Stand column and cross arm anti-fatigue connecting structure for semi-submersible platform

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of ship and ocean engineering, in particular to a stand column and cross brace anti-fatigue connecting structure for a semi-submersible platform. The stand column and cross arm anti-fatigue connecting structure for the semi-submersible platform comprises a stand column, a cross arm, a toggle plate and an isolation assembly. The cross braces are connected with the stand columns. One side of the toggle plate is connected with the stand column, and the other side of the toggle plate is connected with the cross brace. One end of the isolation assembly is detachably connected with the cross arm, the other end of the isolation assembly is detachably connected with the stand column, a closed space is defined by the isolation assembly, the cross arm and the stand column, the toggle plate is arranged in the closed space, and the closed space is filled with inert gas. By arranging the isolation assembly, the toggle plate can be located in a closed space, the external seawater or humid environment is isolated, the phenomenon that the connecting position of the cross brace and the stand column is corroded is avoided, the reliability of the connecting position of the cross brace and the stand column is improved, the fatigue life is prolonged, and the isolation assembly covers the connecting position of the cross brace and the stand column so that the attractiveness of the connecting position can be improved; and the satisfaction degree of the user is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of ship and ocean engineering, and particularly relates to an anti-fatigue connection structure for columns and cross braces of a semi-submersible platform. Background Art

[0002] As a common form of ocean structure, the semi-submersible platform has the advantage of good wave resistance, and it is a platform form widely used in current offshore drilling, mining and scientific research. Most semi-submersible platforms are comprehensive processing platforms, with a working deck on the upper part and a floating body structure on the lower part. The working deck and the floating body structure are connected by columns. Generally, a cross brace structure is provided between the columns or the lower floating body to resist the influence of wave loads and improve the safety of the semi-submersible platform under extreme sea conditions.

[0003] Since semi-submersible platforms often need to operate in harsh sea conditions for a long time, and for some special platforms, high-speed navigation in harsh sea conditions even needs to be considered, the connection strength of its key nodes is often severely tested. Among them, the connection position between the cross brace and the column is often one of the most severely affected fatigue nodes by external forces.

[0004] In the prior art, usually multiple gusset plates are installed at the connection position between the cross brace and the column, or the fatigue life of the semi-submersible platform is extended by increasing the size of the cross brace or thickening the steel plate. However, these methods not only increase the manufacturing cost and weight of the semi-submersible platform, but also affect the aesthetics of the connection between the column and the cross brace and reduce the user satisfaction.

[0005] Therefore, it is urgent to design an anti-fatigue connection structure for columns and cross braces of a semi-submersible platform to solve the above technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an anti-fatigue connection structure for columns and cross braces of a semi-submersible platform, improve the reliability of the connection between the column and the cross brace, and extend the fatigue life; at the same time, enhance the aesthetics of the connection between the column and the cross brace and improve the user satisfaction.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] The present invention provides an anti-fatigue connection structure for columns and cross braces of a semi-submersible platform, including:

[0009] A column;

[0010] A cross brace, the cross brace is connected to the column;

[0011] A gusset plate, one side of the gusset plate is connected to the column, and the other side of the gusset plate is connected to the cross brace;

[0012] An isolation component, one end of the isolation component is detachably connected to the cross brace, the other end of the isolation component is detachably connected to the column, and the isolation component, the cross brace and the column jointly enclose an enclosed space. The gusset plate is arranged in the enclosed space, and the enclosed space is filled with inert gas.

[0013] As an alternative technical solution for the anti-fatigue connection structure between the column and the cross brace of a semi-submersible platform, the isolation component includes an isolation film body, one end of the isolation film body is detachably connected to the cross brace, and the other end is detachably connected to the column.

[0014] As an alternative technical solution for the anti-fatigue connection structure between the column and the cross brace of a semi-submersible platform, the isolation component further includes a flexible member. A support member is arranged on the cross brace, and the support member and the cross brace enclose a card slot.

[0015] The flexible member is connected to the isolation film body. The flexible member has a compressed state and an expanded state. When the flexible member is in the compressed state, the volume of the flexible member is smaller than the volume of the card slot; when the flexible member is in the expanded state, the volume of the flexible member is larger than the volume of the card slot, and the outer peripheral surface of the expanded flexible member abuts against the inner wall of the card slot.

