Gravity self-anchoring platform

Abstract

The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a gravity self-anchoring platform, which comprises a floating platform, a supporting leg and a pressure self-locking anchor; the floating platform comprises a main platform, a load adjusting platform and a floating deck; the load adjusting platform is arranged between the main platform and the floating deck and is used for adjusting the levelness of the floating deck; the supporting leg is arranged at a preset angle with the main platform; the first end of the supporting leg is hinged to the main platform, and the second end of the supporting leg is hinged to the pressure self-locking anchor; the gravity of the floating platform is transmitted to the pressure self-locking anchor through the supporting leg, and the pressure self-locking anchor is self-anchored according to the pressure received. In the present disclosure, on the one hand, the platform can be self-anchored to form a stable and reliable working platform only by relying on the gravity of the platform itself. On the other hand, the supporting leg is arranged at a preset angle with the main platform, so that the platform can bear a larger horizontal force, that is, the horizontal torsional force capacity of the floating platform is increased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein belong to the field of marine engineering equipment technology, specifically relating to a gravity self-anchoring platform. Background Technology

[0002] Shallow waters are among the most challenging areas for marine engineering. Due to their shallow depth, especially in areas less than 10 meters, large offshore vessels are limited by their draft and cannot reach these areas, nor can land-based equipment. Essentially, these areas are blind spots for large equipment. Currently used shallow-draft barges or ground-mounted barges require anchoring for positioning during construction. However, due to water depth limitations, anchored vessels face significant operational difficulties in these areas. Operating with the tide is subject to strict time constraints and carries the risk of running aground. Furthermore, anchoring is time-consuming, risky, and unpredictable.

[0003] In shallow water areas, self-elevating platforms are also used for construction, employing three or four vertical support piles. Piles are driven before construction begins, and then a lifting system between the platform and the support piles raises the platform to a suitable height. With this platform structure, because the support piles are all vertical, the platform cannot withstand significant horizontal forces. Shallow water operations often require platforms to provide substantial horizontal tensile force, such as directional drilling and pipeline landing operations. Self-elevating platforms are prone to capsizing under significant horizontal tensile or thrust forces, leading to catastrophic consequences. Shallow water operations are a challenging and critical area in marine engineering; these areas require operational platforms that are easy to use, provide a stable and reliable working environment under wind, wave, and current conditions, and can withstand significant horizontal forces.

[0004] Therefore, how to solve the above problems has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments disclosed herein are intended to at least address one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, and to provide a gravity self-anchoring platform.

[0006] One aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure provides a gravity self-anchoring platform, including a floating platform, support legs, and a pressure self-locking anchor;

[0007] The floating platform includes a main platform, a load adjustment platform, and a floating deck; the load adjustment platform is located between the main platform and the floating deck and is used to adjust the levelness of the floating deck.

[0008] The support leg is set at a preset angle to the main platform; wherein, the first end of the support leg is hinged to the main platform, and the second end of the support leg is hinged to the pressure self-locking anchor;

[0009] The floating platform's own weight is transmitted to the pressure self-locking anchor through the supporting legs, and the pressure self-locking anchor completes self-anchoring according to the pressure it receives.

[0010] Optionally, there is one support leg, and the multiple support legs are spaced apart on the main platform; there are multiple pressure self-locking anchors; wherein the multiple support legs are hinged to the multiple self-locking anchors.

[0011] Optionally, the support legs are in multiple sets, and the multiple sets of support legs are arranged at intervals on the main platform; each set of support legs has at least two legs.

[0012] The pressure self-locking anchor is multiple;

[0013] Each set of support legs is hinged to the pressure self-locking anchor.

[0014] Optionally, each set of support legs consists of two legs, with a preset distance between the first ends of the two support legs and each leg hinged to the main platform. The second ends of the two support legs are hinged together to the same pressure self-locking anchor.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0016] An auxiliary support leg is provided on the main platform to provide support for the floating platform.

[0017] Optionally, the pressure self-locking anchor includes a pressure plate and anchor teeth connected together; the pressure plate is hinged to the support leg; the pressure plate is used to bear the weight of the floating platform, and the anchor teeth are used to provide horizontal force during anchoring.

[0018] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0019] An anchoring device is provided on the floating platform and is used to raise the pressure self-locking anchor.

