Modularized movable structure-variable floating body platform

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the field of ocean engineering and floating body structures, and discloses a modularized movable variable-structure floating body platform which is suitable for multi-scene application of short-term or temporary operation on the sea. In the towing process of the platform, chain type arrangement is adopted, all floating body units are connected through spherical hinge connectors, water resistance is effectively reduced, towing efficiency is improved, and safe transfer is achieved through a tugboat and an auxiliary boat. After the platform arrives at a target area, the platform flexibly adjusts the floating body units through the tugboats, the auxiliary boats, the mechanical arms and the connecting rods, chain type arrangement is changed into an array type structure, stable multi-column arrangement is formed, and different operation requirements are met. Due to the modular design, the platform has high expansibility and is convenient to maintain and recombine. The marine floating body platform is flexible, low in cost and environmentally friendly, has high wind wave resistance and wide application prospects, and is particularly suitable for various temporary marine operations such as marine monitoring, equipment installation and marine emergency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of marine engineering and floating structure, and specifically relates to a modular, movable, and variable-structure floating platform. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing demand for the development and utilization of marine resources, offshore platforms play a vital role in marine engineering, resource extraction, environmental monitoring, and marine aquaculture. However, existing offshore platform designs are mostly fixed or semi-fixed structures. These platforms require complex construction and installation at specific locations, lack flexibility, and are unsuitable for multi-area relocation and temporary operations. Furthermore, fixed platforms typically require large-scale infrastructure construction, causing significant disturbance to the marine environment, especially having long-term impacts on seabed ecosystems. The high cost, long time commitment, and long-term environmental impact of this construction model limit the application potential of offshore platforms in short-term operations and temporary support scenarios.

[0003] Meanwhile, the diversification of marine engineering tasks places higher demands on the adaptability of platforms. Many operations, such as marine monitoring, wind power equipment installation, and emergency rescue, are characterized by their temporary and mobile nature. Traditional fixed platforms struggle to move to the target area and quickly deploy to complete the work within a short period. Furthermore, traditional platforms typically require additional structural reinforcement to cope with harsh marine environments, leading to increased overall costs. They also face difficulties in quickly withdrawing from the site after short-term missions, further increasing operational difficulty and expenses.

[0004] Current marine platform designs lack the flexibility to support short- and medium-term operational scenarios, limiting their application in small-scale, multi-regional, and multi-mission situations. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a marine floating platform that combines modularity, mobility, and variable configuration to adapt to diverse marine operational needs and achieve the goals of rapid deployment, low environmental impact, and cost control. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention provides a modular, mobile, and variable-structure floating platform suitable for various offshore operation scenarios. Through modular design and flexible operation methods, the platform achieves high mobility and structural adaptability in offshore operation environments. This floating platform can be transferred to the target sea area via chain towing, and upon arrival, it can be deployed and reassembled into a large-scale operational platform to meet diverse offshore operation needs. This invention is particularly suitable for short-term, temporary, or frequently mobile offshore operation scenarios, featuring flexible structure, convenient installation, and high environmental friendliness.

[0006] The main technical solution of this utility model includes the following: a modular, movable, and variable-structure floating platform, including a floating unit 1, a ball joint connector 2, a robotic arm 3, a connecting rod 4, a tugboat 5, an anchor chain 10, and an anchor head 11; the floating unit 1 is connected in a chain arrangement through the ball joint connector 2 and is connected and moved through the tugboat 5; in the target sea area, the anchor chain 10 and the anchor head 11 fix the non-moving floating unit 1, and the floating unit 1 to be moved is rotated and moved through the cooperation of the ball joint connector 2, the robotic arm 3, and the connecting rod 4, thereby performing a variable-structure operation on the floating platform to form an array arrangement.

[0007] Furthermore, the ball joint connector 2 includes a convex ball joint 16, a concave ball joint 17, and a hydraulic telescopic rod 18; the opening diameter of the concave ball joint 17 is larger than the diameter of the convex ball joint 16, and the inner wall is covered with a flexible pad to buffer collisions during connection; the hydraulic telescopic rod 18 is evenly distributed on the inner wall of the concave ball joint 17, and the convex ball joint 16 can be locked or separated by hydraulically driving the hydraulic telescopic rod 18; by adjusting the extension length and applied pressure of the hydraulic telescopic rod 18, the rotational damping can be flexibly adjusted or completely locked by compressing the flexible pad; the ball joint connector 2 is used to quickly switch between chain arrangement and array arrangement to ensure the stability and flexibility of the connection of the float unit 1.

