A self-elevating platform bionic spud shoe with advanced detection function and a use method thereof

Abstract

The application provides a self-elevating platform bionic pile shoe with a leading detection function and a use method thereof, which comprises a pile shoe body and an overhanging CPTU detection system integrated in the pile shoe body; the pile shoe body is provided with a bionic structure; the overhanging CPTU detection system comprises a CPTU probe rod, a probe rod driving mechanism, a data acquisition module and a central controller; the CPTU probe rod comprises a driven end and a detection end; the probe rod driving mechanism is connected with the driven end and used for driving the CPTU probe rod to move along the axial direction; the detection end of the CPTU probe rod is driven by the probe rod driving mechanism and can be extended downward from the bottom surface of the pile shoe body; the data acquisition module is electrically connected with the CPTU probe rod; and the central controller is signal connected with the motor and the data acquisition module. The application realizes geological detection in the pile inserting process and optimizes the pile inserting and pulling performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine construction and safety monitoring technology, specifically to a self-elevating platform biomimetic pile shoe with advanced detection capabilities and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] Self-elevating offshore platforms are key equipment for offshore oil and gas resource development, offshore wind power installation, and other projects. During operation, they are supported on the seabed by their legs, raising the main body of the platform above the sea surface. However, during the pile driving process, if there are weak interlayers or thin strata beneath the pile shoes, the platform's enormous load may cause the pile legs to sink rapidly and uncontrollably, a "puncture" accident. Punctures can cause structural damage to the platform, capsizing, and even casualties, posing a significant safety risk in marine engineering.

[0003] Currently, the prevention of puncture risks mainly relies on engineering geological surveys conducted before pile driving. However, traditional survey methods (such as borehole sampling) have limitations, including data dispersion, high cost, and inability to fully represent the actual geological conditions of each pile location, making it difficult to accurately predict every potential risk point along the pile driving path. Therefore, how to detect the mechanical properties of the soil about to penetrate beneath the pile shoe in real time and in situ during pile driving, and achieve proactive perception and control of puncture risks, has become a pressing technical challenge in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the first objective of this invention is to provide a self-elevating platform biomimetic pile shoe with advanced detection capabilities. This invention aims to achieve geological exploration during pile driving and optimize pile driving and extraction performance.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a self-elevating platform biomimetic pile shoe with advanced detection capabilities, comprising a pile shoe body and an extended CPTU detection system integrated inside the pile shoe body; the pile shoe body is provided with a biomimetic structure; the extended CPTU detection system includes a CPTU probe rod, a probe rod driving mechanism, a data acquisition module, and a central controller; the CPTU probe rod includes a driven end and a detection end, the probe rod driving mechanism is connected to the driven end and is used to drive the CPTU probe rod to move along its axial direction, the detection end of the CPTU probe rod is driven by the probe rod driving mechanism and can extend downwards out of the bottom surface of the pile shoe body; the data acquisition module is electrically connected to the CPTU probe rod; the central controller is signal-connected to the motor and the data acquisition module.

[0006] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention: the probe drive mechanism includes a motor, two drive wheels and two driven wheels. The two drive wheels are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the CPTU probe and are connected to the output end of the motor. The two driven wheels are also symmetrically arranged on both sides of the CPTU probe and are connected to the output end of the motor. The outer circumferential surfaces of the drive wheels and driven wheels are covered with rubber tires, and the axial extension or retraction of the CPTU probe is achieved by the motor through frictional engagement between the rubber tires and the outer circumferential surface of the CPTU probe.

[0007] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention: the biomimetic structure includes a bird beak-shaped streamlined shell disposed on the back of the hoop boot body, a textured structure disposed on the side of the hoop boot body, and a biomimetic protrusion structure disposed on the bottom surface of the hoop boot body.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention: the surface of the bird beak-like streamlined shell is distributed with multiple raised cutting edges, and there is a guide groove between two adjacent cutting edges.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, two driven wheels are respectively disposed below two driving wheels.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the number of cutting edges is four or more, and the number of guide grooves matches the number of cutting edges.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the CPTU probe rod can extend downwards 5-10 meters below the bottom surface of the pile shoe body.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention: the bottom of the pile shoe body is provided with a hole for the CPTU probe to pass through, and a sealing ring is installed on the hole wall.