[0020] Optionally, the anchoring device includes a high-pressure water pump, a water pipe, and a nozzle; the high-pressure water pump is located on the floating platform; the nozzle is located at the anchor tooth position on the pressure plate; and the water pipe connects the high-pressure water pump and the nozzle.

[0021] Optionally, there are multiple nozzles, which are disposed on opposite sides of the anchor teeth.

[0022] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0023] An airbag is provided on the support leg, and the airbag is used for assembling and disassembling the support leg.

[0024] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this disclosure include:

[0025] In this disclosure, firstly, the platform can anchor itself solely by its own weight, forming a stable and reliable working platform. Secondly, the support legs are set at a preset angle to the main platform, enabling the platform to withstand greater horizontal forces, thus increasing the floating platform's horizontal torsional resistance. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a gravity self-anchoring platform according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a gravity self-anchoring platform according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of a gravity self-anchoring platform according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a floating platform according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a pressure self-locking anchor according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pressure self-locking anchor according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pressure self-locking anchor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] In the diagram, 10 is the floating platform; 20 is the support leg; 30 is the pressure self-locking anchor; 40 is the auxiliary support leg; 50 is the nozzle; 11 is the main platform; 12 is the load adjustment platform; 13 is the floating deck; 31 is the pressure plate; and 32 is the anchor tooth. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this disclosure, the disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0035] The embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The detailed descriptions and accompanying drawings of the following embodiments are used to exemplarily illustrate the principles of this application, but should not be used to limit the scope of this application; that is, this application is not limited to the described embodiments. In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. "Vertical" is not strictly vertical, but within the allowable error range. "Parallel" is not strictly parallel, but within the allowable error range.

[0036] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application depending on the specific circumstances.

[0037] like Figure 1-4 As shown, a gravity-based self-anchoring platform includes a floating platform 10, support legs 20, and a pressure-based self-locking anchor 30. The floating platform 10 includes a main platform 11, a load adjustment platform 12, and a floating deck 13. The load adjustment platform 12 is located between the main platform 11 and the floating deck 13 and is used to adjust the levelness of the floating deck 13. The support legs 20 are set at a predetermined angle to the main platform 11, wherein the first end of the support leg 20 is hinged to the main platform 11, and the second end of the support leg 20 is hinged to the pressure-based self-locking anchor 30. The weight of the floating platform 10 is transmitted to the pressure-based self-locking anchor 30 through the support legs 20, and the pressure-based self-locking anchor 30 completes self-anchoring according to the received pressure.

[0038] During operation, the gravity-anchored platform is transported to a designated area by a tugboat. The platform is equipped with support legs 20 and a pressure-locking anchor 30, with the support legs forming a preset angle with the main platform 11. During high tide, the support legs 20 are simultaneously lowered. As the tide recedes and the sea level drops, the platform's own weight is transferred through the support legs 20 to the pressure-locking anchor 30. The pressure-locking anchor 30, under pressure, inserts into the seabed, completing its self-anchoring.

[0039] In this disclosure, firstly, the platform can anchor itself solely by its own weight, forming a stable and reliable working platform. Secondly, the support leg 20 is set at a preset angle with the main platform 11, enabling the platform to withstand greater horizontal forces, thus increasing the horizontal torsional resistance of the floating platform 10. Furthermore, the gravity-anchored platform of this disclosure can also generate restoring force based on its own weight, providing a greater horizontal force.

[0040] In some embodiments, there is one support leg 20, and multiple support legs 20 are spaced apart on the main platform 11. There are multiple pressure self-locking anchors 30, wherein the multiple support legs 20 are hinged to the multiple self-locking anchors. In some embodiments, the multiple support legs 20 are equally spaced on the periphery of the main platform 11. In other embodiments, the main platform 11 is rectangular, and there are four support legs 20, which are disposed on the four sides of the main platform 11.

[0041] By adopting the above configuration, the horizontal torsional resistance of the main platform 11 can be effectively increased, and the working stability and reliability of the floating platform 10 can be improved.

[0042] In some embodiments, there are multiple sets of support legs 20, which are spaced apart on the main platform 11, with each set of support legs 20 containing at least two legs. There are multiple pressure self-locking anchors 30, wherein each set of support legs 20 is hinged to a corresponding pressure self-locking anchor 30.

