Torpedo anchor based on spiral drive and multi-stage telescopic propulsion structure and its installation method

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of deep-sea mooring systems, and specifically provides a torpedo anchor based on a spiral drive and multi-stage telescopic propulsion structure and an installation method thereof, comprising an anchor body and an anchor tip arranged at the end of the anchor body; the anchor body comprises a spiral drive device, a propulsion body and a penetration body, the spiral drive device consists of a cylindrical anchor body and a plurality of spiral anchor wings, an electric motor is installed inside the cylindrical anchor body, the electric motor is connected to a circular turntable, a plurality of support rods are arranged on the outer ring of the circular turntable, the end of each support rod is connected to a spiral anchor wing, the other ends of the plurality of spiral anchor wings are connected to the same support seat, the support seat is also connected to a propulsion body, the other end of the propulsion body is connected to the penetration body; the penetration body is connected to the anchor tip, and a radar detection device is arranged in the penetration body, the radar detection device is connected to a control system, and the control system controls the electric motor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of deep-sea mooring systems, and in particular to a torpedo anchor based on a spiral drive and multi-stage telescopic propulsion structure and an installation method thereof. Background Art

[0002] As marine resource exploitation gradually expands from shallow waters to deep seas, structural types are shifting from fixed to floating. Compared to fixed structures, floating structures rely on buoyancy and mooring systems for support and anchoring. Given the complex and volatile marine environment, selecting the right deepwater anchor foundation is crucial to ensuring the safety and stability of floating platforms and superstructures. Currently, the main deepwater anchor foundations include suction anchors, plate anchors, and dynamically installed anchors. Torpedo anchors, a new type of dynamically installed anchor, are lowered from a certain height above the sea surface. They fall into the water under their own weight and penetrate to a certain depth in the soil, providing tensile strength to anchor the floating platform. Compared to other deepwater anchor foundations, torpedo anchor foundations offer lower costs, superior anchoring performance, and simple and efficient installation, making them more suitable. Because torpedo anchors are affected by currents during their descent, their path often deviates. Upon reaching the seabed, they experience significant impact forces and uneven frictional resistance, which can exacerbate the deviation. Route deviation makes it difficult for the torpedo anchor to reach the designated position, and it cannot meet the design requirements and pull-out resistance.

[0003] In order to solve the above problems, some technologies for modifying the torpedo anchor structure to increase its pull-out resistance have been disclosed in the prior art, such as CN202310004986.9 and CN202410575202.2. However, some of the prior art technologies have complex structures, some have poor pull-out resistance, and fail to enable the torpedo anchor to accurately reach the designated position. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art, the present invention aims to take into account the trajectory deviation of the torpedo anchor during the falling process, and provide a torpedo anchor based on a spiral drive and multi-stage telescopic propulsion structure and an installation method thereof. The torpedo anchor has spiral anchor wings, a telescopic propulsion body and an anchor tip. With the coordinated work of the spiral anchor wings, the telescopic propulsion body and the anchor tip, the position of the torpedo anchor in space can be changed, thereby improving the position accuracy of the torpedo anchor. At the same time, the presence of the spiral anchor wings can also improve the pull-out resistance of the torpedo anchor.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] In the first aspect, the present invention provides a torpedo anchor based on a spiral drive and multi-stage telescopic propulsion structure, including an anchor body, the anchor body including a spiral drive device, a propulsion body and a penetration body, the spiral drive device consisting of a cylindrical anchor body and multiple spiral anchor wings, an electric motor is installed inside the cylindrical anchor body, the electric motor is connected to a circular turntable, multiple support rods are arranged on the outer circle of the circular turntable, the end of each support rod is connected to a spiral anchor wing, the other ends of the multiple spiral anchor wings are connected to the same support seat, the bottom of the support seat is connected to the propulsion body, the propulsion body is connected to the penetration body, the propulsion body is telescopic, the penetration body is connected to the anchor tip, a depth detection device is arranged in the penetration body, the depth detection device is connected to a control system, and the control system controls the electric motor.

