A self-weight stabilized floating offshore work platform

Abstract

A self-weight-stabilized floating offshore work platform, relating to the field of marine engineering equipment, comprises a pontoon, spherical hinges, a first frame, a second frame, and a suspension support. Support legs are fixed at the four corners of the bottom surface of the first frame, and the lower ends of the support legs are connected to the pontoon via spherical hinges. The first and second frames have a biaxially symmetrical structure, connected by an outer pin on a first axis of symmetry, forming a rotatable double-ring assembly. The second frame is connected to the suspension support by an inner pin on a second axis of symmetry. The lower layer of the suspension support is a counterweight, and the upper layer is the work platform, with the work platform and counterweight supported by hinged rods. This invention has advantages such as simple structure, low cost, and good stability control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine engineering equipment, specifically to a self-weight stabilized floating offshore operating platform. Background Technology

[0002] Floating offshore platforms play a vital role in marine development, resource exploration, and offshore wind power installation and maintenance. As marine development expands into deeper and more open seas, higher demands are placed on the structural design and stability control of these platforms. In terms of structural design, existing technologies typically employ buoyancy structures to support the platform, such as pontoons and floating boxes. These structures, through reasonable arrangement and dimensional design, provide sufficient buoyancy for the platform to maintain its floating state. Regarding stability control, existing floating offshore platforms mainly employ two methods: active and passive. Passive stability control relies on the platform's own structural design and mass distribution to achieve stability, for example, by lowering the center of gravity and increasing structural stiffness. Active stability control, on the other hand, uses sensors to monitor the platform's attitude information in real time, such as roll, pitch, and yaw, and then uses a control system to drive motors or other actuators to adjust the platform's attitude to achieve stability control.

[0003] Existing offshore floating operation platforms still have some shortcomings in structural design and stability control. Some platforms increase their waterline area and stiffness by incorporating multiple columns and connecting trusses, thereby reducing the amplitude of sway motion. However, the stability control effect of this method is limited. Active control systems are relatively expensive and require continuous motor control and energy support. Therefore, developing an offshore floating operation platform with a simple structure, low cost, and good stability control is of significant practical importance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a self-weight stabilized floating offshore operation platform with simple structure, low cost, and good stability control, in response to the background needs and technical difficulties mentioned above.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is as follows: a self-weight stabilized floating offshore work platform, including a pontoon, a spherical hinge, a first frame, a second frame, and a suspension bracket; support legs are fixed at the four corners of the bottom surface of the first frame, and the lower ends of the support legs are connected to the pontoon by spherical hinges; the first frame and the second frame have a double-axis symmetrical structure, and the first frame and the second frame are connected by an outer pin shaft located on the first axis of symmetry to form a rotatable double-ring assembly; the second frame and the suspension bracket are connected by an inner pin shaft located on the second axis of symmetry; the lower layer of the suspension bracket is a counterweight block, and the upper layer is a work platform, and the work platform and the counterweight block are supported by hinged rods.

[0006] Furthermore, the first frame and the second frame have through holes on the first axis of symmetry, and the diameters of the through holes on the first frame and the second frame are the same; the first frame and the second frame are connected by a pair of outer pins, the outer diameter of the outer pin is 1-2 mm smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole; the two ends of the outer pin are threaded and equipped with nuts, the middle section of the outer pin has a smooth surface, and the length of the smooth section is 5-10 mm longer than the net distance between the outer end face of the first frame and the inner end face of the second frame.

[0007] Furthermore, the second axis of symmetry is the axis of symmetry of the second frame that is perpendicular to the first axis of symmetry.

[0008] Furthermore, a through hole is opened on the second frame along the second axis of symmetry; the suspension bracket has a single-axis symmetry structure, the fulcrum of the suspension bracket is located on its symmetry plane, and the diameter of the through hole at the fulcrum is the same as the diameter of the through hole in the second frame; the second frame and the suspension bracket are connected by a pair of inner pins, the outer diameter of the inner pin is 1-2mm smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole; the two ends of the inner pin are threaded and equipped with nuts, and the surface of the middle section of the inner pin is smooth.

[0009] Furthermore, the spherical hinge is a structure in which an outer spherical shell fits an inner spherical core. The inner spherical core is located at the center of the top surface of the pontoon and is fixed by welding or internal anchoring. The outer spherical shell is a bottom-opening spherical shell structure, and the diameter of the inner spherical cavity of the outer spherical shell is 1-2 mm larger than the outer diameter of the inner spherical core.