[0013] Secondly, a second objective of this invention is to provide a method for using a self-elevating platform bionic pile shoe with advanced detection capabilities. The method includes the following steps:

[0014] S1. After the platform is in place, prepare for the pile driving operation and initialize the extended CPTU detection system through the central controller;

[0015] S2. As the pile shoe body begins to sink into the mud, the central controller starts the motor and extends the CPTU probe downward to the predetermined detection depth below the bottom surface of the pile shoe body.

[0016] S3. The CPTU probe continues to perform static penetration tests in the extended state. The data acquisition module uploads the cone tip resistance, sidewall friction and pore water pressure data measured by the CPTU probe to the central controller in real time.

[0017] S4. The central controller analyzes and processes real-time data. If it detects a sudden decrease in the strength of the soil below and it reaches the preset risk threshold, it will immediately send a puncture risk alarm signal to the platform control room.

[0018] S5. After receiving the alarm, the operator shall suspend or adjust the pile driving operation.

[0019] S6. After confirming safety, continue driving the pile, or after completing the work, retract the CPTU probe using the probe drive mechanism to perform the pile extraction operation.

[0020] The beneficial effects provided by this invention are as follows:

[0021] 1. The present invention uses an electric motor in conjunction with a drive wheel and a driven wheel covered with a rubber tire. The structure is compact and easy to arrange in the narrow internal space of the pile shoe body. Furthermore, the elastic clamping of the rubber tire can adapt to changes in the diameter of the probe rod, reducing the requirements for processing accuracy, while achieving smooth extension and retraction of the probe rod.

[0022] 2. The combined design of the cutting edge and the guide channel in this invention enables the upper soil to be orderly split and smoothly diverted along the guide channel during pile extraction, avoiding soil accumulation and vacuum adsorption effects, and significantly reducing pile extraction resistance.

[0023] 3. This invention integrates the CPTU detection function into the pile shoe body, realizing real-time, in-situ geological detection during the pile driving process, transforming traditional post-event remediation into pre-event early warning, and greatly improving the safety of platform operation.

[0024] 4. The back groove structure, side rough surface structure, and bottom biomimetic protrusion of this invention work together to solve the problems of pile extraction resistance, side wall adhesion, and bearing stability, and comprehensively optimize the pile shoe's pile insertion and extraction performance. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a frontal cross-sectional view of the CPTU probe fully extended in the self-elevating platform biomimetic pile shoe provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a frontal cross-sectional view of the CPTU probe rod in the self-elevating platform biomimetic pile shoe provided in an embodiment of the present invention when it is fully retracted.

[0028] Figure 3 A bottom view of the self-elevating platform biomimetic pile shoe provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a top view of the self-elevating platform biomimetic pile shoe provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the textured structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Reference numerals: 10-Pile shoe body; 11-Cut edge; 12-Guide groove; 13-Muffled side surface; 14-Bionic protrusion at the bottom; 20-Sealing ring; 21-CPTU probe rod; 22-Motor; 23-Drive wheel; 24-Driven wheel; 25-Rubber tire; 26-Data acquisition module; 27-Central controller; 30-Pile leg. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below in conjunction with specific examples. However, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. For better illustration of this embodiment, some components in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual dimensions of the product. It is understandable that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings for those skilled in the art. The positional relationships described in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0033] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, but this should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0034] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, a self-elevating platform biomimetic pile shoe with advanced detection capabilities includes a pile shoe body 10 and an extended CPTU detection system 20 integrated inside the pile shoe body 10. The pile shoe body 10 is connected to the bottom of the pile leg 30 in a conventional manner to provide support. The pile shoe body 10 is equipped with a biomimetic structure. The extended CPTU detection system 20 includes a CPTU probe 21, a probe drive mechanism, a data acquisition module 26, and a central controller 27. The CPTU probe 21 includes a driven end and a detection end. The rod drive mechanism is connected to the driven end and is used to drive the CPTU probe rod 21 to move along its axial direction. The detection end of the CPTU probe rod 21 is driven by the probe drive mechanism and can extend downwards out of the bottom surface of the pile shoe body 10. The data acquisition module 26 is electrically connected to the CPTU probe rod 21 through a waterproof cable and is used to receive and process the cone tip resistance, sidewall friction force and pore water pressure data collected by the probe rod. The central controller 27 is signal-connected to the motor 22 and the data acquisition module 26 and is used to control the detection process and analyze the data.