[0007] When rotating, the spiral anchor wings can actively disturb the soil, cut the resistance to soil penetration, and propel the torpedo anchor to penetrate further downward. Therefore, the spiral drive structure significantly improves the penetration ability of the anchor body, and can achieve deep and rapid penetration into the soil under various soil conditions. The retractable propulsion body can form a cone-angle deflector. On the one hand, the cone-angle deflector can reduce the impact force of entering the water, effectively expand the force area of ​​the entire torpedo anchor, enhance the structural stability and ultimate bearing performance, and adapt to a wider range of load requirements; the real-time feedback system of the depth detection device realizes high-precision obstacle identification and positioning, has the ability to detect small obstacles, and improves the safety and accuracy of the penetration path.

[0008] As a further technical solution, the propulsion body includes a multi-level nested rigid shell, and a multi-level telescopic drive unit is arranged inside the multi-level nested rigid shell. The multi-level telescopic drive unit drives the multi-level nested rigid shell to extend and retract, and the rigid shell at the end is connected to the penetration body.

[0009] As a further technical solution, the non-driving end of the multi-stage telescopic driving unit is connected to the supporting seat.

[0010] As a further technical solution, the rigid shell is made of a shape memory alloy plate.

[0011] As a further technical solution, the non-functional cavity area of ​​the torpedo anchor is filled with a material for increasing its overall weight and inertia.

[0012] As a further technical solution, a plurality of spiral anchor wings are evenly arranged along the circumferential direction of the circular turntable.

[0013] As a further technical solution, anchor eyes are opened at the center of the circular turntable and the center of the cylindrical anchor body for connecting anchor cables. The torpedo anchor can be hoisted as a whole from the engineering vessel to the predetermined sea area through the anchor cables.

[0014] As a further technical solution, the depth detection device is a radar detection device, which detects the depth reached by the torpedo anchor on the seabed.

[0015] As a further technical solution, the cylindrical anchor body is provided with a gradually decreasing diameter area near the propulsion body, so as to reduce the resistance to entering the soil and guide the direction of the spiral entering the soil.

[0016] In a second aspect, the present invention also proposes an installation method based on the aforementioned torpedo anchor based on a spiral drive and a multi-stage telescopic propulsion structure, as follows:

[0017] The torpedo anchor is hoisted to a set height above the sea surface by an engineering vessel and released. The propulsion body forms a cone-shaped deflector at the moment of entry into the water, reducing the impact force of the entry into the water.

[0018] When the penetration body reaches the first depth below the seabed, the spiral drive device is activated and secondary penetration is achieved under the drive of the electric motor; during the secondary penetration process, the radar detection device monitors the depth of the penetration body in real time and feeds back to the control system; the control system controls the start and stop and rotation speed of the electric motor according to the depth detected by the radar detection device, so that the torpedo anchor can reach the final predetermined depth.

[0019] The installation method of the present invention includes key steps: after high-altitude release, the rigid shell unfolds to form a deflector, which improves the accuracy of the entire torpedo anchor's path during descent. After reaching the predetermined depth, the spiral drive system is activated, and secondary penetration is achieved under the drive of the electric motor. During the secondary penetration process, a radar detection device monitors the depth of the penetration body in real time and provides feedback to the control system. The control system controls the start and stop of the electric motor and the rotation speed based on the depth detected by the radar detection device to ensure that the torpedo anchor reaches the specified depth. This process optimizes the penetration force path and posture control, effectively improving penetration efficiency and maintaining good vertical penetration accuracy.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has achieved the following breakthroughs:

[0021] When rotating, the spiral anchor wings of the present invention can actively disturb the soil, cut the resistance to soil penetration, and propel the torpedo anchor to penetrate further downward. Therefore, the spiral drive structure significantly improves the penetration ability of the anchor body, and can achieve deep and rapid penetration into the soil under various soil conditions, breaking through the technical bottleneck of traditional torpedo anchors in penetration depth; and the retractable propulsion body can form a cone-angle deflector, which can reduce the impact force of entering the water, effectively expand the force area of ​​the entire torpedo anchor, enhance the structural stability and ultimate bearing performance, and adapt to a wider range of load requirements; the present invention also integrates a depth detection device, and the real-time feedback system of the depth detection device realizes high-precision obstacle identification and positioning, has the ability to detect small obstacles, and improves the safety and accuracy of the penetration path. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which constitute a part of the present invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute improper limitations on the present invention.