[0016] As an alternative technical solution for the anti-fatigue connection structure between the column and the cross brace of a semi-submersible platform, the anti-fatigue connection structure between the column and the cross brace of the semi-submersible platform further includes a support frame body, and the support frame body is arranged on the back surface of the cross brace; the support member is L-shaped, and the bottom end of the support member passes through the back surface of the cross brace and is connected to the support frame body.

[0017] As an alternative technical solution for the anti-fatigue connection structure between the column and the cross brace of a semi-submersible platform, an anti-wear member is arranged at the front end of the support member. The anti-wear member is welded to the front end of the support member, and the anti-wear member is configured to reduce the friction between the isolation film body and the support member.

[0018] As an alternative technical solution for the anti-fatigue connection structure between the column and the cross brace of a semi-submersible platform, the isolation component further includes a moving armature and an electromagnet. The moving armature is connected to the end of the isolation film body away from the flexible member. The electromagnet is arranged inside the column, and the moving armature is magnetically attracted to the column through the electromagnet to form the enclosed space.

[0019] As an alternative technical solution for the anti-fatigue connection structure between the column and the cross brace of a semi-submersible platform, the isolation component further includes a suction cup. The suction cup is arranged on the side of the moving armature facing the electromagnet, and the suction cup can be deformed during the process of the electromagnet magnetically attracting the moving armature.

[0020] As an alternative technical solution for the anti-fatigue connection structure of the column and cross brace of a semi-submersible platform, a first air hole and a second air hole are further provided on the column. The first air hole is disposed opposite to the suction cup, and a first air valve is arranged in the first air hole. The first air valve is configured to inflate the suction cup; the second air hole communicates with the sealed space, and a second air valve is arranged in the second air hole. The second air valve is configured to inflate the sealed space.

[0021] As an alternative technical solution for the anti-fatigue connection structure of the column and cross brace of a semi-submersible platform, the isolation assembly further includes a clamping plate. The clamping plate is arranged on the side of the isolation film body facing the sealed space. The clamping plate is clamped on the opposite side surfaces of the bracket, and the clamping plate is configured to prevent the isolation film body from slipping along the circumferential direction of the cross brace.

[0022] As an alternative technical solution for the anti-fatigue connection structure of the column and cross brace of a semi-submersible platform, the isolation assembly further includes an anti-slip member. The anti-slip member is connected to the clamping plate, and the anti-slip member is clamped at the root of the bracket; the anti-slip member is configured to prevent the clamping plate from slipping along the height direction of the bracket.

[0023] The beneficial effects of the present invention at least include:

[0024] The present invention provides an anti-fatigue connection structure for the column and cross brace of a semi-submersible platform. The anti-fatigue connection structure for the column and cross brace of the semi-submersible platform includes a column, a cross brace, a bracket, and an isolation assembly. Among them, the cross brace is connected to the column. One side of the bracket is connected to the column, and the other side of the bracket is connected to the cross brace. One end of the isolation assembly is detachably connected to the cross brace, and the other end of the isolation assembly is detachably connected to the column. Moreover, the isolation assembly and the cross brace and the column jointly enclose a sealed space. The bracket is arranged in the sealed space, and an inert gas is filled in the sealed space.

[0025] Above, the setting of the cross brace can resist the lateral separation force between platforms and can also provide partial torsional stiffness. A bracket is arranged at the connection between the cross brace and the column, which can improve the stress concentration problem at this connection and enhance the structural strength. Through the setting of the isolation assembly in the present invention, the bracket can be located in the sealed space formed by the isolation assembly. In other words, the setting of the isolation assembly can change the environment where the bracket is located into an inert gas environment, thereby isolating the external seawater or humid environment, avoiding the corrosion of the bracket and the connection between the cross brace and the column, improving the reliability of the connection between the cross brace and the column, and extending its fatigue life. There is no need to increase the number and thickness of connection structures in the traditional technology to improve the strength. It avoids the problem of redundant structural design in the traditional technology in order to improve the life of the structure.

[0026] Meanwhile, by adopting the method of covering the isolation component at the connection of the cross brace and the column, the present invention can improve the aesthetics of the connection, thereby improving the user satisfaction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of the present invention and these drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic diagram of the anti-fatigue connection structure between the column and the cross brace of the semi-submersible platform provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 FIG. is a sectional view of the anti-fatigue connection structure between the column and the cross brace of the semi-submersible platform provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a sectional view along the A-A direction in FIG.;

[0031] Figure 4 is Figure 2 a sectional view along the B-B direction in FIG. (the isolation film body is not tensioned);

[0032] Figure 5 is Figure 2 a sectional view along the C-C direction in FIG. (the isolation film body is tensioned);

[0033] Figure 6 is Figure 2 a partial enlarged view at D in FIG.

