Modularized movable variable-structure floating body platform and operation method thereof

Abstract

The invention belongs to the field of ocean engineering and floating body structures, discloses a modularized movable variable-structure floating body platform and an operation method thereof, and is suitable for multi-scene application of short-term or temporary operation on the sea. In the towing process of the platform, chain type arrangement is adopted, all floating body units are connected through spherical hinge connectors, water resistance is effectively reduced, towing efficiency is improved, and safe transfer is achieved through a tugboat and an auxiliary boat. After the platform arrives at a target area, the platform flexibly adjusts the floating body units through the tugboats, the auxiliary boats, the mechanical arms and the connecting rods, chain type arrangement is changed into an array type structure, stable multi-column arrangement is formed, and different operation requirements are met. Due to the modular design, the platform has high expansibility and is convenient to maintain and recombine. The marine floating body platform is flexible, low in cost and environmentally friendly, has high wind wave resistance and wide application prospects, and is particularly suitable for various temporary marine operations such as marine monitoring, equipment installation and marine emergency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the field of marine engineering and floating structure, and in particular relates to a modular movable variable-configuration floating platform and an operation method thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the growing demand for the development and utilization of marine resources, offshore platforms play an important role in marine engineering, resource extraction, environmental monitoring, marine aquaculture and other fields. However, existing offshore platform designs are mostly fixed or semi-fixed structures. These platforms require complex construction and installation at specific locations, lack flexibility, and are not suitable for multi-regional mobility and temporary operations. In addition, fixed platforms usually require large-scale infrastructure construction, which causes great interference to the marine environment, especially long-term impacts on the seabed ecosystem. The high cost, high time investment and long-term impact on the environment of this construction model limit the application potential of offshore platforms in short-term operations and temporary support scenarios.

[0003] At the same time, the diversification of marine engineering tasks has put forward higher requirements on the adaptability of the platform. Many operational tasks, such as ocean monitoring, wind power equipment installation, emergency rescue, etc., are temporary and mobile. Traditional fixed platforms are difficult to move to the target area and quickly deploy to complete the work in a short period of time. In addition, traditional platforms usually require additional structural reinforcement when dealing with harsh offshore environments, resulting in an increase in overall costs. At the same time, it is difficult to quickly evacuate the site after the short-term mission is completed, which further increases the difficulty and cost of the operation.

[0004] The current design of marine platforms lacks the ability to flexibly support short-term and medium-term operation scenarios, which restricts their application in small-scale, multi-regional, and multi-task conditions. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a marine floating platform that is modular, mobile, and variable in configuration to meet the diverse needs of marine operations and achieve the goals of rapid deployment, low environmental impact, and cost control. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention provides a modular movable variable-configuration floating platform and an operation method, which are suitable for a variety of offshore operation scenarios. Through modular design and flexible operation methods, the efficient mobility and structural adaptability of the platform in offshore operation scenarios are achieved. The floating platform can be transferred to the target sea area by chain towing, and after arrival, it can be unfolded and reassembled into a large-scale operation platform to meet the diverse needs of offshore operations. The invention is particularly suitable for short-term, temporary or frequently moving marine operation scenarios, and has the characteristics of flexible structure, convenient installation and high environmental protection.

[0006] The main technical solutions of the present invention include as follows: a modular movable variable-configuration floating platform, including a floating unit 1, a ball-joint connector 2, a mechanical arm 3, a connecting rod 4, a tugboat 5, an anchor chain 10, and an anchor head 11; the floating unit 1 is connected in a chain arrangement through the ball-joint connector 2, and is connected and moved through the tugboat 5; under the target sea area, the anchor chain 10 and the anchor head 11 fix the immobile floating unit 1, and the floating unit 1 to be moved is rotated and moved through the cooperation of the ball-joint connector 2, the mechanical arm 3 and the connecting rod 4, thereby performing a variable-configuration operation on the floating platform to form an array arrangement.