[0023] Figure 1 A torpedo anchor Figure 1 ;

[0024] Figure 2 A torpedo anchor Figure 2 ;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a top view of the torpedo anchor;

[0026] Figure: 1. Anchor eye; 2. Propelling body; 3. Anchor tip; 4. Helical anchor wings; 5. Helical drive mechanism; 6. Multi-stage telescopic drive unit; 7. Penetrator; 8. Cylindrical anchor body; 9. Vertical hole; 10. Radar detection device; 11. Electric motor; 12. Rigid housing; 13. Circular turntable; 14. Support rod; 15. Support base. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and is intended to provide further explanation of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in the present invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0028] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention. As used herein, unless otherwise clearly indicated in the present invention, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "include" and / or "comprising" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or their combinations;

[0029] For the convenience of description, if the words "upper" and "lower" appear in the present invention, they only indicate that they are consistent with the upper and lower directions of the drawings themselves, and do not limit the structure. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0030] As introduced in the background technology, there are deficiencies in the existing technology. In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention proposes a torpedo anchor and an installation method based on a spiral drive and a multi-stage telescopic propulsion structure; the spiral anchor wings of the torpedo anchor based on the spiral drive and the multi-stage telescopic propulsion structure can actively disturb the soil, cut the resistance to soil penetration, and propel the torpedo anchor to penetrate further downward. Therefore, the torpedo anchor based on the spiral drive and the multi-stage telescopic propulsion structure significantly improves the penetration ability of the anchor body, and can achieve deep and rapid penetration into the soil under various soil conditions, breaking through the technical bottleneck of traditional torpedo anchors in penetration depth; and the multi-stage telescopic propulsion structure can form a cone-angle deflector. On the one hand, the cone-angle deflector can reduce the impact force of entering the water, effectively expand the force-bearing area of ​​the entire torpedo anchor, enhance the structural stability and ultimate bearing performance, and adapt to a wider range of load requirements.

[0031] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] like Figure 1-Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the torpedo anchor based on the spiral drive and multi-stage telescopic propulsion structure of the present invention is composed of a three-section anchor body, namely, a spiral drive device 5, a propulsion body 2, and a penetration body 7. The spiral drive device 5, the propulsion body 2, and the penetration body 7 are sequentially connected to form a whole. The specific structure of each part is as follows:

[0033] The spiral drive device 5 consists of a central cylindrical anchor body 8 and four spiral anchor wings 4 on the periphery; the central axis of the spiral drive device 5 has a vertical hole 9, through which the cable passes; an electric motor 11 is arranged inside the central cylindrical anchor body 8; the electric motor 11 is connected to a circular turntable 13, and four support rods 14 are arranged on the outer ring of the circular turntable 13, and the end of each support rod 14 is connected to a spiral anchor wing 4, and the other ends of the four spiral anchor wings 4 are connected to the same support seat 15; when the spiral anchor wings 4 rotate, they can actively disturb the soil, cut the soil resistance, and push the torpedo anchor to penetrate further downward, so the spiral drive structure significantly improves the penetration ability of the anchor body and can achieve deep penetration under various soil conditions. It can penetrate into the ground quickly and break through the technical bottleneck of traditional torpedo anchors in penetration depth; the propulsion body 2 is connected to the bottom of the support seat 15, and the propulsion body 2 is a retractable structure, and the other end of the propulsion body 2 is connected to the penetration body 7; since the propulsion body 2 is retractable, the propulsion body 2 can adjust the distance between the penetration body 7 and the spiral drive device 5, and push the penetration body 7 to move away from the spiral drive device 5 or towards the direction close to the spiral drive device 5; the retractable propulsion body 2 can form a cone-angle deflector, which can reduce the impact force of entering the water, effectively expand the force-bearing area of ​​the entire torpedo anchor, enhance the structural stability and ultimate bearing performance, and adapt to a wider range of load requirements.