[0034] REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0035] 10, column; 11, first air hole; 12, second air hole; 13, first air valve; 14, second air valve;

[0036] 20, cross brace; 21, support member; 211, anti-abrasion member; 22, card slot; 23, support frame body;

[0037] 30, gusset plate;

[0038] 40, lower floating body;

[0039] 50, working deck;

[0040] 60. Isolation component; 61. Enclosed space; 62. Isolation membrane body; 63. Flexible member; 64. Moving armature; 65. Electromagnet; 66. Suction cup; 67. Clamping plate; 68. Anti-slip member; 69. Excitation motor; 691. Conducting wire. Detailed implementation manners

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Apparently, the described embodiments are some but not all of the embodiments of the present invention. Usually, the components of the embodiments of the present invention described and illustrated herein can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0042] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed present invention, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0043] It should be noted that: similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings. Therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent drawings.

[0044] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the inventive product is usually placed during use. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used for descriptive distinction and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more.

[0045] In the description of the present invention, it should also be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "arranged" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0046] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the first feature being "on" or "under" the second feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or may include indirect contact between the first and second features through additional features therebetween. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over" and "on top of" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicating that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature being "under", "beneath" and "underneath" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicating that the horizontal height of the first feature is lower than that of the second feature.

[0047] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below by referring to the accompanying drawings are exemplary only for explaining the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0048] This embodiment provides an anti-fatigue connection structure for the columns and cross braces of a semi-submersible platform, which improves the reliability of the connection between the columns and cross braces and extends the fatigue life; at the same time, it enhances the aesthetics of the connection between the columns and cross braces and improves user satisfaction.

[0049] As Figures 1-6 shown, the anti-fatigue connection structure for the columns and cross braces of the semi-submersible platform mainly includes a column 10, a cross brace 20, a gusset plate 30 and an isolation assembly 60. Among them, the cross brace 20 is connected to the column 10. One side of the gusset plate 30 is connected to the column 10, and the other side of the gusset plate 30 is connected to the cross brace 20. One end of the isolation assembly 60 is detachably connected to the cross brace 20, and the other end of the isolation assembly 60 is detachably connected to the column 10, and the isolation assembly 60 and the cross brace 20 and the column 10 jointly enclose a sealed space 61, the gusset plate 30 is arranged in the sealed space 61, and an inert gas is filled in the sealed space 61.

[0050] Based on the above design, the cross brace 20 can resist the lateral separation force between platforms and also provide partial torsional stiffness. An elbow plate 30 is provided at the connection between the cross brace 20 and the column 10, which can improve the stress concentration problem at this connection and enhance the structural strength. Through the arrangement of the isolation component 60 in the present invention, the elbow plate 30 can be located in the enclosed space 61 formed by the isolation component 60. In other words, the arrangement of the isolation component 60 can change the environment where the elbow plate 30 is located into an inert gas environment, thereby isolating the external seawater and humid environment, avoiding the corrosion of the elbow plate 30, as well as the connections between the cross brace 20 and the column 10, improving the reliability of the connection between the cross brace 20 and the column 10, and prolonging its fatigue life. In addition, the enclosed space formed by the connection form of the isolation component 60 is a detachable one, providing space for the regular maintenance of the platform, thus avoiding an overly high fatigue safety factor (according to the specification requirements, for an enclosed space that cannot be inspected, regardless of whether it is a dry or humid environment, the fatigue safety factor is 3, while for an enclosed space that can be inspected, the structural fatigue safety factor in a dry environment is 1, and the required structural fatigue life differs by 3 times. That is, for a typical semi-submersible platform, the design life is 30 years, but in a humid environment, the design life needs to be 60 years, and in an enclosed space that cannot be inspected, the design life needs to be at least 90 years), and also avoiding the excessive design structural redundancy in the traditional technology in order to increase the structural design life. There is no need to increase the number and thickness of connection structures in the traditional technology to improve strength, saving costs. At the same time, in this embodiment, by adopting the method of covering the connection between the cross brace 20 and the column 10 with the isolation component 60, the aesthetics of this connection can be improved, thereby enhancing the user's satisfaction.