[0007] Furthermore, the ball-joint connector 2 includes a convex ball joint 16, a concave ball joint 17 and a hydraulic telescopic rod 18; the opening diameter of the concave ball joint 17 is larger than the diameter of the convex ball joint 16, and the inner wall is covered with a flexible cushion layer for buffering collision during connection; the hydraulic telescopic rod 18 is evenly arranged on the inner wall of the concave ball joint 17, and the convex ball joint 16 is locked or separated by hydraulically driving the hydraulic telescopic rod 18; the elongation length and applied pressure of the hydraulic telescopic rod 18 are adjusted, and the rotational damping is flexibly adjusted or completely locked by compressing the flexible cushion layer; the ball-joint connector 2 is used to quickly switch between chain arrangement and array arrangement to ensure the stability and flexibility of the connection of the floating unit 1.

[0008] Furthermore, the robotic arm 3 is installed between adjacent floating units 1 to be transformed; the robotic arm 3 includes a multi-degree-of-freedom joint 14 and a clamp 15; the clamp 15 is equipped with an electromagnetic adsorption device for adsorbing or releasing the connecting rod 4, and achieving efficient grasping and precise connection by adjusting the electromagnetic force.

[0009] Furthermore, the floating unit 1 is a standardized module, and its material is seawater and sea sand concrete, and FRP bars 12 are embedded inside to improve strength and corrosion resistance; the FRP bars 12 are integrated with optical fiber sensors 13 for real-time monitoring of the stress state, structural health and environmental parameters of the floating unit 1.

[0010] Furthermore, the tugboat 5 tows the floating unit 1 through the tow cable 6, and decomposes the main tow cable into two branch tow cables through the triangular eye plate 7; the branch tow cables are evenly distributed to both sides of the floating unit 1 through the fairlead 8.

[0011] Furthermore, the auxiliary ship 9 is used to assist the tugboat 5 in completing the towing work of the floating platform, and provide support for the adjustment and position fixation of the floating unit 1 during the configuration change operation; during the configuration change operation, the tugboat 5 and the auxiliary ship 9 respectively tow the first floating unit 1 and the rear floating unit 1 of the modular movable configuration changeable floating platform; the robotic arm 3 releases or grabs the connecting rod 4 through the clamp 15, and cooperates with the ball joint connector 2 to complete the connection and locking between the floating units 1.

[0012] Furthermore, the anchor chain 10 and the anchor head 11 are used for the mooring operation of the platform in the target sea area; the anchor chain 10 is adjustable in length, and the anchor head 11 is designed to adapt to sand, mud or rocky seabeds, providing reliable grip and stability.

[0013] Furthermore, when the platform operation is completed, the tugboat 5 tows the first floating unit 1 through the tow cable 6, and the auxiliary ship 9 tows the rear floating unit 1, so as to transform the platform from an array arrangement to a chain arrangement; finally, the tugboat 5 tows the platform back to the dock or to the next operating sea area, realizing flexible operation mode conversion.

[0014] A method for operating a modular movable variable-configuration floating platform comprises the following steps: the modular movable variable-configuration floating platform is towed by a tugboat 5 and arranged in a chain by a ball-joint connector 2, and the platform is towed to a target operating sea area; then, anchoring is implemented on one side of the chain arrangement, and preliminary mooring is achieved by an anchor chain 10 and an anchor head 11, and an auxiliary ship 9 is connected to a floating unit 1 at the rear of the platform to prepare for a variable configuration operation; then, the ball-joint connector 2 between adjacent modules to be variable is unlocked, and a mechanical arm 3 on one side releases a connecting rod 4, and under the traction of the tugboat 5 and the auxiliary ship 9, the head and tail modules rotate around the mechanical arm 3 on the other side, and are gradually adjusted from a chain arrangement to an array arrangement; after the rotation is completed, the mechanical arm 3 grabs the connecting rod 4 and locks the ball-joint connectors 2 on both sides to form a stable array platform structure; then, anchoring is dropped again, the tugboat 5 and the auxiliary ship 9 are unmoored, and the platform completes stable mooring and starts operation; after the operation is completed, the modules are readjusted to a chain arrangement by unmooring and the mechanical arm 3 releasing the connecting rod 4, and are towed back to the dock or the next operating sea area by the tugboat 5.