[0008] Furthermore, the robotic arm 3 is installed between adjacent floating body units 1 to be modified; the robotic arm 3 includes a multi-degree-of-freedom joint 14 and a gripper 15; the gripper 15 is equipped with an electromagnetic adsorption device for adsorbing or releasing the connecting rod 4, and achieving efficient gripping and precise connection by adjusting the electromagnetic force.

[0009] Furthermore, the floating unit 1 is a standardized module made of seawater sand concrete, with FRP reinforcement 12 embedded inside to improve strength and corrosion resistance; the FRP reinforcement 12 integrates fiber optic sensors 13 for real-time monitoring of the stress state, structural health and environmental parameters of the floating unit 1.

[0010] Furthermore, the tugboat 5 tows the floating body unit 1 via the tow cable 6, and the main tow cable is split into two branch tow cables via the triangular eye plate 7; the branch tow cables are evenly distributed to both sides of the floating body unit 1 via the cable guide 8.

[0011] Furthermore, the auxiliary vessel 9 is used to assist the tugboat 5 in completing the towing of the floating platform and to provide support for adjusting and fixing the position of the floating unit 1 during the transformation operation. During the transformation operation, the tugboat 5 and the auxiliary vessel 9 respectively tow the first floating unit 1 and the tail floating unit 1 of the modular movable and variable structure floating platform. The robotic arm 3 releases or grabs the connecting rod 4 through the gripper 15 and works with the ball joint connector 2 to complete the connection and locking between the floating units 1.

[0012] Furthermore, the anchor chain 10 and the anchor head 11 are used for anchoring operations of the platform in the target sea area; the length of the anchor chain 10 is adjustable, and the anchor head 11 is designed to adapt to sandy, muddy or rocky seabeds, providing reliable grip and stability.

[0013] Furthermore, after the platform operation is completed, the tugboat 5 tows the first floating unit 1 through the tow cable 6, and the auxiliary vessel 9 tows the stern floating unit 1, changing the platform from an array-style arrangement to a chain-style arrangement; finally, the tugboat 5 tows the platform back to the dock or to the next operating area, realizing flexible operation mode transformation.

[0014] An operation method for a modular, mobile, and variable-structure floating platform includes the following steps: The modular, mobile, and variable-structure floating platform is towed by a tugboat 5 and arranged in a chain via ball joint connectors 2, and then towed to the target operating area; subsequently, anchoring is carried out on one side of the chain arrangement, and initial anchoring is achieved through anchor chain 10 and anchor head 11; an auxiliary vessel 9 connects to the stern floating unit 1 of the platform, preparing for the transformation operation; then, the ball joint connectors 2 between adjacent modules to be transformed are unlocked, and a robotic arm 3 on one side releases connecting rods 4. Under the traction of the tugboat 5 and the auxiliary vessel 9, the fore and stern modules rotate around the robotic arm 3 on the other side, gradually adjusting from a chain arrangement to an array arrangement; after the rotation is completed, the robotic arm 3 grabs the connecting rods 4 and locks the ball joint connectors 2 on both sides, forming a stable array platform structure; then, anchoring is carried out again, the tugboat 5 and the auxiliary vessel 9 are released from anchoring, the platform is stably anchored and begins operation; after the operation is completed, the anchor is released and the connecting rods 4 are released by the robotic arm 3, the modules are readjusted to a chain arrangement, and the platform is towed back to the dock or the next operating area by the tugboat 5.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0016] (1) High-efficiency towing and low-resistance design: This invention adopts a chain arrangement during towing, connecting adjacent floating units into a chain through ball joint connectors. This design reduces water resistance, optimizes the platform's towing performance, and significantly reduces the energy consumption required for towing. During towing, each floating unit has a certain degree of freedom, enabling it to adapt to the impact of ocean currents and waves, ensuring the stability and safety of towing.