[0051] Optionally, the anti-fatigue connection structure for the columns and cross braces of the semi-submersible platform in this embodiment further includes a lower floating body 40 and a working deck 50. One end of the column 10 is connected to the lower floating body 40, and the other end of the column 10 is connected to the working deck 50. And there can be multiple columns 10. The lower floating body 40 is a box-shaped floating body distributed on the left and right sides of the working deck 50. Multiple columns 10 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right lower floating bodies 40 respectively. The cross brace 20 is arranged between any two columns 10, and the cross brace 20 is higher than the horizontal plane.

[0052] The cross brace 20 is usually a continuous structure with cylindrical ends inserted into the inside of the column 10. An elbow plate 30 is provided at the connection part between the cross brace 20 and the column 10. The elbow plate 30 is provided to avoid the weld damage at the connection part due to stress concentration at the connection part between the cross brace 20 and the column 10. Usually, four elbow plates 30 are provided along the circumferential direction of the cross brace 20. However, for a self-propelled semi-submersible platform in extreme sea conditions, the elbow plate 30 usually bears a great load. And due to the requirement of high-speed self-propulsion, the elbow plate 30 will bear different loads under different working conditions of navigation and operation, resulting in a great test of the fatigue life of the elbow plate 30. In the traditional technology, in order to reduce the fatigue damage at the connection end of the cross brace 20 and the column 10, the number of elbow plates 30 is usually increased. And according to the simulation calculation of finite element analysis, it is found that the load distribution along the cylinder of the cross brace 20 is uneven. Therefore, in order to provide the most effective end support, a plurality of elbow plates 30 are arranged at unequal intervals along a circle at the end of the cross brace 20, and the number can reach 10 or more. Since the overall number of elbow plates 30 is large and the size of a single elbow plate 30 is large, the overall appearance is quite unsightly. At the same time, for such a high-speed and large-size semi-submersible platform, due to the extremely large load, in order to meet the fatigue design requirements of the specification, the maximum thickness of a single elbow plate 30 can reach 150 mm, which requires very high construction technology, not only increasing the weight of the elbow plate 30, but also being unsightly and difficult to improve the satisfaction of users.

[0053] In this application, by providing the isolation component 60, the isolation component 60 and the column 10 and the cross brace 20 jointly enclose a sealed space 61, and the elbow plate 30 is located in the sealed space 61. Thus, the elbow plate 30 can be isolated from the high-corrosion environment outside, avoiding the corrosion phenomenon at the elbow plate 30 and the connection parts of the cross brace 20 and the column 10, improving the reliability of the connection part between the cross brace 20 and the column 10, extending its fatigue life, and since the isolation component 60 is detachable, it will not cause an increase in the structural design life when inspecting the inaccessible sealed space. At the same time, there is no need to increase the number and thickness of the connection structures in the traditional technology to improve the strength. In this application, by adopting the method of covering the isolation component 60 at the connection part between the cross brace 20 and the column 10, the aesthetics of the connection part can be improved, thereby improving the satisfaction of users.

[0054] In some alternative embodiments, the isolation component 60 has high toughness and high strength, ensuring that under the action of wave slamming loads, the strength of the isolation component 60 meets the requirements and no damage such as tearing will occur.

[0055] Such as Figures 2-4As shown, in this embodiment, the isolation component 60 includes an isolation film body 62. One end of the isolation film body 62 is detachably connected to the cross brace 20, and the other end is detachably connected to the column 10. This facilitates subsequent maintenance personnel to disassemble and maintain the isolation component 60, improving the work efficiency of maintenance.

[0056] Optionally, the isolation film body 62 in this embodiment is made of a high-strength polymer material, which has good strength and certain ductility. Exemplarily, the isolation film body 62 can be processed from materials such as polyurethane, composite fiber materials, and special rubber, ensuring that under the action of impact loads, its strength meets the requirements and no damage such as tearing occurs. At the same time, it has sufficient strength to protect the gusset plate 30 from directly bearing the impact load, reducing the stress of the gusset plate 30 and improving its fatigue life.