[0015] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0016] (1) Efficient towing and low resistance design: The present invention adopts a chain arrangement during towing, connecting adjacent floating units into a chain through ball joint connectors. This design reduces water resistance, optimizes the towing performance of the platform, and significantly reduces the energy consumption required for towing. During towing, each floating unit has a certain degree of freedom, which can adapt to the impact of currents and waves, ensuring the stability and safety of towing.

[0017] (2) Flexible transformation capability: The modular floating platform of the present invention can quickly transform from a chain arrangement to an array structure after reaching the target sea area. Through the flexible operation of the robotic arm and the connecting rod, the platform can be quickly reorganized into an "array floating platform" arranged in multiple columns to form a stable operating platform. This transformation capability enables the platform to adjust to the optimal arrangement according to the operating requirements and adapt to a variety of offshore operating scenarios.

[0018] (3) Modular design, scalability and adaptability: The present invention adopts modular design, so that the floating units have independent structures and functions, and can be freely combined, disassembled and reassembled. The modular characteristics allow the platform to increase or decrease the number of floating units according to mission requirements, adapt to mission requirements of different scales and complexities, and provide flexible support for various short-term and medium-term offshore missions.

[0019] (4) Environmental protection and low cost: The mooring system of the present invention adopts an anchoring method, which is easy to install and anchor, and has little interference with the seabed environment. Compared with traditional fixed platforms, the floating platform of the present invention has lower construction and maintenance costs, and is particularly suitable for temporary or short-term operation scenarios, which greatly reduces the cost of platform construction and installation. In addition, the platform's mobility and modular structure ensure the reuse of equipment and reduce resource waste.

[0020] (5) Broad application prospects: The modular movable variable-configuration floating platform of the present invention is suitable for a variety of offshore operation scenarios such as offshore monitoring, wind power equipment installation, marine aquaculture, emergency rescue, etc. The platform can be quickly deployed to the target area and efficiently configured to meet various offshore engineering needs. Its flexibility, environmental protection and economy make it an ideal solution for short-term offshore operations and temporary support, with broad application prospects and market value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 The present invention is a schematic top view of the towing process of a modular movable variable-configuration floating platform.

[0022] Figure 2 It is a front view schematic diagram of the towing process of a modular movable variable configuration floating platform of the present invention.

[0023] The upper dotted line represents sea level.

[0024] Figure 3 The present invention is a schematic top view of a modular movable variable-configuration floating platform for mooring.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a schematic top view of the conformational state of a modular movable conformational variable floating platform of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 It is a top view schematic diagram of a modular movable variable conformation floating platform of the present invention at the conformation completion stage.

[0027] Figure 6 It is a schematic front view of a modular movable variable configuration floating platform of the present invention at the configuration completion stage, wherein the upper dotted line represents the sea level, and the lower thick solid line represents the seabed.

[0028] Figure 7The present invention is a schematic top view of a floating unit of a modular movable variable configuration floating platform.

[0029] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of a ball joint connector of a modular movable variable configuration floating platform of the present invention.

[0030] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram of a mechanical arm of a modular movable variable-configuration floating platform of the present invention.

[0031] In the figure: 1-floating unit; 2-ball joint connector; 3-mechanical arm; 4-connecting rod; 5-tugboat; 6-tow cable; 7-triangular eye plate; 8-fairguide; 9-auxiliary ship; 10-anchor chain; 11-anchor head; 12-FRP tendon; 13-optical fiber sensor; 14-joint; 15-grip; 16-convex ball joint; 17-concave ball joint; 18-hydraulic telescopic rod. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0033] A modular movable variable-configuration floating platform comprises: a floating unit 1, a ball joint connector 2, a mechanical arm 3, a connecting rod 4, a tugboat 5, a towline 6, a triangular eye plate 7, a fairlead 8, an auxiliary ship 9, an anchor chain 10, an anchor head 11, FRP tendons 12, and an optical fiber sensor 13.