[0034] Furthermore, an anchor tip 3 is connected to the penetration body 7; a radar detection device 10 is set inside the penetration body 7; the radar detection device 10 is used to detect the depth reached by the torpedo anchor, and then send a signal to the control system, and the control system controls the start and stop and rotation speed of the motor 11 according to the depth detected by the radar detection device 10; the radar detection device 10 real-time feedback system realizes high-precision obstacle identification and positioning, has the ability to detect small obstacles, and improves the safety and accuracy of the burial path.

[0035] Furthermore, an anchor eye 1 is provided at the top of the spiral drive device 5 in this embodiment, and the anchor eye 1 is used to connect an anchor cable; the torpedo anchor is hoisted as a whole from the engineering vessel to the predetermined sea area through the anchor cable.

[0036] Furthermore, the propulsion body 2 in this embodiment includes a multi-stage nested rigid shell 12, within which a multi-stage telescopic drive unit 6 is disposed. The multi-stage telescopic drive unit 6 drives the multi-stage nested rigid shell 12 to extend and retract, and the rigid shell 12 at the end is connected to the penetration body 7. In this embodiment, the multi-stage telescopic drive unit 6 adopts a three-stage hydraulic telescopic unit structure. Its main purpose is to achieve a longer propulsion distance while maintaining a compact overall structure, meeting the requirements of staged propulsion and depth-setting operations of torpedo anchors in different strata. Compared to a single-stage telescopic structure, a multi-stage hydraulic telescopic unit can provide a larger telescopic ratio per unit length, while achieving a higher propulsion depth and better burial posture control in confined spaces. The three-stage telescopic unit adopts a bamboo-like sleeve structure. Each stage of the unit is coaxially matched and flange-connected to form a sealed hydraulic cavity. The serial oil circuit design allows the hydraulic oil to sequentially propel the cylinders of each stage to extend or retract, providing good synchronization and reliability. A rigid outer shell is nested in each hydraulic cylinder to withstand external soil pressure and guide the structure to advance stably. The outer shell is made of corrosion-resistant alloy material to ensure long-term service without failure in the submarine environment.

[0037] Furthermore, the exterior of the propulsion body 2 is a rigid shell 12 that can be deployed and nested. This shell 12 has a certain taper, forming a structure similar to a deflector when deployed, effectively reducing the impact force upon entry into the water and guiding the anchor body to stabilize in the soil. The rigid shell 12 is made of a Ti-Ni alloy plate with shape memory properties. In the collapsed state, this structure significantly reduces the lateral dimensions and overall volume of the propulsion body, improving the anchor body's entry stability and transport efficiency. The overall structure of the propulsion body 2 is bamboo-like, consisting of multiple cylindrical units with decreasing or nested diameters, connected by sliding sleeves and flanges to form a multi-stage telescopic unit. In the inactivated state, the cylinders at each level fit tightly together and shrink into one; in the working state, under the action of hydraulic or pneumatic pressure, the cylinders at each level extend out in sequence to form a multi-section telescopic structure with a longer working stroke; this bamboo-shaped propulsion body structure design has the following advantages: First, it significantly improves the telescopic ratio and achieves a longer propulsion stroke in a limited space; second, the segmented structure facilitates force distribution and anti-bending design, which can improve stability and durability during the penetration process with greater force; third, the structure is compact, which is convenient for the anchor body during storage and release, realizes volume control, and helps to improve the posture stability in the initial stage of penetration.