[0035] In this embodiment, the central controller 27 is typically installed in the platform control room and integrates a risk warning algorithm to determine the puncture risk level based on real-time detected abrupt changes in soil parameters. The CPTU probe 21 is a standard pore pressure static cone penetration probe, whose probe end integrates a cone tip resistance sensor, a sidewall friction sensor, and a pore water pressure sensor.

[0036] The probe drive mechanism includes a motor 22, two drive wheels 23, and two driven wheels 24. The two drive wheels 23 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the CPTU probe 21 and are connected to the output end of the motor 22. The motor 22 drives the two drive wheels 23 to rotate in the forward or reverse direction at a certain speed. The two driven wheels 24 are also symmetrically arranged on both sides of the CPTU probe 21. The two driven wheels 24 can rotate but are not driven by power. The outer circumferential surfaces of the drive wheels 23 and the driven wheels 24 are covered with rubber tires 25. Through the frictional engagement between the rubber tires 25 and the outer circumferential surface of the CPTU probe 21, the CPTU probe 21 can be axially extended or retracted by the motor 22.

[0037] The rubber tire 25 is used to increase the friction between the driving wheel 23 and the driven wheel 24 and the CPTU probe 21 and to produce a clamping effect; the CPTU probe 21 passes through the gap between the two driving wheels 23 and the two driven wheels 24, and can extend and retract from the hole at the bottom of the pile shoe body 10 under the drive of the motor 22.

[0038] The biomimetic structure includes a streamlined, bird-beak-like shell on the back of the pile boot body 10, a rough-textured structure 13 on the side of the pile boot body 10, and a biomimetic protrusion structure 14 on the bottom surface of the pile boot body 10. The rough-textured structure on the side of the pile boot body 10 increases surface roughness to disrupt the continuity of the soil, reducing the cohesion and negative friction between the pile boot and the surrounding soil. The biomimetic protrusion structure 14 on the bottom of the pile boot body effectively increases the mechanical interlocking between the pile boot body and the foundation, enhancing its load-bearing and anti-slip capacity under preloading or horizontal loads.

[0039] The streamlined shell, resembling a bird's beak, has multiple raised cutting edges 11 on its surface. There are guide grooves 12 between two adjacent cutting edges 11 to optimize the penetration performance of the soil directly above the pile shoe body 10 during pile extraction.

[0040] Specifically, a streamlined, bird-beak-like outer shell is located on the upper surface of the pile shoe body 10, shaped to resemble a bird's beak. Multiple raised cutting edges 11, distributed on the surface of this outer shell, extend radially from the center of the pile shoe towards the edge; the direction of the guide channels 12 formed between adjacent cutting edges is basically consistent with the cutting edges 11. During pile extraction, the cutting edges 11 first split the backfilled soil above, and the separated soil then smoothly slides along the guide channels to both sides of the pile shoe body 10, effectively preventing soil accumulation and adsorption, and significantly reducing pile extraction resistance.

[0041] The two driven wheels 24 are respectively positioned below the two driving wheels 23.

[0042] The number of cutting edges 11 is four or more, and the number of guide grooves 12 matches the number of cutting edges 11.