[0034] The mechanical arm 3 includes a joint 14 and a gripper 15 .

[0035] The ball joint connector 2 includes: a convex ball joint 16 , a concave ball joint 17 , and a hydraulic telescopic rod 18 .

[0036] The platform consists of multiple floating units 1, each of which is designed as a standardized module to achieve efficient assembly and flexible configuration. During the towing process, the floating units 1 are connected in a chain arrangement through ball joint connectors 2 to form a low-resistance towing structure, and are reorganized into an array arrangement through conformational transformation in the target sea area. Each floating unit 1 is made of seawater and sea sand concrete material, which has high strength and corrosion resistance, and FRP bars 12 and optical fiber sensors 13 are embedded inside. The FRP bars 12 provide lightweight and durable structural support, effectively extending the service life of the platform, while the optical fiber sensors 13 have self-sensing functions, which can monitor the stress state, structural health and environmental parameters of the floating units in real time, and provide data support for the safety and long-term stable operation of the platform.

[0037] The ball joint connector 2 includes a male ball joint 16, a female ball joint 17 and a hydraulic telescopic rod 18. Male ball joints 16 and female ball joints 17 are respectively installed on both sides of each floating unit 1 to facilitate the rapid connection and disassembly between floating modules. In addition, in order to meet the connection requirements of the array arrangement after the platform is transformed, male ball joints 16 and female ball joints 17 are also installed on the sides of the designated floating units 1 to ensure flexible module combination and structural stability.

[0038] The opening diameter of the concave ball joint 17 is larger than the diameter of the convex ball joint 16, and is designed to achieve rapid docking of the ball joint connector in a marine environment. The inner wall of the concave ball joint 17 is covered with a flexible cushion layer, which is used to buffer the collision when the convex ball joint 16 is inserted and protect the connector surface from damage. At the same time, a plurality of hydraulic telescopic rods 18 are evenly arranged on the inner wall of the concave ball joint 17, and the ends of the hydraulic telescopic rods 18 have flexible cushion layers. When the convex ball joint 16 enters the concave ball joint 17, the hydraulic telescopic rods 18 extend synchronously from multiple directions, and the cushion layer fits the surface of the convex ball joint 16, thereby realizing the locking function of the ball joint connector; when the ball joint connector is separated, it is only necessary to retract the hydraulic telescopic rods 18.

[0039] The extension length and applied pressure of the hydraulic telescopic rod 18 are adjustable, and the friction is increased by compressing the flexible cushion layer to meet different usage requirements, and the rotation damping can be flexibly adjusted or completely locked. This design not only ensures the efficient connection and firmness of the ball joint connector in the marine environment, but also has good protection performance and flexibility, significantly improving the adaptability and safety of the platform under complex operating conditions.

[0040] The manipulator 3 and the connecting rod 4 are installed between adjacent modules that need to be transformed, and are used to assist the transformation of the platform from a chain-type arrangement to an array-type structure. The manipulator 3 includes a plurality of joints 14, each of which has the ability to rotate with multiple degrees of freedom, so that the manipulator can move flexibly in three-dimensional space and adapt to complex transformation requirements. The end of the manipulator 3 is equipped with a clamp 15, and an electromagnetic adsorption device is integrated inside the clamp, which can control the adsorption or release of the connecting rod 4 by adjusting the current strength, thereby achieving efficient grasping, precise positioning and reliable connection of the connecting rod 4 in the marine environment.

[0041] This design ensures that the robot arm 3 can flexibly adjust its posture to adapt to different connection angles and position requirements during the transformation process. The adjustability of the electromagnetic adsorption device not only improves the operating accuracy and adaptability of the end of the robot arm, but also significantly enhances the reliability of the system in the marine operating environment. The coordinated work of the robot arm and the connecting rod provides structural support for the efficient array arrangement of the platform.

[0042] The tugboat 5 is used to tow the entire floating platform during towing. The tugboat 5 is connected to the floating unit 1 through the towing cable 6 and maintains the stability of the chain arrangement during towing. The towing cable 6 is controlled by the force distribution and guidance of the triangular eye plate 7 and the fairlead 8 to ensure that the platform remains balanced and stable during towing, effectively avoiding damage or torsion to the floating structure due to uneven force at a single connection point.