[0017] (2) Flexible configuration capability: After arriving at the target sea area, the modular floating platform of this utility model can quickly transform from a chain arrangement to an array structure. Through the flexible operation of the robotic arm and connecting rod, the platform can be quickly reassembled into a multi-row "array floating platform" to form a stable working platform. This configuration capability allows the platform to be adjusted to the optimal arrangement according to operational needs, adapting to diverse offshore operation scenarios.

[0018] (3) Modular design with scalability and adaptability: This utility model adopts a modular design, which enables the floating body units to have independent structures and functions, and can be freely combined, disassembled and reassembled. The modularity allows the platform to increase or decrease the number of floating body units according to mission requirements, adapt to mission requirements of different scales and complexities, and provide flexible support for various short-term and medium-term maritime missions.

[0019] (4) Environmental friendliness and low cost: The anchoring system of this invention adopts an anchoring method, which is simple to install and anchor, and causes less disturbance to the seabed environment. Compared with traditional fixed platforms, the floating platform of this invention has lower construction and maintenance costs, and is especially suitable for temporary or short-term operation scenarios, significantly reducing the cost of platform construction and installation. In addition, the mobility and modular structure of the platform ensure the reuse of equipment and reduce resource waste.

[0020] (5) Broad Application Prospects: The modular, mobile, and variable-structure floating platform of this invention is suitable for various offshore operation scenarios such as marine monitoring, wind power equipment installation, marine aquaculture, and emergency rescue. The platform can be quickly deployed to the target area and efficiently configured to meet various offshore engineering needs. Its flexibility, environmental friendliness, and economy make it an ideal solution for short-term offshore operations and temporary support, possessing broad application prospects and market value. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a top-view schematic diagram of the towing process of a modular, movable, and variable-structure floating platform according to this utility model.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a front view schematic diagram of the towing process of a modular, movable, and variable-structure floating platform according to this utility model. The upper dashed line represents the sea level.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a top-view schematic diagram of a modular, movable, and variable-structure floating platform of this utility model, showing its anchorage during navigation.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a top view schematic diagram of the modified state of a modular, movable, and variable-structure floating platform according to this utility model.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a top view schematic diagram of the completed transformation stage of a modular, movable, and variable-structure floating platform according to this utility model.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a front view schematic diagram of the completed transformation stage of a modular, movable, and variable-structure floating platform according to this utility model. The upper dashed line represents the sea level, and the lower thick solid line represents the seabed.

[0027] Figure 7This is a top view cross-sectional diagram of the floating body unit of a modular, movable, and variable-structure floating body platform according to this utility model.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a ball joint connector for a modular, movable, and variable-structure floating platform according to this utility model.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a robotic arm for a modular, movable, and variable-structure floating platform according to this utility model.

[0030] In the diagram: 1-Floating unit; 2-Spherical joint connector; 3-Machinery arm; 4-Connecting rod; 5-Tugboat; 6-Tug cable; 7-Triangular eye plate; 8-Cable guide; 9-Auxiliary vessel; 10-Anchor chain; 11-Anchor head; 12-FRP reinforcement; 13-Fiber optic sensor; 14-Joint; 15-Gripper; 16-Ball joint; 17-Ball joint; 18-Hydraulic telescopic rod. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0032] A modular, movable, and variable-structure floating platform includes: a floating body unit 1, a ball joint connector 2, a robotic arm 3, a connecting rod 4, a tugboat 5, a towing cable 6, a triangular eye plate 7, a cable guide 8, an auxiliary vessel 9, an anchor chain 10, an anchor head 11, an FRP reinforcing bar 12, and an optical fiber sensor 13.

[0033] The robotic arm 3 includes: joint 14 and gripper 15.

[0034] The ball joint connector 2 includes: a convex ball joint 16, a concave ball joint 17, and a hydraulic telescopic rod 18.