[0043] Further, refer to Figure 1-3 Each set of support legs 20 consists of two legs. The first ends of the two support legs 20 are spaced apart by a preset distance and are respectively hinged to the main platform 11. The second ends of the two support legs 20 are jointly hinged to the same pressure self-locking anchor 30, i.e., the two support legs 20 are arranged in a triangle. In some embodiments, the main platform 11 is rectangular, and there are four sets of support legs 20, which are arranged on the four sides of the main platform 11.

[0044] With the above-described configuration, the two support legs 20 in each group are designed in a triangle, which significantly improves the structural stability of the support legs 20 and effectively supports the floating platform 10, ensuring its operational stability and reliability. Furthermore, the multiple sets of support feet circumferentially arranged on the floating platform 10 increase its horizontal torsional resistance, further guaranteeing its operational reliability and stability.

[0045] In some embodiments, the gravity-anchored platform further includes auxiliary support legs 40. The auxiliary support legs 40 are disposed on the main platform 11 and are used to provide support for the floating platform 10. In some embodiments, there are multiple auxiliary support legs 40, spaced apart.

[0046] In some embodiments, the main platform 11 is rectangular, and there are four auxiliary support legs 40, which are located at the four corners of the main platform 11.

[0047] In some embodiments, both the support leg 20 and the auxiliary support leg 40 are truss-type support legs 20. Using truss-type support legs 20 can ensure structural strength, thereby ensuring the operational reliability and stability of the floating platform 10.

[0048] refer to Figure 5-7 In some embodiments, the pressure self-locking anchor 30 includes a pressure plate 31 and an anchor tooth 32 connected together. The pressure plate 31 is hinged to the support foot and is used to bear the weight of the floating platform 10. The anchor tooth 32 is used to provide a horizontal force when anchoring.

[0049] In some embodiments, the gravity self-anchoring platform also includes an anchoring device. The anchoring device is disposed on the floating platform 10 and is used to anchor the pressure self-locking anchor 30.

[0050] Specifically, the anchoring device includes a high-pressure water pump, a water pipe, and a nozzle 50. The high-pressure water pump is located on the floating platform 10, and the nozzle 50 is located at the anchor tooth 32 position on the pressure plate 31. The water pipe connects the high-pressure water pump and the nozzle 50. The anchoring device sprays high-pressure water at the anchor tooth 32 position through the nozzle 50 to break the anchor's suction force and assist in the self-locking anchor 30 to lift the anchor.

[0051] In some embodiments, there are multiple nozzles 50, which are arranged on opposite sides of the anchor tooth 32. Further, each side of the anchor tooth 32 has multiple nozzles 50, spaced apart. It is understood that the multiple nozzles 50 can be arranged at equal or unequal intervals, and the specific arrangement can be set as needed. This arrangement ensures that high-pressure water is sprayed on opposite sides of the anchor tooth 32, guaranteeing the anchoring effect. Furthermore, providing multiple nozzles 50 further ensures the anchoring effect.

[0052] In some embodiments, there are multiple anchor teeth 32, and the multiple anchor teeth 32 are spaced apart on the pressure plate 31. It is understood that the multiple anchor teeth 32 can be arranged at equal or unequal intervals, and the specific arrangement is set according to the requirements.

[0053] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the anchor tooth 32 is triangular, and the longitudinal section of the anchor tooth 32 is trapezoidal. This configuration effectively ensures the pressure at the anchor tip, guaranteeing the anchoring effect.

[0054] In some embodiments, the gravity-anchored platform also includes airbags. The airbags are located on the support legs and are used for attaching and detaching the support legs. By inflating and deflating the airbags, the buoyancy of the support legs 20 can be controlled to facilitate installation.

[0055] In summary, this disclosure provides a gravity-type self-anchoring operating platform suitable for shallow sea areas. The platform structure mainly includes a floating platform 10, truss-type support legs 20, and a pressure-locking anchor 30. During operation, the platform is transported to the designated area by a tugboat. The support legs 20 and the pressure-locking anchor 30 are installed on the platform. During high tide, the support legs 20 are lowered simultaneously. As the tide recedes and the sea level drops, the platform's own weight is transferred to the pressure-locking anchor 30 through the truss-type support legs 20. The pressure-locking anchor 30 is then pressed into the seabed to complete self-anchoring, thus completing the installation of the entire platform.

[0056] In some embodiments, the floating platform 10 is a steel structure, and the platform size and structural strength can be designed and constructed specifically according to operational requirements.