[0043] The triangular eye plate 7 is used to decompose a main tow cable 6 towed by the tugboat 5 into two branch tow cables, and the branch tow cables are evenly distributed to both sides of the floating unit 1 through the fairlead 8 to optimize the distribution of traction during towing. This design reduces the risk of lateral deviation of the floating unit during towing and improves the stability of the overall structure in wind, waves and currents.

[0044] The auxiliary ship 9 cooperates with the tugboat 5 in the towing work, mainly providing support in complex sea conditions, especially in the configuration change operation after the floating platform reaches the target operating sea area, assisting in adjusting the position and posture of the floating unit, and participating in the connection and locking work between modules. The flexible maneuverability of the auxiliary ship 9 enables it to quickly respond to the real-time needs of the platform during towing and configuration change, greatly improving the operating efficiency and safety of the platform during transportation and operation.

[0045] The anchor chain 10 and the anchor head 11 are used to implement anchoring operations after the floating platform reaches the target sea area to ensure the stability of the platform in the operating area. The length of the anchor chain 10 can be flexibly adjusted according to the water depth and environmental conditions of the target sea area to adapt to different marine environments and ensure that the mooring system has sufficient tension and stability. The anchor head 11 is connected to the floating platform through the anchor chain 10, and its design can effectively grasp the sand, mud or rock structure on the seabed and provide strong grip.

[0046] By adjusting the tension of the anchor chain 10, the wind and wave resistance of the mooring system can be further improved. The layout of the anchor chain combined with the array arrangement of the platform ensures that the overall structure maintains uniform force and stability during operation. This design is suitable for various complex sea conditions, provides reliable mooring support for the long-term operation of the platform, and simplifies the installation and maintenance process.

[0047] When the modular movable variable configuration floating platform is towed to the designated sea area by the tugboat 5, it is first anchored on one side of the platform, and the anchor chain 10 and anchor head 11 are used to complete the initial anchoring to ensure the initial stability of the platform under the action of sea currents and wind and waves. Subsequently, the auxiliary ship 9 is connected to the floating unit 1 at the tail of the platform through the towline 6 to provide traction support for the variable configuration operation.

[0048] The ball-joint connectors 2 between adjacent modules that need to be transformed are unlocked and separated at this time. At the same time, the robotic arm 3 on one side releases the connecting rod 4 to prepare for the adjustment of the platform structure. Under the synchronous traction of the tugboat 5 and the auxiliary ship 9, the bow and stern modules of the platform gradually rotate around the robotic arm 3 on the other side as the rotation axis, so that the platform gradually transforms from a chain arrangement to an array arrangement. When the platform rotates close to the target array structure, the robotic arm 3 on the rotating side grabs the connecting rod 4 and cooperates with the robotic arm on the other side to complete the connection. At this time, the ball-joint connectors 2 on both sides are locked to ensure the firmness of the connection between the modules, and finally realize the array transformation of the platform.

[0049] After the transformation is completed, the tugboat 5 and the auxiliary ship 9 are unmoored from the platform, and the platform is anchored on the other side to achieve a completely stable anchoring, providing stable support for subsequent operations. When the platform operation is completed, the modules are separated again and adjusted to a chain arrangement again by unmooring and releasing the connecting rods by the mechanical arm, and finally towed by the tugboat 5 back to the dock or to the next operating sea area. This operation process ensures the efficient transformation and flexible movement of the platform, while taking into account the stability and safety during the operation process.

[0050] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The schematic diagrams of the towing process of a modular movable variable configuration floating platform of the present invention are shown in top view and front view. During the towing process, the floating unit 1 forms a chain arrangement through the ball joint connector 2, the mechanical arm 3, and the connecting rod 4. The tugboat 5 is connected to the platform through the towing cable 6, and the triangular eye plate 7 and the fairlead 8 are used to achieve a balanced traction force distribution to ensure the stability of the towing. The auxiliary ship 9 is located at the side and rear of the platform to ensure the safety of the platform towing process.