[0035] The platform consists of multiple floating body units 1, each designed as a standardized module for efficient assembly and flexible configuration. During towing, the floating body units 1 are connected in a chain arrangement via ball joint connectors 2, forming a low-resistance towing structure. In the target sea area, they are reconfigured into an array arrangement through structural changes. Each floating body unit 1 is constructed of seawater sand concrete, possessing high strength and corrosion resistance. FRP reinforcement ribs 12 and fiber optic sensors 13 are embedded within it. The FRP reinforcement ribs 12 provide lightweight and durable structural support, effectively extending the platform's service life, while the fiber optic sensors 13 possess self-sensing capabilities, enabling real-time monitoring of the floating body unit's stress state, structural health, and environmental parameters, providing data support for the platform's safety and long-term stable operation.

[0036] The ball joint connector 2 includes a convex ball joint 16, a concave ball joint 17, and a hydraulic telescopic rod 18. Convex ball joints 16 and concave ball joints 17 are installed on both sides of each float unit 1 to facilitate quick connection and disassembly between float modules. Furthermore, to meet the connection requirements of the array arrangement after platform modification, convex ball joints 16 and concave ball joints 17 are also installed on the sides of designated float units 1 to ensure flexible module combination and structural stability.

[0037] The concave ball joint 17 has a larger opening diameter than the convex ball joint 16, designed for rapid mating of ball joint connectors in marine environments. The inner wall of the concave ball joint 17 is covered with a flexible padding layer to cushion the impact of the convex ball joint 16 during insertion, protecting the connector surface from damage. Simultaneously, multiple hydraulic telescopic rods 18 are evenly arranged on the inner wall of the concave ball joint 17, each with a flexible padding layer at its end. When the convex ball joint 16 enters the concave ball joint 17, the hydraulic telescopic rods 18 extend synchronously from multiple directions, with the padding layer conforming to the surface of the convex ball joint 16, thus achieving the locking function of the ball joint connector; when the ball joint connector separates, simply retract the hydraulic telescopic rods 18.

[0038] The extension length and applied pressure of the hydraulic telescopic rod 18 are adjustable. Friction is increased by compressing a flexible pad to meet different usage requirements, enabling flexible adjustment or complete locking of rotational damping. This design not only ensures efficient and robust connection of the ball joint connector in marine environments but also provides excellent protection and flexibility, significantly improving the platform's adaptability and safety under complex operating conditions.

[0039] The robotic arm 3 and connecting rod 4 are installed between adjacent modules requiring configuration changes to assist in the platform's transformation from a chain-like arrangement to an array-like structure. The robotic arm 3 includes multiple joints 14, each with multi-degree-of-freedom rotation capabilities, enabling flexible movement in three-dimensional space to adapt to complex configuration changes. The end effector of the robotic arm 3 is equipped with a gripper 15, which integrates an electromagnetic adsorption device. The adsorption or release of the connecting rod 4 can be controlled by adjusting the current strength, thereby achieving efficient gripping, precise positioning, and reliable connection of the connecting rod 4 in a marine environment.

[0040] This design ensures that the robotic arm 3 can flexibly adjust its posture to adapt to different connection angles and positional requirements during the transformation process. The adjustability of the electromagnetic adsorption device not only improves the operational accuracy and adaptability of the robotic arm's end effector but also significantly enhances the system's reliability in marine operating environments. The coordinated work of the robotic arm and connecting rods provides structural support for the efficient array-style arrangement of the platform.

[0041] The tugboat 5 is used to tow the entire floating platform during towing. The tugboat 5 is connected to the floating unit 1 via a tow cable 6 and maintains the stability of the chain arrangement during towing. The tow cable 6 is controlled by the force and guidance of the triangular eye plate 7 and the cable guide 8 to ensure that the platform remains balanced and stable during towing, effectively avoiding damage to the floating structure or torsion caused by uneven force at a single connection point.

[0042] The triangular eyeplate 7 is used to split the main towing cable 6 pulled by the tugboat 5 into two branch towing cables. The branch towing cables are evenly distributed to both sides of the floating body unit 1 through the cable guide 8 to optimize the distribution of traction force during towing. This design reduces the risk of lateral displacement of the floating body unit during towing and improves the stability of the overall structure in wind, waves and ocean currents.