[0057] The floating platform 10 has a flat cubic shape. The upper part of the main platform 11 is equipped with a ballast platform 12 and a floating deck 13. The ballast platform 12 is integrated with the main platform 11, and the floating deck 13 is adjustable via the ballast platform 12. After the ballast platform 12 is fully installed, the floating deck can be leveled and locked to the main platform 11 as the main working surface. Specifically, the ballast platform 12 is a frame structure, integrally mounted on the main platform 11. The frame of the ballast platform 12 is used to load water for the leveling adjustment of the floating deck 13.

[0058] The first end of the support leg 20 is connected to the main platform 11, and the second end is connected to the pressure self-locking anchor 30. The main platform 11 is placed on the seabed by the support leg 20, forming a safe and reliable working platform. The support leg 20 is a truss steel structure, which can ensure the supporting strength of the support leg 20 and effectively reduce the weight of the support leg 20.

[0059] Furthermore, the support leg 20 is hinged to the main platform 11, allowing both to rotate around the hinge point. The angle between the support leg 20 and the main platform 11 can be adjusted through this hinge. The support leg 20 is also hinged to the pressure self-locking anchor 30, allowing the pressure self-locking anchor 30 to rotate around the hinge point.

[0060] In a specific example, to ensure the torsional resistance of the floating platform 10 during use, the floating platform 10 is equipped with eight truss-type support legs 20. Each pair of support legs 20 forms a group, with the first ends of the two support legs 20 spaced apart and installed on one side of the main platform 11. The second ends of the two support legs 20 are connected to a pressure self-locking anchor 30. The eight support legs 20 are divided into four groups and installed on the four sides of the main platform 11. The main platform 11 and the two support legs 20 form a triangular structure to ensure the stability of the support legs 20 and also increase the horizontal torsional resistance of the floating platform 10.

[0061] Furthermore, the floating platform 10 also includes four truss-type auxiliary support legs 40, which are respectively installed at the four corners of the platform, and each auxiliary support leg 40 is connected to a pressure self-locking anchor 30. The function of the auxiliary support legs 40 is to provide auxiliary support force for the platform. It can be understood that the auxiliary support legs 40 are installed according to the self-weight or load of the floating platform 10.

[0062] In a specific example provided in this disclosure, the pressure self-locking anchor 30 is a steel structure, and the floating platform 10 includes eight pressure self-locking anchors 30. Each pressure self-locking anchor 30 includes a horizontal pressure-bearing plate 31 and vertical anchor teeth 32. When the pressure self-locking anchor 30 is subjected to pressure from the support legs 20, the anchor teeth 32 insert into the seabed, and the pressure-bearing plate 31 covers the seabed. The pressure-bearing plate 31 bears the weight from the platform, reducing the vertical pressure on the seabed. The anchor teeth 32 primarily provide horizontal force. The specific dimensions of the pressure self-locking anchor 30 can be determined comprehensively based on geological conditions and stress conditions.

[0063] Furthermore, to ensure smooth anchoring, a high-pressure water pipe is installed below the horizontal pressure plate 31, with a nozzle 50 placed at regular intervals. If the horizontal pressure plate 31 is attracted to the seabed, the high-pressure water pump on the platform can be activated to spray high-pressure water from below the locking anchor 30, thereby breaking the anchor's attraction and reducing the difficulty of anchoring.

[0064] In this disclosure, the installation of the gravity self-anchoring platform includes:

[0065] 1. Use tugboats to tow the gravity-anchored platform to the work site;

[0066] 2. Install floating airbags on the support leg 20 and connect the support leg 20 and the pressure self-locking anchor 30. After the connection is completed, the support leg 20 and the pressure self-locking anchor 30 float on the water surface as a whole.

[0067] 3. Connect the floating platform 10, the truss support leg 20, and the pressure self-locking anchor 30;

[0068] 4. After all the support legs 20 and pressure self-locking anchors 30 are installed, use GPS to locate the platform.

[0069] 5. During high tide, deflate the airbags of the support legs 20, and use tugboats to lower all the support legs 20 to the seabed in sequence.