[0051] Figure 3 It is a schematic top view of the anchoring of a modular movable variable configuration floating platform of the present invention. The figure describes that after the platform arrives at the target sea area, the auxiliary ship 9 connects the platform's rear floating unit 1 through the tow cable 6, the triangular eye plate 7, and the fairlead 8, assists the tugboat 5 to realize the platform's stop, and realizes the anchored state through the anchor chain 10 and the anchor head 11. This anchoring method ensures that the platform has a high stability before the variable configuration operation to avoid drifting under the influence of wind, waves or currents. A mechanical arm 3 and a connecting rod 4 between the variable configuration modules release the connection; the tugboat 5 and the auxiliary ship 9 tow the bow and stern floating units 1 through the tow cable 6 and the triangular eye plate 7 respectively; through the mechanical arm 3 and the connecting rod 4 on the other side, the connection method between adjacent floating units begins to be adjusted to prepare for the transformation into an array-type floating platform.

[0052] Figure 4This is a schematic top view of the configuration change state of a modular movable configuration changeable floating platform of the present invention. This figure shows the transition state of the platform during the configuration change process. Through the coordinated work of the tugboat 5 and the auxiliary ship 9, the floating unit gradually forms an array-type floating platform, and the mechanical arm 3 and the connecting rod 4 are reconnected, and the lateral ball joint connector is locked to ensure the stability between the modules inside the platform.

[0053] Figure 5 This is a top view schematic diagram of a modular movable variable configuration floating platform of the present invention at the stage of configuration completion. This figure shows the top view layout of the platform after the configuration is completed. The tugboat 5 and the auxiliary ship 9 have completed the unmooring from the platform. The floating units are arranged into an array structure and two anchor heads are anchored again to form a stable operating platform to provide support for various offshore operations.

[0054] Figure 6 This is a schematic front view of a modular movable variable configuration floating platform of the present invention at the stage of configuration completion. The upper dotted line in the figure represents the sea level, and the lower thick solid line represents the seabed, which clearly shows the anchoring relationship between the floating platform and the seabed after the configuration is completed and the overall height structure of the platform. This figure further illustrates the effect of the platform achieving stable anchoring after the configuration is completed.

[0055] Figure 7 The figure is a top view cross-sectional schematic diagram of a floating unit of a modular movable variable configuration floating platform of the present invention. The floating unit 1 is made of seawater and sea sand concrete material, and FRP ribs 12 and optical fiber sensors 13 are embedded inside, which improves the strength, corrosion resistance and self-sensing performance of the structure, can realize structural health monitoring, and effectively extend the service life of the platform.

[0056] Figure 8 The schematic diagram of a ball joint connector of a modular movable variable configuration floating platform of the present invention. The ball joint connector includes a male ball joint 16, a female ball joint 17, and a hydraulic telescopic rod 18. The opening diameter of the female ball joint 17 is larger than the diameter of the male ball joint 16, and the interior is covered with a flexible cushion layer, and multiple hydraulic telescopic rods 18 are evenly arranged.

[0057] Fig. 9 The schematic diagram of the mechanical arm of a modular movable variable configuration floating platform of the present invention is shown in FIG. The mechanical arm 3 includes multiple joints 14, which can realize flexible rotation, and the end has a clamping claw 15 equipped with an electromagnetic adsorption device, which can adsorb or release the connecting rod 4 by adjusting the strength of the electromagnetic force, so as to realize the flexible configuration of the platform in the marine environment.

[0058] The present invention is designed to combine the following factors:

[0059] (1) Marine environmental conditions: The marine environmental conditions in the operating area must be fully considered, including wind speed, waves, currents, tides, etc. These environmental parameters directly affect the towing stability of the floating platform, the smooth conduct of the configuration change operation, and the stability after mooring.