[0057] As Figures 3-4 shown, in this embodiment, the isolation component 60 further includes a flexible member 63. A support member 21 is provided on the cross brace 20, and the support member 21 and the cross brace 20 enclose a card slot 22. The flexible member 63 is connected to the isolation film body 62. The flexible member 63 has a compressed state and an expanded state. When the flexible member 63 is in the compressed state, the volume of the flexible member 63 is smaller than the volume of the card slot 22; when the flexible member 63 is in the expanded state, the volume of the flexible member 63 is larger than the volume of the card slot 22, and the outer peripheral surface of the expanded flexible member 63 abuts against the inner wall of the card slot 22, forming a locking buckle structure. In this way, the operator can place the flexible member 63 into the card slot 22 when the flexible member 63 is in the compressed state, and then inflate the flexible member 63 to make it expand and be in the expanded state. At this time, the flexible member 63 can fill the card slot 22 and abut against the inner wall of the card slot 22. While ensuring the airtightness of the isolation component 60, it can also provide sufficient extrusion pressure, thereby ensuring that the flexible member 63 and the card slot 22 can be tightly clamped. Under the dual action of the buckling effect provided by the card slot 22 and the pressure provided by the expansion of the flexible member 63, the airtightness of the isolation component 60 is ensured and no loosening occurs.

[0058] Optionally, the flexible member 63 in this embodiment can be made of inflated high-elasticity rubber, which can be compressed when not inflated and has certain strength and toughness when inflated.

[0059] Optionally, the support member 21 in this embodiment is L-shaped and made of steel material, and it needs to have sufficient strength to bear all the load effects transmitted by the isolation film body 62. The anti-fatigue connection structure of the column and cross brace for the semi-submersible platform further includes a support frame 23, and the support frame 23 is arranged on the back of the cross brace 20; and the bottom end of the support member 21 passes through the back of the cross brace 20 and is connected to the support frame 23. The setting of the support frame 23 can ensure the overall stiffness matching, ensure the local deformation coordination of the cross brace 20 when subjected to slamming loads, and avoid damage caused by stress concentration. Exemplarily, the support frame 23 can be set as a T-shaped steel or angle steel with sufficient strength.

[0060] Please continue to refer to Figures 3-4 , an anti-wear member 211 is provided at the front end of the support member 21. The anti-wear member 211 is welded to the front end of the support member 21, and the anti-wear member 211 is configured to reduce the friction force between the isolation film body 62 and the support member 21. By providing the anti-wear member 211, the risk of the isolation film body 62 being broken due to frequent friction between the isolation film body 62 and the support member 21 can be avoided, the service life of the isolation film body 62 can be extended, and the cost can be saved.

[0061] Exemplarily, the anti-wear member 211 can be set as a round steel or other structures with a smooth surface. The radius of the anti-wear member 211 is not less than 50 mm.

[0062] In addition, the support member 21 in this embodiment needs to have a structure that provides support along the length direction of the cylinder of the cross brace 20, so as to prevent bending loads from easily deforming and breaking it. Therefore, the gusset plate 30 adopts a new design. Specifically, usually the end of the gusset plate 30 is a soft toe or a transition section with a height of less than 50 mm to reduce stress concentration to the greatest extent. However, in this embodiment, the connection of the gusset plate 30 to the upper end of the cylinder of the cross brace 20 is enlarged, and its height can be slightly less than or equal to the height of the support member 21, so as to provide lateral support for the support member 21 through a large number of gusset plates 30. In addition, since the end of the gusset plate 30 is supported by the support member 21, the stress concentration at the end of the gusset plate 30 is avoided, so that the gusset plate 30 can be made larger without worrying about the influence of the arm length of the overlong gusset plate 30 on the structural layout, and the phenomenon of stress concentration near the gusset plate 30 is further reduced, and the service life is extended.

[0063] Please continue to refer to Figures 3-4, in this embodiment, the isolation component 60 further includes a moving armature 64 and an electromagnet 65. The moving armature 64 is connected to one end of the isolation film body 62 away from the flexible member 63. The electromagnet 65 is arranged inside the column 10. The moving armature 64 is magnetically connected to the column 10 through the electromagnet 65 to form a sealed space 61. The arrangement of the moving armature 64 and the electromagnet 65 enables the isolation component 60 to be easily disassembled from the column 10, facilitating later maintenance and repair.

[0064] Furthermore, this embodiment further includes an excitation motor 69 and a wire 691. One end of the wire 691 is connected to the excitation motor 69, and the other end of the wire 691 is connected to the electromagnet 65, thereby achieving the purpose of energizing the electromagnet 65 so that the electromagnet 65 can have magnetism and can be magnetically connected to the moving armature 64.