[0070] 6. Based on the seabed elevation, the support legs 20 automatically engage with the mud, automatically determining the engagement points and heights of each pressure-locking anchor 30 to ensure the platform's levelness. Simultaneously, under gravity, the pressure-locking anchors 30 ensure that the anchor teeth 32 face downwards and vertically penetrate the seabed. Furthermore, an angle measuring instrument is installed on the horizontal pressure plate 31 of the pressure-locking anchors 30, allowing operators to monitor the engagement and penetration posture of the pressure-locking anchors 30 in real time.

[0071] 7. During low tide, the water level drops, and the weight of the platform is transmitted to the pressure self-locking anchor 30 through the support leg 20. After being subjected to force, the pressure self-locking anchor 30 will completely sink into the seabed. At the same time, the horizontal pressure plate 31 contacts the seabed to provide vertical support force, and the anchor cable and buoy are set on the pressure self-locking anchor 30.

[0072] 8. To ensure further compaction of the pressure self-locking anchor 30, water ballast can also be injected into the platform;

[0073] 9. After the platform is installed, adjust the floating deck 13 according to the platform's levelness to meet the operational levelness requirements.

[0074] In this disclosure, the dismantling of the gravity-type self-anchoring platform includes:

[0075] 1. Remove large equipment from the gravity-anchored platform;

[0076] 2. Start the high-pressure pump on the platform to spray high-pressure water into the pressure self-locking anchor 30 to eliminate the suction force of the pressure self-locking anchor 30;

[0077] 3. Using a tugboat, the pressure self-locking anchor 30 and the support leg 20 are lifted to the water surface, and the airbags on the support leg 20 are inflated to keep the support leg 20 and the pressure self-locking anchor 30 floating.

[0078] 4. Complete the anchoring work of all pressure anchors in sequence;

[0079] 5. First remove the pressure self-locking anchor 30, then remove the support leg 20;

[0080] 6. Use tugboats to transport the platform to the designated location.

[0081] This invention solves the problem of difficult operations in shallow waters, eliminating the need for traditional barges as temporary platforms and anchoring, thus greatly reducing the difficulty of platform installation. Furthermore, this invention provides a stable and reliable operating platform unaffected by tides and waves, capable of providing horizontal forces of up to several hundred tons, perfectly solving the problem that self-elevating platforms cannot provide significant horizontal forces.

[0082] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments used to illustrate the principles of this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and substance of this disclosure, and these modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A gravity-based self-anchoring platform, characterized in that, Includes a floating platform, support legs, and pressure-locking anchors; The floating platform includes a main platform, a load adjustment platform, and a floating deck; the load adjustment platform is located between the main platform and the floating deck and is used to adjust the levelness of the floating deck. The support leg is set at a preset angle to the main platform; wherein, the first end of the support leg is hinged to the main platform, and the second end of the support leg is hinged to the pressure self-locking anchor; The self-weight of the floating platform is transmitted to the pressure self-locking anchor through the support legs, and the pressure self-locking anchor completes self-anchoring according to the pressure it receives. The pressure self-locking anchor includes a pressure plate and anchor teeth connected together; the pressure plate is hinged to the support leg; the pressure plate is used to bear the weight of the floating platform, and the anchor teeth are used to provide horizontal force when anchoring; Also includes: An anchoring device is provided on the floating platform, and the anchoring device is used to raise the pressure self-locking anchor; The anchoring device includes a high-pressure water pump, a water pipe, and a nozzle; the high-pressure water pump is located on the floating platform; the nozzle is located at the anchor tooth position on the pressure plate; and the water pipe connects the high-pressure water pump and the nozzle.

2. The platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support legs are multiple, and the distance between the multiple support legs is set on the main platform; the pressure self-locking anchors are multiple; wherein, the multiple support legs are hinged to the multiple pressure self-locking anchors.

3. The platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support legs are in multiple sets, and the multiple sets of support legs are arranged at intervals on the main platform; each set of support legs has at least two legs; The pressure self-locking anchor is multiple; Each set of support legs is hinged to the pressure self-locking anchor.

4. The platform according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each set of support legs consists of two legs. The first ends of the two support legs are spaced at a preset distance and are respectively hinged to the main platform. The second ends of the two support legs are jointly hinged to the same pressure self-locking anchor.

5. The platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: An auxiliary support leg is provided on the main platform to provide support for the floating platform.

6. The platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are multiple nozzles, which are arranged on opposite sides of the anchor teeth.

7. The platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: An airbag is provided on the support leg, and the airbag is used for assembling and disassembling the support leg.

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