[0038] Furthermore, the cylindrical anchor body 8 in this embodiment is cylindrical and made of high-strength low-alloy steel (HSLA) material, which has excellent torsional and corrosion resistance. The cylindrical anchor body 8 has a tapered diameter region near the propulsion element 2 to reduce penetration resistance and guide the screw's direction of penetration.

[0039] Furthermore, the spiral anchor wings 4 in this embodiment are evenly distributed along the circumference. The ratio of their pitch to the anchor diameter is designed based on project requirements, preferably 1.2-1.5 times, to achieve optimal soil cutting and propulsion performance. A high-hardness, wear-resistant coating can be applied to the surface of the anchor wings to enhance their wear resistance.

[0040] Furthermore, an array-type geological detection device is provided inside the penetration body 7, such as a UWB (ultra-wideband) radar antenna array, which has the ability to identify obstacles and provide geological layer feedback within a certain depth range, and can realize spatial positioning and path correction functions, thereby improving the precision control level of the torpedo anchor penetration process.

[0041] Furthermore, the anchor tip 3 in this embodiment is made of high-strength steel, has a spiral drill bit structure, is hingedly connected to the penetration body 7, and is located below the torpedo anchor.

[0042] Furthermore, the cylindrical anchor body 8 and the structural shell used on the outside of the propulsion body 2 in the torpedo anchor in this embodiment are both made of composite materials or alloy materials with light weight, high strength and corrosion resistance to adapt to the complex environment of high pressure and high corrosion on the seabed.

[0043] Furthermore, the non-functional cavity area inside the torpedo anchor mainly includes the remaining space in the cylindrical anchor body 8 where the motor and cable are not arranged, and the cavity in the propulsion body 2 and the penetration body 7. According to actual needs, high-density underwater special concrete or solidifying materials can be poured to increase the overall weight and inertia, and enhance the penetration kinetic energy and stability of the torpedo anchor.

[0044] Furthermore, the above device can also adopt a modular structural design to improve the reuse efficiency of the anchor body and reduce maintenance costs and replacement cycles.

[0045] Furthermore, this embodiment also provides a method for installing a torpedo anchor based on a spiral drive and a multi-stage telescopic propulsion structure, which specifically includes the following steps:

[0046] Step 1. Lift the entire torpedo anchor from the engineering vessel to the designated sea area and position it above the sea surface using mooring cables or lifting equipment. The release height is adjustable based on the actual operating depth and sea conditions. Prior to installation, the radar detection system is calibrated and initialized by the sea surface control equipment.

[0047] Step 2. After the torpedo anchor is released into the water, the rigid shell 12 folded and stored outside the propulsion body 2 automatically unfolds after contacting the seawater, forming a deflector structure with a certain cone angle, guiding the torpedo anchor to maintain a stable entry posture, reducing the impact force of entry into the water and minimizing posture deflection and lateral drift during the entry process.

[0048] Step 3. The torpedo anchor, relying on its own weight, accelerates its descent through the seabed, penetrating the seabed by inertia to form its initial burial stage. At this stage, the radar detection device 10 begins operating, scanning the torpedo anchor's contact depth with the ground and the distribution of obstacles in real time. The scan results are fed back to the sea surface control system.

[0049] Step 4. When the penetration body 7 reaches the initial depth, the surface control system activates the motor 11, driving the spiral anchor wings 4 to rotate, thereby actively disturbing the soil, reducing soil resistance, and propelling the torpedo anchor further downward. The spiral propulsion process can be operated at multiple speeds to adapt to different soil resistance conditions; the radar system continuously feeds back depth information to adjust the penetration rhythm and rotation speed.

[0050] Step 5. The multi-stage hydraulic expansion and contraction units inside the propulsion body 2 are sequentially expanded under the control system command, pushing the penetrating body 7 forward further. This is particularly suitable for areas with hard or complex geological structures.