[0065] In order not to affect the internal cabin layout of the column 10, the excitation motor 69 and the wire 691 in this embodiment can be placed on any edge inside the column 10 cabin or on the web of the horizontal girder and fixed by threading through the base of the excitation motor 69 or by bonding, minimizing the impact on space. In addition, similar to other electrical control devices, the excitation motor 69 needs to be connected to the power supply and the platform central control system to achieve the purpose of remote control.

[0066] Optionally, in this embodiment, the electromagnet 65 can be fixed to the inside of the column 10 by means of a buckle or pasting.

[0067] Please continue to refer to Figures 3-4 , the isolation component 60 further includes a suction cup 66. The suction cup 66 is arranged on the side of the moving armature 64 facing the electromagnet 65. The suction cup 66 can be deformed during the process of the electromagnet 65 magnetically attracting the moving armature 64. In this way, the magnetic attraction generated by the electromagnet 65 on the moving armature 64 can be used to squeeze the suction cup 66, causing the suction cup 66 to evacuate the internal air, and further enabling this position to be completely closed, forming a watertight partition, improving the sealing performance. And because the suction cup 66 itself can provide strong suction, when the environment is not harsh, the excitation motor 69 can be turned off to reduce energy consumption.

[0068] Please continue to refer to Figure 4 , the column 10 is also provided with a first air hole 11 and a second air hole 12. The first air hole 11 is arranged opposite to the suction cup 66. A first air valve 13 is arranged in the first air hole 11, and the first air valve 13 is configured to inflate the suction cup 66; the second air hole 12 is communicated with the sealed space 61, and a second air valve 14 is arranged in the second air hole 12, and the second air valve 14 is configured to inflate the sealed space 61.

[0069] Preferably, the first air hole 11 is arranged within the range covered by the moving armature 64 and needs to be arranged as high as possible to avoid areas with high stress. At the same time, a first air valve 13 is arranged in the first air hole 11, and the first air hole 11 needs to be protected against water tightness by an isolation cover or an isolation cabin.

[0070] Preferably, the second air hole 12 is arranged between two gussets 30, so as to minimize the influence of the second air hole 12 on the stress field in the area near the gussets 30. In addition, to ensure the strength at the opening, the size R of the second air hole 12 should not be greater than 25 mm, and the plate thickness within one rib pitch range near the opening position needs to be thickened by 50%. Finally, an inflation device (i.e., the second air valve 14) and an isolation cover are provided at the opening to ensure the tightness of the second air hole 12 and prevent internal water ingress.

[0071] Since the dimensions of the cylinder body at the end of the cross brace 20 plus the gussets 30 may usually be relatively large, and this dimension is usually not less than four meters. Under such a large span, the isolation membrane body 62 needs to have a certain amount of support, otherwise it is very easy to deform and thus unable to effectively share the slamming load. Therefore, as Figure 2 、 Figures 5-6 shown, in this embodiment, a plurality of clamping plates 67 are added to the isolation membrane body 62, and each clamping plate 67 corresponds to the position of each gusset 30.

[0072] Specifically, the clamping plates 67 are arranged on the side of the isolation membrane body 62 facing the enclosed space 61. The clamping plates 67 are clamped on the opposite side surfaces of the gussets 30, and the clamping plates 67 are configured to prevent the isolation membrane body 62 from slipping along the circumferential direction of the cross brace 20. The clamping plates 67 have a certain rigidity and toughness, and the clamping plates 67 can be clamped on both sides of the corresponding gussets 30, thereby preventing the isolation membrane body 62 from slipping along the circumferential direction of the cross brace 20.

[0073] Further, please continue to refer to Figure 2 、 Figures 5-6 , the isolation assembly 60 in this embodiment further includes an anti-slip member 68. The anti-slip member 68 is connected to the clamping plate 67 and is clamped at the root of the gusset 30; the anti-slip member 68 is configured to prevent the clamping plate 67 from slipping along the height direction of the gusset 30. Thus, when subjected to the slamming load, sufficient support can be provided to prevent the isolation membrane body 62 from deforming or slipping significantly. Preferably, the position of the anti-slip member 68 is set at the root of the gusset 30, that is, the anti-slip member 68 is far from the free edge of the gusset 30, and the distance between the anti-slip member 68 and the free edge of the gusset 30 is not less than 3 / 4 of the length of the gusset 30 at this position, so as to ensure that the load can act on the root of the gusset 30, and the overall stress level at this position is relatively low, and the fatigue problem is significantly reduced compared with the free edge of the gusset 30, which is more conducive to extending the fatigue life of the anti-fatigue connection structure between the column and the cross brace for the semi-submersible platform.