[0060] (2) Structural connection and conformational change operation: The selection of ball joint connectors and the operating accuracy of the manipulator are the key to ensuring the smooth conformational change of the platform. The ball joint connector needs to withstand the relative movement between adjacent floating units during the towing process, and the manipulator needs to achieve flexible connection and reorganization of the floating units during the conformational change stage.

[0061] (3) Anchoring method: After arriving at the operating area and completing the transformation, the platform's anchoring system needs to adapt to various seabed conditions (such as sand, mud, rocks, etc.). The specifications and layout of the anchor chain and anchor head should be able to effectively prevent the platform from drifting under the action of wind, waves and currents.

[0062] Designing and implementing a modular mobile variable configuration floating platform construction and installation process is a detailed and complex process involving multiple key steps. The following is the general operation method of the system:

[0063] First, before the platform is put into use, each floating unit is manufactured and pre-assembled according to standardized design requirements, ensuring that all modules are equipped with ball joint connectors, mechanical arms and buoyancy adjustment systems. The buoyancy parameters of each floating unit are debugged to meet the stability requirements during towing and operation.

[0064] Next, the floating units are connected to each other through ball joint connectors in a chain arrangement, and the towing cable is connected to the tugboat. The towing cable end is evenly distributed with a triangular eye plate to avoid instability caused by single-point force during towing. After the connection is completed, the status of all ball joint connectors and fairleads is checked to confirm that they can adapt to the influence of waves and currents during offshore towing.

[0065] The tugboat tows the platform forward along the designated route, while using the fairlead to maintain the stability of the towing cable. During the towing process, the chain arrangement effectively reduces water resistance and improves towing efficiency. Depending on the sea conditions and towing distance, auxiliary ships are used to cooperate when necessary to ensure that the relative positions of the modules remain stable during the towing process.

[0066] After the platform reaches the target sea area, it is moored and temporarily fixed by the mooring system. The robotic arm is started to release or connect the modules that need to be adjusted to the predetermined position, preparing for the array transformation of the platform structure. At this stage, the movement of the robotic arm needs to be precisely controlled to ensure the relative position and structural stability of the floating unit during the transformation process.

[0067] The tugboats and auxiliary vessels work together to reorganize the floating units into an array arrangement and ensure that the connectors are reinforced in place to form a stable multi-row arrangement. The array structure enhances the platform's ability to resist wind and waves, making it adaptable to the specific needs of the operating area. During this process, all connectors are ensured to be secure to prevent the structure from loosening during operation.

[0068] After the transformation is completed, the platform's mooring system is activated, and the anchor chain and anchor head are placed on the seabed to ensure that the platform remains stable under the action of wind and waves. Single-point or multi-point anchoring is selected according to the seabed environmental conditions to obtain the best fixing effect. By adjusting the tension of the anchor chain, the stability of the platform in the current and waves is further improved.

[0069] Through scientific planning and systematic operation, the above process ensures the safety and efficiency of the construction and installation of the modular movable variable-configuration floating platform, providing stable support for various offshore operation scenarios.

Claims

1. A modular movable variable configuration floating platform, characterized in that: The modular movable variable-configuration floating platform comprises a floating unit (1), a ball-joint connector (2), a mechanical arm (3), a connecting rod (4), a tugboat (5), an anchor chain (10), and an anchor head (11); the floating unit (1) is connected in a chain arrangement through the ball-joint connector (2), and is connected and moved through the tugboat (5); under the target sea area, the anchor chain (10) and the anchor head (11) fix the immobile floating unit (1), and the floating unit (1) to be moved is rotated and moved through the cooperation of the ball-joint connector (2), the mechanical arm (3) and the connecting rod (4), thereby performing a variable-configuration operation on the floating platform to form an array arrangement.

2. The modular movable variable configuration floating platform according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The ball joint connector (2) comprises a convex ball joint (16), a concave ball joint (17) and a hydraulic telescopic rod (18); the opening diameter of the concave ball joint (17) is larger than the diameter of the convex ball joint (16), and the inner wall is covered with a flexible cushion layer for buffering collision during connection; the hydraulic telescopic rod (18) is evenly arranged on the inner wall of the concave ball joint (17), and the convex ball joint (16) is locked or separated by hydraulically driving the hydraulic telescopic rod (18); the extension length and applied pressure of the hydraulic telescopic rod (18) are adjusted, and the rotation damping is flexibly adjusted or completely locked by compressing the flexible cushion layer; the ball joint connector (2) is used to quickly switch between a chain arrangement and an array arrangement, so as to ensure the stability and flexibility of the connection of the floating unit (1).