[0043] The CPTU probe 21 extends 5-10 meters below the bottom surface of the pile shoe body 10. This distance ensures effective detection of the soil into which the pile shoe body 10 is about to penetrate. The central controller 27 is preset with a risk threshold based on soil strength parameters. When the real-time detected parameters such as cone tip resistance suddenly decrease and reach this threshold, the controller will immediately trigger an audible and visual alarm to alert the operator of the puncture risk.

[0044] The bottom of the pile shoe body 10 has a hole through which the CPTU probe 21 passes. A sealing ring 20 is installed on the hole wall to prevent seawater and silt from entering the pile shoe when the CPTU probe 21 is extended or retracted.

[0045] This invention also provides a method for using a self-elevating platform bionic pile shoe with advanced detection function. The method of using the aforementioned self-elevating platform bionic pile shoe with advanced detection function includes the following steps:

[0046] S1. After the platform navigates to and positions itself at the target work point, preparations are made for the pile driving operation. The operator starts and initializes the extended CPTU detection system 20 through the central controller 27 and performs a self-check of the equipment.

[0047] S2. The pile leg 30 begins to be lowered, and the pile shoe body 10 contacts the seabed and begins to sink into the mud. During the initial mud-entry stage or when sinking to a certain predetermined depth, the central controller 27 sends a command to the motor 22 to start the probe drive mechanism, extending the CPTU probe 21 vertically downward from the bottom of the pile shoe body 10 until the predetermined detection depth is reached (e.g., 5 meters below the bottom surface of the pile shoe body 10). During the extension of the probe, the sealing ring 20 maintains tight contact with the probe surface to prevent seawater and mud from entering.

[0048] S3. With the CPTU probe 21 extended, as the pile shoe body 10 continues to sink, the probe performs continuous in-situ static cone penetration tests on the soil in front of and below it. The data acquisition module 26 collects data on cone tip resistance, sidewall friction, and pore water pressure in real time and transmits them to the central controller 27 via signal lines.

[0049] The S4 and central controller 27's built-in algorithms analyze the received real-time data stream. Once a sharp drop in the cone tip resistance curve is detected, and the value is found to be below the preset safety threshold, the system immediately determines it as high risk and sends a high-level audible and visual alarm signal to the main control console in the platform operation room, clearly warning of "puncture risk".

[0050] S5. Upon receiving the alarm, the operator immediately issues an instruction to suspend the operation of the pile driving system, and the pile shoe body 10 stops sinking. Subsequently, the risk can be assessed according to the specific situation, and a decision can be made on whether to slowly increase pressure, change the pile driving strategy, or depressurize and retract the pile leg, thereby proactively avoiding the occurrence of a puncture accident.

[0051] S6. When the risk is confirmed to be eliminated and work needs to continue, pile driving can continue; or pile extraction can be carried out after all work at the pile location is completed. During the pile extraction process, the cutting edge 11 on the back of the pile shoe body 10 effectively splits the backfilled soil above the pile shoe body 10, and the split soil slides smoothly along the guide channel 12; at the same time, the rough surface structure 13 on the side reduces the adsorption effect of the surrounding soil. The two work together to significantly reduce the pile extraction resistance, making the pile leg recovery smoother. Finally, after the pile shoe body 10 is completely detached from the seabed, the control motor 22 rotates in the opposite direction, and the CPTU probe 21 is retracted into the pile shoe body 10 through the probe drive mechanism.

[0052] Based on the description and accompanying drawings of this invention, those skilled in the art can easily manufacture or use the self-elevating platform biomimetic pile shoe with advanced detection function and its usage method, and can produce the positive effects described in this invention.

[0053] Unless otherwise specified, in this invention, terms such as "length," "width," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention 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. Therefore, the terms used to describe orientation or positional relationships in this invention are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting this invention. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and according to the specific circumstances.