[0074] Through the combined action of the splint 67 and the anti-slip member 68, the entire isolation film body 62 can be supported, and at the same time, the purpose of transferring the load impacting on the surface of the isolation film body 62 to the gusset plate 30 can be achieved. At the same time, the transferred load acts on the root of the gusset plate 30, ensuring that the load is far away from the free edge where the fatigue problem is more serious, minimizing the impact of the slamming load, and effectively improving the fatigue life of the gusset plate 30.

[0075] Compared with the prior art, since the isolation component 60 is used in this application to cover and shield the gusset plate 30, the aesthetic problem caused by exposing multiple gusset plates 30 in the traditional technology is avoided. At the same time, a series of operations such as painting or graffiti can be performed on the outer surface of the isolation film body 62 in this application, so that its appearance better meets the design requirements and greatly improves the user satisfaction.

[0076] At the same time, the surface of the isolation film body 62 is smooth after inflation, which can reduce the additional resistance during the navigation of the semi-submersible platform and save costs.

[0077] The installation and use steps of the column and cross brace anti-fatigue connection structure for the semi-submersible platform in this embodiment are as follows:

[0078] During the actual installation operation, the operator first compresses the flexible member 63 and places it in the card slot 22 formed by the support member 21 and the cross brace 20. Then, the flexible member 63 is inflated to ensure that the inflated flexible member 63 can be in close contact with the support member 21 to avoid air leakage or water leakage. Then, the moving armature 64 is driven to unfold the isolation film body 62 and place it at the intended connection position, ensuring that the splint 67 and the anti-slip member 68 on the isolation film body 62 can effectively align with each target gusset plate 30. Then, the excitation motor 69 is remotely controlled to start, so that the electromagnet 65 generates a strong magnetic field and magnetically attracts the moving armature 64, making the moving armature 64 closely adhere to the outer wall of the column 10. At the same time, the generated suction force squeezes the suction cup 66, and the suction cup 66 deforms and discharges the internal air, making this position tightly closed to form a watertight partition, that is, the preliminary installation is completed.

[0079] Thereafter, the closed space 61 surrounded by the isolation film body 62 is inflated through the second air hole 12. The gas can be any safe inert gas that can reduce corrosion. For example, nitrogen can be used for filling. After filling, the isolation film body 62 bulges to form a structure similar to a tire, so as to ensure that it has sufficient hardness to withstand the slamming load of the waves.

[0080] In addition, the pressure of the filled gas should be adapted to the environmental load. Since in the actual operating conditions, this position is usually below the water surface and the slamming load is very small, the gas pressure can be approximately equal to the liquid pressure of the external water depth at this time. During navigation, this position is usually above the water surface and is subject to frequent slamming. At this time, the pressure of the internally filled gas should be increased to ensure that there is enough gas inside the entire isolation membrane body 62 to support the entire isolation membrane body 62. Of course, the pressure of the filled gas should not be too high to avoid the phenomenon that the isolation membrane body 62 is too hard to absorb the impact force when being slammed and breaks.

[0081] After the installation is completed, according to the actual operating conditions, it can be selected whether to turn off the excitation motor 69. If the environmental load is small, the sealing can be completed only by the suction force of the suction cup 66; in harsh environments, the excitation motor 69 can be considered to be turned on to ensure that the entire connection structure is not damaged by providing additional magnetic suction force.

[0082] Finally, when maintenance or cleaning is required, the operator can turn off the excitation motor 69, open the isolation cover on the first air hole 11, and inflate the connection area of the suction cup 66, so that the suction cup 66 loses its suction force, and then the airtightness of the connection structure between the entire column 10 and the cross brace 20 is lost and it can be naturally loosened. At this time, the operator can carry out maintenance work.

[0083] Obviously, the above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and the applied technical principles. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments here, and various obvious changes, re-adjustments and substitutions can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Without departing from the concept of the present invention, more other equivalent embodiments can be included, and the scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

[0084] Note that in the description of this specification, the descriptions referring to the terms "some embodiments", "other embodiments", etc. mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

Claims

1. An anti-fatigue connection structure between columns and cross braces for a semi-submersible platform, characterized in that: include: Column (10); A cross brace (20), wherein the cross brace (20) is connected to the column (10); a toggle plate (30), one side of the toggle plate (30) being connected to the column (10), and the other side of the toggle plate (30) being connected to the cross brace (20); An isolation assembly (60), one end of the isolation assembly (60) is detachably connected to the cross brace (20), and the other end of the isolation assembly (60) is detachably connected to the column (10), and the isolation assembly (60), the cross brace (20) and the column (10) are together arranged to form a closed space (61), the toggle plate (30) is arranged in the closed space (61), and the closed space (61) is filled with an inert gas.

