular lifting apparatus comprises a plurality of cradles. The plurality of cradles are conical in shape with an arc cut-out on a top portion, the plurality of cradles has a plurality of stiffeners. Further, during assembly, the plurality of cradles are mounted on a top surface of the plurality of transverse girders of the frame structure along a length of the plurality of transverse girders, and during lifting a bottom curvature portion of the marine vessel, the marine vessel is displaced on the arc cut-out.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[007] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating of the present subject matter, an example of construction of the present subject matter is provided as figures; however, the invention is not limited to the specific system disclosed in the document and the figures.
[008] The present subject matter is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer various features of the present subject matter.
[009] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a frame structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0010] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a modular lifting apparatus with a marine vessel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0011] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of a modular lifting apparatus with a marine vessel marine vessel mounted on a self-propelled modular trailer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words “lifting”, "supporting", “machining”, “transporting” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although a modular lifting apparatus, similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, is now described. The disclosed embodiments for the modular lifting apparatus is merely example of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms.
[0013] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments for the modular lifting apparatus. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure for the modular lifting apparatus is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0014] As described above, as conventional methods require a high amount of outfitting in the location of the assembly and requires a lot of assembly time. Further, in order to maintain a horizontal level while lifting, a symmetrical location on pressure resistant structure is required. In the conventional system and methods only a single hook of 90 tons SWL can be utilized and thereby limiting the extent of outfitting.
[0015] Furthermore in the conventional system, first alignment and subsequent machining leaving aside some green margin for second stage machining which is carried out on the Pontoon after it has been lifted and transferred, making it difficult to complete the alignment and machining on shop floor at one stretch. Thus there is a need overcome the limitation of the conventional systems.
[0016] In one implementation, a modular lifting apparatus for a marine vessel is disclosed. In one embodiment, the modular lifting apparatus comprises a plurality of transverse girders and a plurality of longitudinal girders. Further, during assembly the plurality of transverse girders and the plurality of longitudinal girders are joined to form a frame structure. In another embodiment, the modular lifting apparatus comprises a plurality of vertical legs. In one aspect, the plurality of vertical legs are fixed to a bottom surface of the frame structure. In another aspect, the plurality of vertical legs are spaced at an equal distance from each other. Further, each of the plurality of vertical legs comprises a plurality stiffeners. In one more embodiment, the modular lifting apparatus comprises a plurality of lifting eyes. In one aspect, the plurality of lifting eyes are mounted on a top surface of the frame structure. In another embodiment, the modular lifting apparatus comprises a plurality of cradles. The plurality of cradles are conical in shape with an arc cut-out on a top portion, wherein the plurality of cradles has a plurality of stiffeners. Further, during assembly, the plurality of cradles are mounted on a top surface of the plurality of transverse girders of the frame structure along a length of the plurality of transverse girders and during lifting a bottom curvature portion of the marine vessel, the marine vessel is displaced on the arc cut-out.
[0017] In one embodiment, there may include an advantage that is, the modular lifting apparatus enables integration of supporting, transporting and lifting simultaneously into one platform that can be reused, and does not limit the extent of outfitting, due to the assembly of the modular lifting apparatus.
[0018] Now, referring to Figures 1-3, Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a frame structure 100. Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a modular lifting apparatus 200 with a marine vessel 204. The marine vessel 204 may be a boat, a submarine and the like. Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the modular lifting apparatus 200 with the marine vessel 204 mounted on a self-propelled modular trailer 302. Further, the present subject is explained with reference to Figures 1 to 3, in order to maintain the readability of the present subject matter.
[0019] In one embodiment, various elements of the modular lifting apparatus 200 for the marine vessel 204 is illustrated. The modular lifting apparatus 200 may be used for lifting a Submarine. In one implementation, the modular lifting apparatus 200 comprises a plurality of transverse girders 106 and a plurality of longitudinal girders 104. The plurality of transverse girders 106 and the plurality of longitudinal girders 104 may be I-beam structures. The plurality of transverse girders 106 and the plurality of longitudinal girders 104 may be joined by welding.
[0020] In one aspect, during assembly, the plurality of transverse girders 106 and the plurality of longitudinal girders 104 are joined to form a frame structure 100. In another embodiment, the frame structure 100 comprises a plurality of vertical legs 108. The plurality of vertical legs 108 may be fixed to a bottom surface of the frame structure 100. The fixing of the plurality of vertical legs 108 may be done by bolting the plurality of vertical legs 108 to the bottom surface of the frame structure 100. Further, the frame structure comprising the plurality of vertical legs 108 may be spaced at an equal distance from each other. In one aspect, each of the plurality of vertical legs 108 comprises a plurality stiffeners 110. The plurality stiffeners 110 may comprise webs and ribs. Furthermore, the plurality of stiffeners 110 may be provided on a plurality of cradles 102. The plurality of cradles 102 may be conical in shape with an arc cut-out on a top portion. In one implementation, the arc cut-out of the plurality of cradles 102 directly corresponds to the bottom curvature part of the marine vessel 204 that is to be displaced on the frame structure 100 having the plurality of cradles 102.
[0021] In one implementation, during assembly, the plurality of cradles 102 are mounted on a top surface of the plurality of transverse girders 106 of the frame structure 100 along a length of the plurality of transverse girders 106. The plurality of transverse girders 106 may be bolted to the plurality of cradles 102 of the frame structure 100.
[0022] In another implementation, during placing a marine vessel 204 that is to be displaced on the frame structure 100, a bottom curvature portion of the marine vessel 204 is displaced on the arc cut-out of the plurality of cradles 102 mounted on the plurality of transverse girders 106 of the frame structure 100.
[0023] In another aspect, the frame structure 100 comprises a plurality of lifting eyes 202 (as shown in figure 2). The plurality of lifting eyes 202 are mounted on a top surface of the frame structure 100. The plurality of lifting eyes 202 are located at each corner of the frame structure 100.
[0024] The plurality of lifting eyes 202 may be at least four. During lifting operation of the frame structure 100 with the marine vessel 204, a lifting beam 206 is configured to lift the frame structure 100 by means of the plurality of lifting eyes 202 and a plurality of lifting slings 208. Further, the lifted frame structure 100 with the marine vessel 204 is displaced on the self-propelled modular trailer 302. The self-propelled modular trailer 302 is configured to transport the frame structure 100 with the marine vessel 204. The self-propelled modular trailer 302 may comprise wheels for transportation. In one aspect, a height of the self-propelled modular trailer 302 may be in direct proportion to a height of plurality of vertical legs 108 (as shown in figure 3).
[0025] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide an advantage, this may include the following.
[0026] Some embodiments of the modular lifting apparatus enables re-use of the frame structure, as it is the bolted assembly.
[0027] Some embodiments of the frame structure enables dismantling of the plurality of vertical legs and adapting to a wider Self-propelled Modular trailer.
[0028] Some embodiments of the modular lifting apparatus enables integration of supporting, transporting and lifting simultaneously into one platform that can be reused.
[0029] Some embodiments of the modular lifting apparatus enables supporting, transporting, and lifting other conical and cylindrical Submarine sections, pressure vessels, large diameter pipes, and oversize cargo of similar weight and dimensions.
[0030] Some embodiments of the modular lifting apparatus comprises the plurality of lifting eyes and the sliding beam that enables load testing before use.
[0031] Although implementations for the modular lifting apparatus 200 have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementation for the modular lifting apparatus 200.