[0051] Step 6. After reaching the predetermined depth or the control system determines that the geologically suitable layer has been reached, the motor 11 is shut down and the radar system completes a final scan to confirm whether the position deviation is within the allowable range. Optionally, a cable reeling or pre-tensioning command can be sent through the ground system to complete the mooring connection between the torpedo anchor and the floating structure.

[0052] The above installation method combines multi-stage collaborative technologies such as self-weight inertial penetration, radar precise feedback, spiral-driven soil disturbance propulsion, telescopic unit assisted penetration and deployable deflector cover. It has the advantages of controllable penetration depth, small path deviation, and adaptability to various strata. It is particularly suitable for the installation of anchor foundations for deep-water floating structures.

[0053] The torpedo anchor based on the spiral drive and multi-stage telescopic propulsion structure proposed in this embodiment is particularly suitable for engineering scenarios with strict requirements on installation accuracy, such as anchoring of deep-sea platforms and fixing of submarine pipelines.

[0054] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A torpedo anchor based on a screw drive and multi-stage telescopic propulsion structure, characterized in that: The anchor body comprises an anchor body, which comprises a spiral drive device, a propulsion body and a penetration body. The spiral drive device consists of a cylindrical anchor body and multiple spiral anchor wings. An electric motor is installed inside the cylindrical anchor body, and the electric motor is connected to a circular turntable. Multiple support rods are arranged on the outer ring of the circular turntable, and the end of each support rod is connected to a spiral anchor wing. The other ends of the multiple spiral anchor wings are connected to the same support seat. The bottom of the support seat is connected to the propulsion body, and the propulsion body is connected to the penetration body; the propulsion body is retractable, and the penetration body is connected to the anchor tip. A depth detection device is arranged in the penetration body, and the depth detection device is connected to a control system. The control system controls the electric motor.

2. The torpedo anchor based on a spiral drive and multi-stage telescopic propulsion structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The propulsion body includes a multi-level nested rigid shell, and a multi-level telescopic drive unit is arranged inside the multi-level nested rigid shell. The multi-level telescopic drive unit drives the multi-level nested rigid shell to extend and retract, and the rigid shell at the end is connected to the penetration body.

3. The torpedo anchor based on a spiral drive and multi-stage telescopic propulsion structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The non-driving end of the multi-stage telescopic driving unit is connected to the supporting seat.

4. The torpedo anchor based on a spiral drive and multi-stage telescopic propulsion structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rigid shell is made of a shape memory alloy plate.

5. The torpedo anchor based on a spiral drive and multi-stage telescopic propulsion structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The non-functional cavity area of ​​the torpedo anchor is filled with material that increases its overall weight and inertia.

6. The torpedo anchor based on a spiral drive and multi-stage telescopic propulsion structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control system is located in the sea surface control equipment.

7. The torpedo anchor based on a spiral drive and multi-stage telescopic propulsion structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of spiral anchor wings are evenly arranged along the circumference of the circular turntable.

8. The torpedo anchor based on a spiral drive and multi-stage telescopic propulsion structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Anchor eyes are provided at the center of the circular turntable and the center of the cylindrical anchor body for connecting the anchor cable.

9. The torpedo anchor based on a spiral drive and multi-stage telescopic propulsion structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cylindrical anchor body is provided with a gradually decreasing diameter area at a portion close to the propulsion body.

10. The method for installing a torpedo anchor based on a spiral drive and multi-stage telescopic propulsion structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: as follows: The torpedo anchor is hoisted to a set height above the sea surface by an engineering vessel and released. The rigid shell of the propulsion body forms a conical deflector at the moment of entry into the water, reducing the impact force of the entry into the water. When the penetration body reaches the first depth below the seabed, the spiral drive device is activated and secondary penetration is achieved under the drive of the electric motor; during the secondary penetration process, the radar detection device monitors the depth of the penetration body in real time and feeds back to the control system; the control system controls the start and stop and rotation speed of the electric motor according to the depth detected by the depth detection device, so that the torpedo anchor reaches the final predetermined depth.

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