2. The anti-fatigue connection structure of columns and cross braces for a semi-submersible platform according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The isolation assembly (60) comprises an isolation membrane body (62), one end of which is detachably connected to the cross brace (20) and the other end of which is detachably connected to the column (10).

3. The anti-fatigue connection structure between columns and cross braces for a semi-submersible platform according to claim 2 is characterized in that: The isolation assembly (60) further comprises a flexible member (63); a support member (21) is provided on the cross brace (20); the support member (21) and the cross brace (20) are arranged to form a slot (22); The flexible member (63) is connected to the isolation membrane body (62), and the flexible member (63) has a compressed state and an expanded state. When the flexible member (63) is in the compressed state, the volume of the flexible member (63) is smaller than the volume of the card slot (22); when the flexible member (63) is in the expanded state, the volume of the flexible member (63) is larger than the volume of the card slot (22), and the outer peripheral surface of the expanded flexible member (63) abuts against the inner wall of the card slot (22), forming a locking buckle structure.

4. The anti-fatigue connection structure of columns and cross braces for a semi-submersible platform according to claim 3 is characterized in that: The anti-fatigue connection structure of the columns and cross braces for a semi-submersible platform further comprises a support frame (23), wherein the support frame (23) is arranged on the back side of the cross brace (20); the support member (21) is L-shaped, and the bottom end of the support member (21) passes through the back side of the cross brace (20) and is connected to the support frame (23).

5. The anti-fatigue connection structure between columns and cross braces for a semi-submersible platform according to claim 3 is characterized in that: The front end of the support member (21) is provided with an anti-wear member (211), the anti-wear member (211) is welded to the front end of the support member (21), and the anti-wear member (211) is configured to reduce the friction between the isolation diaphragm body (62) and the support member (21).

6. The anti-fatigue connection structure between columns and cross braces for a semi-submersible platform according to claim 3, characterized in that: The isolation assembly (60) also includes a movable armature (64) and an electromagnet (65), wherein the movable armature (64) is connected to one end of the isolation membrane body (62) away from the flexible member (63), and the electromagnet (65) is arranged on the inner side of the column (10). The movable armature (64) is magnetically connected to the column (10) through the electromagnet (65) to form the enclosed space (61).

7. The anti-fatigue connection structure between columns and cross braces for a semi-submersible platform according to claim 6, characterized in that: The isolation assembly (60) further comprises a suction cup (66), wherein the suction cup (66) is arranged on a side of the movable armature (64) facing the electromagnet (65), and when the electromagnet (65) magnetically attracts the movable armature (64), the suction cup (66) can be deformed and tightly adsorbed on the outer wall of the column (10).

8. The anti-fatigue connection structure between columns and cross braces for a semi-submersible platform according to claim 7, characterized in that: The column (10) is also provided with a first air hole (11) and a second air hole (12); the first air hole (11) is arranged opposite to the suction cup (66); a first air valve (13) is arranged in the first air hole (11); the first air valve (13) is configured to inflate the suction cup (66); the second air hole (12) is communicated with the enclosed space (61); a second air valve (14) is arranged in the second air hole (12); the second air valve (14) is configured to inflate the enclosed space (61).

9. The anti-fatigue connection structure between columns and cross braces for a semi-submersible platform according to claim 2, characterized in that: The isolation assembly (60) also includes a clamp (67), which is arranged on the side of the isolation membrane body (62) facing the enclosed space (61), and the clamp (67) is clamped on the opposite side surfaces of the toggle plate (30). The clamp (67) is configured to prevent the isolation membrane body (62) from sliding along the circumferential direction of the cross brace (20).

10. The anti-fatigue connection structure between columns and cross braces for a semi-submersible platform according to claim 9, characterized in that: The isolation assembly (60) further comprises an anti-slip member (68), wherein the anti-slip member (68) is connected to the clamping plate (67) and clamped at the root of the toggle plate (30); the anti-slip member (68) is configured to prevent the clamping plate (67) from sliding along the height direction of the toggle plate (30).

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