3. The modular movable variable configuration floating platform according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The mechanical arm (3) is installed between adjacent floating units (1) to be transformed; the mechanical arm (3) comprises a multi-degree-of-freedom joint (14) and a clamp (15); the clamp (15) is equipped with an electromagnetic adsorption device for adsorbing or releasing the connecting rod (4), and achieving efficient grasping and precise connection by adjusting the electromagnetic force.

4. The modular movable variable configuration floating platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The floating unit (1) is a standardized module, the material of which is seawater and sea sand concrete, and FRP bars (12) are embedded inside to improve strength and corrosion resistance; the FRP bars (12) are integrated with optical fiber sensors (13) for real-time monitoring of the stress state, structural health and environmental parameters of the floating unit (1).

5. The modular movable variable configuration floating platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tugboat (5) tows the floating unit (1) via a tow cable (6), and decomposes the main tow cable into two branch tow cables via a triangular eye plate (7); the branch tow cables are evenly distributed to both sides of the floating unit (1) via a fairlead (8).

6. The modular movable variable configuration floating platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The auxiliary ship (9) is used to assist the tugboat (5) in completing the towing work of the floating platform, and to provide support for the adjustment and position fixation of the floating unit (1) during the configuration change operation; during the configuration change operation, the tugboat (5) and the auxiliary ship (9) respectively tow the first floating unit (1) and the tail floating unit (1) of the modular movable configuration changeable floating platform; the mechanical arm (3) releases or grabs the connecting rod (4) through the clamp (15), and cooperates with the ball joint connector (2) to complete the connection and locking between the floating units (1).

7. The modular movable variable configuration floating platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anchor chain (10) and the anchor head (11) are used for the anchoring operation of the platform in the target sea area; the length of the anchor chain (10) is adjustable, and the anchor head (11) is designed to adapt to sand, mud or rocky seabeds and provide reliable grip and stability.

8. The modular movable variable configuration floating platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the platform operation is completed, the tugboat (5) tows the first floating unit (1) through the tow cable (6), and the auxiliary ship (9) tows the rear floating unit (1), so that the platform is transformed from an array arrangement to a chain arrangement; finally, the tugboat (5) tows the platform back to the dock or to the next operating sea area, thereby realizing flexible operation mode conversion.

9. An operating method of the modular movable variable configuration floating platform according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The method comprises the following steps: a modular movable variable configuration floating platform is towed by a tugboat (5) and arranged in a chain by a ball joint connector (2), and the platform is towed to a target operating sea area; then, anchoring is performed on one side of the chain arrangement, and initial mooring is achieved by an anchor chain (10) and an anchor head (11), and an auxiliary ship (9) is connected to the platform's rear floating unit (1) to prepare for a variable configuration operation; then, the ball joint connector (2) between adjacent modules to be variable is unlocked, and a mechanical arm (3) on one side releases a connecting rod (4), and under the towing of the tugboat (5) and the auxiliary ship (9), the platform is moved to the target operating sea area. The fore and aft modules are guided downward, and rotate around the mechanical arm (3) on the other side, and are gradually adjusted from a chain arrangement to an array arrangement. After the rotation is completed, the mechanical arm (3) grabs the connecting rod (4) and locks the ball joint connectors (2) on both sides to form a stable array platform structure. After that, the anchor is dropped again, and the tugboat (5) and the auxiliary ship (9) are unmoored. The platform is firmly anchored and begins operation. After the operation is completed, the modules are readjusted to a chain arrangement by unmooring and releasing the connecting rod (4) by the mechanical arm (3), and are towed by the tugboat (5) back to the dock or the next operation area.

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