[0043] The auxiliary vessel 9, working in conjunction with the tugboat 5, primarily provides support in complex sea conditions, especially during the reconfiguration operations after the floating platform reaches the target operating area. It assists in adjusting the position and attitude of the floating units and participates in the connection and locking of modules. The agility and maneuverability of the auxiliary vessel 9 enable it to quickly respond to the platform's real-time needs during towing and reconfiguration, significantly improving the platform's operational efficiency and safety during transportation and operation phases.

[0044] The anchor chain 10 and anchor head 11 are used for anchoring operations after the floating platform arrives at the target sea area, ensuring the stability of the platform within the operating area. The length of the anchor chain 10 can be flexibly adjusted according to the water depth and environmental conditions of the target sea area to adapt to different marine environments and ensure that the mooring system has sufficient tensile strength and stability. The anchor head 11 is connected to the floating platform via the anchor chain 10, and its design can effectively grip sandy, muddy, or rocky structures on the seabed, providing strong traction.

[0045] Adjusting the tension of anchor chain 10 further enhances the mooring system's resistance to wind and waves. The anchor chain deployment method, combined with the platform's array-like arrangement, ensures uniform stress and stability throughout the structure during operation. This design is suitable for various complex sea conditions, providing reliable mooring support for the platform's long-term operation while simplifying installation and maintenance.

[0046] After the modular, movable, and variable-configuration floating platform is towed to the designated sea area by tugboat 5, it is first anchored on one side of the platform, using anchor chain 10 and anchor head 11 to complete the initial anchoring and ensure the platform's initial stability under the action of ocean currents and waves. Subsequently, the auxiliary vessel 9 is connected to the floating unit 1 at the stern of the platform via tow cable 6 to provide traction support for the variable-configuration operation.

[0047] At this point, the ball joint connectors 2 between adjacent modules requiring modification unlock and separate. Simultaneously, the robotic arm 3 on one side releases the connecting rod 4, preparing for platform structure adjustment. Under the synchronized traction of the tugboat 5 and the auxiliary vessel 9, the platform's fore and stern modules gradually rotate around the robotic arm 3 on the other side as a rotation axis, causing the platform to gradually change from a chain arrangement to an array arrangement. When the platform rotates close to the target array structure, the robotic arm 3 on the rotating side grasps the connecting rod 4 and cooperates with the robotic arm on the other side to complete the connection. At this time, the ball joint connectors 2 on both sides lock, ensuring the robustness of the connection between modules, ultimately realizing the array-style modification of the platform.

[0048] After the reconfiguration is completed, tugboat 5 and auxiliary vessel 9 are released from their moorings, and the platform is anchored on the other side to achieve a fully stable anchorage, providing stable support for subsequent operations. Once the platform's operations are completed, the connecting rods are released via anchor release and robotic arm release, the modules are reassembled and rearranged into a chain, and finally, tugboat 5 tows it back to the dock or to the next work area. This operational procedure ensures efficient reconfiguration and flexible movement of the platform, while also ensuring stability and safety during operations.

[0049] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This illustration shows top and front views of the towing process of a modular, movable, and variable-structure floating platform according to this invention. During towing, the floating unit 1 is arranged in a chain-like configuration via ball joint connector 2, robotic arm 3, and connecting rod 4. The tugboat 5 is connected to the platform via towline 6, and achieves balanced traction force distribution with the aid of triangular eyeplate 7 and cable guide 8, ensuring towing stability. An auxiliary vessel 9 is located to the side and rear of the platform to ensure safe towing.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a top-view schematic diagram of the anchoring of a modular, movable, and variable-configuration floating platform according to this utility model. The diagram depicts that after the platform arrives at the target sea area, the auxiliary vessel 9 connects to the stern floating unit 1 of the platform via towline 6, triangular eyeplate 7, and guide cable 8, assisting the tugboat 5 in anchoring the platform and securing it in a fixed anchored state via anchor chain 10 and anchor head 11. This anchoring method ensures high stability of the platform before the transformation operation, preventing drifting under the influence of wind, waves, or currents. A robotic arm 3 and connecting rod 4 between the transformation modules are released; the tugboat 5 and auxiliary vessel 9 respectively pull the bow and stern floating units 1 via towline 6 and triangular eyeplate 7; through the robotic arm 3 and connecting rod 4 on the other side, the connection method between adjacent floating units begins to adjust, preparing for the transformation into an array-type floating platform.