[0010] Furthermore, the suspension bracket has a double-layer structure. The lower layer is a counterweight block, U-shaped, with a mass of m and a width of d; the upper layer is a working platform with a width of D, and the maximum load that the working platform needs to bear is F. The vertical distance between the center of the inner pin shaft of the suspension bracket and the upper working platform is L1, and the vertical distance between the inner pin shaft and the lower counterweight block is L2. Then, the following relationship should be satisfied between the mass m of the counterweight block and the maximum load so that the rotation range of the working platform is within 10°: ,in g This is the acceleration due to gravity.

[0011] Furthermore, there are four hinged rods, which are respectively arranged at the four corners of the suspension bracket. The upper end of each hinged rod is hinged to the working platform, and the lower end is hinged to the counterweight.

[0012] Furthermore, the through holes on the first frame, the second frame, and the suspension bracket should be reinforced, and the net cross-sectional bearing capacity should be verified to meet the bending and shear resistance requirements; the outer pin between the first frame and the second frame, and the inner pin between the second frame and the suspension bracket should be verified to meet the strength requirements.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0014] The spherical hinge design between the support leg and the pontoon of the first frame of this invention enables multi-directional rotation and eliminates the bending moment effect on the support leg caused by the random swaying of the pontoon; the orthogonal rotatable pin connection between the first frame, the second frame and the suspension bracket can eliminate the swaying effect of the pontoon moving up and down, and the fulcrum of the suspension bracket remains horizontal, so that the working platform always remains horizontal and stable under the weight of the counterweight.

[0015] In summary, this invention eliminates the swaying effect of ocean waves through a double-ring structure with spherical hinges at the support legs and alternating pins connected in two symmetrical directions. The work platform is supported by a self-weight suspension bracket, and the multi-component design achieves self-stability of the work platform without the need for additional active control measures. It has the advantages of simple structure, low cost, and good stability control effect. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a self-weight stabilized floating offshore work platform according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the construction and connection method of the first and second frames;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the spherical hinge connection between the first frame and the pontoon;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the suspension bracket structure;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the deformation state of a self-weight-stabilized floating offshore work platform under the severe swaying and displacement of the pontoon at sea.

[0021] Explanation of the reference numerals in the figure:

[0022] 1. Float, 2. Spherical hinge, 3. First frame, 4. Second frame, 5. Suspension bracket, 6. Counterweight, 7. Working platform, 8. Support leg, 9. Through hole, 10. First axis of symmetry, 11. Outer pin, 12. Second axis of symmetry, 13. Hinge rod, 14. Inner pin, 21. Outer spherical shell, 22. Inner spherical core. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments, and not all of the embodiments. Based on these embodiments, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] Reference Figures 1 to 5A self-weight stabilized floating offshore work platform includes a pontoon 1, a spherical hinge 2, a first frame 3, a second frame 4, and a suspension bracket 5. Support legs 8 are fixed at the four corners of the bottom surface of the first frame 3, and the lower ends of the support legs 8 are connected to the pontoon 1 via spherical hinges 2. The first frame 3 and the second frame 4 have a biaxially symmetrical structure, and are connected by an outer pin 11 located on a first axis of symmetry 10, forming a rotatable double-ring assembly. The second frame 4 is connected to the suspension bracket 5 by an inner pin 14 located on a second axis of symmetry 12. The lower layer of the suspension bracket 5 is a counterweight 6, and the upper layer is a work platform 7, with the work platform 7 and the counterweight 6 supported by hinged rods 13.

[0025] Specifically, the first frame 3 and the second frame 4 have through holes 9 on the first axis of symmetry 10, and the diameters of the through holes 9 on the first frame 3 and the second frame 4 are the same. The first frame 3 and the second frame 4 are connected by an outer pin 11, the outer diameter of which is 1-2 mm smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 9. The outer pin 11 has threads at both ends and is equipped with nuts. The middle section of the outer pin 11 has a smooth surface, and the length of the smooth section is 5-10 mm longer than the net distance between the outer end face of the first frame 3 and the inner end face of the second frame 4.

[0026] Specifically, the second axis of symmetry 12 is the axis of symmetry of the second frame 4 perpendicular to the first axis of symmetry 10. A through hole 9 is formed on the second frame 4 along the second axis of symmetry 12. The suspension bracket 5 has a single-axis symmetry structure, with its fulcrum located on its symmetry plane. The diameter of the through hole 9 at the fulcrum is the same as the diameter of the through hole 9 in the second frame 4. The second frame 4 and the suspension bracket 5 are connected by a pair of inner pins 14, the outer diameter of which is 1-2 mm smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 9. Both ends of the inner pin 14 are threaded and fitted with nuts, and the middle section of the inner pin 14 has a smooth surface.

[0027] Specifically, the spherical hinge 2 is constructed by an outer spherical shell 21 and an inner spherical core 22. The inner spherical core 22 is located at the center of the top surface of the float 1 and is fixed by welding or internal anchoring. The outer spherical shell 21 is a bottom-opening spherical shell structure, and the diameter of the inner spherical cavity of the outer spherical shell 21 is 1-2 mm larger than the outer diameter of the inner spherical core 22.