,CLAIMS:1. A modular lifting apparatus (200) for a marine vessel, the modular lifting apparatus (200) comprises:
a plurality of transverse girders (106) and a plurality of longitudinal girders (104), wherein during assembly, the plurality of transverse girders (106) and the plurality of longitudinal girders (104) are joined to form a frame structure (100);
a plurality of vertical legs (108), wherein the plurality of vertical legs (108) are fixed to a bottom surface of the frame structure (100), wherein the plurality of vertical legs (108) are spaced at an equal distance from each other, wherein each of the plurality of vertical legs (108) comprises a plurality stiffeners (110);
a plurality of lifting eyes (202), wherein the plurality of lifting eyes (202) are mounted on a top surface of the frame structure (100); and
a plurality of cradles (102), wherein the plurality of cradles (102) are conical in shape with an arc cut-out on a top portion, wherein the plurality of cradles (102) has a plurality of stiffeners (110),
wherein during assembly, the plurality of cradles (102) are mounted on a top surface of the plurality of transverse girders (106) of the frame structure along a length of the plurality of transverse girders (106), and wherein during lifting a bottom curvature portion of a marine vessel (204), the marine vessel (204) is displaced on the arc cut-out.

2. The modular lifting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of lifting eyes (202) are at least four, wherein the plurality of lifting eyes (202) are located at each corner of the frame structure (100).

3. The modular lifting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the modular lifting apparatus (200) is for a Submarine.

4. The modular lifting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a height of each of the plurality of vertical legs (108) is in direct proportion to a self-propelled modular trailer height, which is configured to transport the frame structure (100) during operation.
5. The modular lifting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of transverse girders (106) and the plurality of longitudinal girders (104) are I-beam structures.

6. The modular lifting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of transverse girders (106) and the plurality of longitudinal girders (104) are joined by welding.

7. The modular lifting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of stiffeners (110) comprise webs and ribs.

8. The modular lifting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein during operation, a lifting beam (206) is configured to lift the frame structure (100) by means of the plurality of lifting eyes (202) and a plurality of lifting slings (208).

9. The modular lifting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of vertical legs (108) are bolted to the bottom surface of the frame structure (100).

10. The modular lifting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of cradles (102) are bolted to the plurality of transverse girders (106) of the frame structure (100).

11. The modular lifting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arc cut-out of the plurality of cradles (102) directly corresponds to the bottom curvature part of the marine vessel during displacing the marine vessel (204).