[0054] Unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "connected," and "linked" in this invention 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0055] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Any simple modifications or equivalent changes made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-elevating platform biomimetic pile boot with advanced detection function, characterized in that: The system includes a pile shoe body (10) and an extended CPTU detection system (20) integrated inside the pile shoe body (10); the pile shoe body (10) is provided with a biomimetic structure; the extended CPTU detection system (20) includes a CPTU probe (21), a probe drive mechanism, a data acquisition module (26), and a central controller (27); the CPTU probe (21) includes a driven end and a detection end, the probe drive mechanism is connected to the driven end and is used to drive the CPTU probe (21) to move along its axial direction, and the detection end of the CPTU probe (21) is driven by the probe drive mechanism and can extend downwards out of the bottom surface of the pile shoe body (10); the data acquisition module (26) is electrically connected to the CPTU probe (21); the central controller (27) is signal connected to the motor (22) and the data acquisition module (26).

2. The self-elevating platform bionic pile shoe with advanced detection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The probe drive mechanism includes a motor (22), two drive wheels (23) and two driven wheels (24). The two drive wheels (23) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the CPTU probe (21) and are connected to the output end of the motor (22). The two driven wheels (24) are also symmetrically arranged on both sides of the CPTU probe (21) and are connected to the output end of the motor (22). The outer circumferential surfaces of the drive wheels (23) and driven wheels (24) are covered with rubber tires (25). Through the frictional engagement between the rubber tires (25) and the outer circumferential surface of the CPTU probe (21), the CPTU probe (21) is driven by the motor (22) to extend or retract axially.

3. The self-elevating platform bionic pile shoe with advanced detection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The biomimetic structure includes a bird-beak-like streamlined shell on the back of the hoop boot body (10), a textured structure (13) on the side of the hoop boot body (10), and a biomimetic protrusion structure (14) on the bottom surface of the hoop boot body (10).

4. The self-elevating platform bionic pile shoe with advanced detection function according to claim 3, characterized in that: The streamlined shell with bird beak design has multiple raised cutting edges (11) on its surface, and there is a guide groove (12) between two adjacent cutting edges (11).

5. The self-elevating platform bionic pile shoe with advanced detection function according to claim 2, characterized in that: Two driven wheels (24) are respectively positioned below the two driving wheels (23).

6. The self-elevating platform bionic pile shoe with advanced detection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of cutting edges (11) is four or more, and the number of guide grooves (12) matches the number of cutting edges (11).

7. The self-elevating platform bionic pile shoe with advanced detection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The CPTU probe (21) can extend downwards 5-10 meters below the bottom surface of the pile shoe body (10).

8. The self-elevating platform bionic pile shoe with advanced detection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the pile shoe body (10) is provided with a hole for the CPTU probe rod (21) to pass through, and a sealing ring (20) is installed on the hole wall.

9. A method for using a self-elevating platform biomimetic pile shoe with advanced detection function, characterized in that, Using the self-elevating platform biomimetic pile shoe with advanced detection function as described in claims 1-8 includes the following steps: S1. After the platform is in place, prepare for the pile driving operation and initialize the extended CPTU detection system (20) through the central controller (27). S2. During the process of the pile shoe body (10) sinking into the mud, the central controller (27) starts the motor (22) and extends the CPTU probe (21) downward to the predetermined detection depth below the bottom surface of the pile shoe body (10); S3. The CPTU probe (21) is continuously subjected to static penetration test in the extended state. The data acquisition module (26) uploads the cone tip resistance, side wall friction and pore water pressure data measured by the CPTU probe (21) to the central controller (27) in real time. S4. The central controller (27) analyzes and processes the real-time data. If it detects that the strength of the soil below suddenly decreases and reaches the preset risk threshold, it immediately sends a puncture risk alarm signal to the platform control room. S5. After receiving the alarm, the operator shall suspend or adjust the pile driving operation. S6. After confirming safety, continue driving the pile, or after completing the work, retract the CPTU probe (21) through the probe drive mechanism to perform the pile extraction operation.

Images