[0028] Specifically, the suspension bracket 5 has a double-layer structure. The lower layer is a counterweight 6, which is U-shaped and has a mass of m. The width of the lower counterweight 6 is d. The upper layer is a working platform 7 with a width of D. The maximum load that the working platform 7 needs to bear is F. The vertical distance from the center of the inner pin 14 of the suspension bracket 5 to the upper working platform 7 is L1, and the vertical distance from the inner pin 14 to the lower counterweight 6 is L2. The mass m of the counterweight 6 and the maximum load should satisfy the following relationship so that the rotation range of the working platform 7 is within 10°: ,in g This is the acceleration due to gravity.

[0029] Specifically, there are four hinged rods 13, which are respectively arranged at the four corners of the suspension bracket 5. The upper end of each hinged rod 13 is hinged to the working platform 7, and the lower end is hinged to the counterweight 6.

[0030] Specifically, the through holes 9 on the first frame 3, the second frame 4, and the suspension bracket 5 should be reinforced and their net cross-sectional bearing capacity should be verified to meet the bending and shear resistance requirements; the outer pin 11 between the first frame 3 and the second frame 4, and the inner pin 14 between the second frame 4 and the suspension bracket 5 should be verified to meet the strength requirements.

[0031] like Figure 5 As shown, the present invention eliminates the swaying effect of ocean waves by connecting the spherical hinge 2 at the support leg 8, the outer pin 11 located on the first axis of symmetry 10 and the inner pin 14 on the second axis of symmetry 12 perpendicular to it. The working platform 7 is supported by the self-weight suspension bracket 5. The multi-component design realizes the self-stability of the working platform 7 without the need for additional active control measures.

[0032] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other modifications under the guidance of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these modifications are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-weight-stabilized floating offshore work platform, characterized in that: The system includes a pontoon, spherical hinges, a first frame, a second frame, and a suspension bracket. Support legs are fixed at the four corners of the bottom surface of the first frame, and the lower ends of the support legs are connected to the pontoon via spherical hinges. The first and second frames have a biaxially symmetrical structure, connected by an outer pin on the first axis of symmetry, forming a rotatable double-ring assembly. The second frame is connected to the suspension bracket by an inner pin on the second axis of symmetry. The lower layer of the suspension bracket is a counterweight, and the upper layer is a working platform, supported by hinged rods. Through holes of the same diameter are opened on the first axis of symmetry in both the first and second frames. The first and second frames are connected by an outer pin. The outer diameter of the outer pin is 1-2 mm smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole; both ends of the outer pin are threaded and fitted with nuts; the middle section of the outer pin is smooth, and the length of the smooth section is 5-10 mm longer than the net distance between the outer end face of the first frame and the inner end face of the second frame; the second axis of symmetry is the axis of symmetry of the second frame perpendicular to the first axis of symmetry; a through hole is opened on the second frame along the second axis of symmetry; the suspension bracket has a single-axis symmetric structure, the fulcrum of the suspension bracket is located on its symmetry plane, and the diameter of the through hole at the fulcrum is the same as the diameter of the through hole of the second frame; the second frame and the suspension bracket are connected by a pair of inner pins, the outer diameter of the inner pin is 1-2 mm smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole; both ends of the inner pin are threaded and fitted with nuts, and the middle section of the inner pin is smooth.

2. The self-weight stabilized floating offshore work platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spherical hinge is a structure consisting of an outer spherical shell and an inner spherical core. The inner spherical core is located at the center of the top surface of the pontoon and is fixed by welding or internal anchoring. The outer spherical shell is a bottom-opening spherical shell structure, and the diameter of the inner spherical cavity of the outer spherical shell is 1-2 mm larger than the outer diameter of the inner spherical core.

3. The self-weight stabilized floating offshore work platform according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The suspension bracket has a double-layer structure. The lower layer is a U-shaped counterweight with a mass of m and a width of d. The upper layer is a working platform with a width of D, and the maximum load that the working platform needs to bear is F. The vertical distance from the center of the inner pin of the suspension bracket to the upper working platform is L1, and the vertical distance from the inner pin to the lower counterweight is L2. The following relationship should be satisfied between the mass m of the counterweight and the maximum load so that the rotation range of the working platform is within 10°: ,in g This is the acceleration due to gravity.

4. The self-weight stabilized floating offshore work platform according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The hinged rod consists of four rods, which are respectively arranged at the four corners of the suspension bracket. The upper end of each hinged rod is hinged to the working platform, and the lower end is hinged to the counterweight.

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