[0051] Figure 4This is a top-view schematic diagram of the modified state of a modular, movable, and variable-configuration floating platform according to this utility model. This figure shows the transition state of the platform during the modification process. Through the coordinated work of the tugboat 5 and the auxiliary vessel 9, the floating units gradually form an array-type floating platform, and the robotic arm 3 and connecting rod 4 are reconnected. The lateral ball joint connector is locked to ensure the stability between the modules inside the platform.

[0052] Figure 5 This is a top-view schematic diagram of the completed transformation stage of a modular, movable, and variable-configuration floating platform according to this utility model. The diagram shows the platform's top-view layout after the transformation is complete. The tugboat 5 and auxiliary vessel 9 have completed their unberthing from the platform. The floating units are arranged in an array structure and the two anchor heads are re-anchored, forming a stable working platform that provides support for various maritime operations.

[0053] Figure 6 This is a frontal view of the completed modification stage of a modular, movable, and variable-configuration floating platform according to this utility model. The upper dashed line represents the sea level, and the lower thick solid line represents the seabed, clearly showing the anchoring relationship between the floating platform and the seabed after modification, as well as the overall height structure of the platform. This figure further illustrates the stable anchoring effect achieved by the platform after modification.

[0054] Figure 7 This is a top-view cross-sectional diagram of the floating unit of a modular, movable, and variable-structure floating platform according to this utility model. The floating unit 1 is made of seawater sand concrete and has FRP reinforcement 12 and fiber optic sensors 13 embedded inside, which improves the strength, corrosion resistance, and self-sensing ability of the structure, enabling health monitoring of the structure and effectively extending the service life of the platform.

[0055] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a ball joint connector for a modular, movable, and variable-structure floating platform according to this utility model. The ball joint connector includes a convex ball joint 16, a concave ball joint 17, and hydraulic telescopic rods 18. The opening diameter of the concave ball joint 17 is larger than the diameter of the convex ball joint 16, and its interior is covered with a flexible padding layer, with multiple hydraulic telescopic rods 18 evenly arranged.

[0056] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a robotic arm for a modular, movable, and variable-configuration floating platform according to this utility model. The robotic arm 3 includes multiple joints 14, which can rotate flexibly, and its end has a gripper 15 equipped with an electromagnetic adsorption device. By adjusting the strength of the electromagnetic force, it can attract or release the connecting rod 4, thereby achieving flexible configuration of the platform in marine environments.

[0057] The design of this utility model should take into account the following factors:

[0058] (1) Marine environmental conditions: The marine environmental conditions of the operating area must be fully considered, including wind speed, waves, ocean currents, tides and other factors. These environmental parameters directly affect the towing stability of the floating platform, the smooth progress of the modification operation and the stability after mooring.

[0059] (2) Structural Connection and Modulation Operation: The selection of ball joint connectors and the operating precision of the robotic arm are key to ensuring the smooth modification of the platform. The ball joint connectors need to withstand the relative movement between adjacent floating units during towing, while the robotic arm needs to achieve flexible connection and reconfiguration of the floating units during the modification phase.

[0060] (3) Anchoring method: After arriving at the work area and completing the structural modifications, the platform's anchoring system must be adaptable to various seabed conditions (such as sandy, muddy, and rocky terrain). The specifications and arrangement of the anchor chains and anchor heads should effectively prevent the platform from drifting under the influence of wind, waves, and currents.

[0061] Designing and implementing the construction and installation process for a modular, mobile, and variable-structure floating platform is a detailed and complex process involving several key steps. The following are the general operating procedures for this system:

[0062] First, before the platform is put into use, each floating unit is manufactured and pre-assembled according to standardized design requirements, ensuring that all modules are equipped with ball joint connectors, robotic arms, and buoyancy adjustment systems. The buoyancy parameters of each floating unit are then adjusted to meet the stability requirements during towing and operation.

[0063] Next, the float units are interconnected in a chain arrangement using ball joint connectors, ensuring the towline is connected to the tugboat. The towline's end is evenly distributed with a triangular eyeplate to prevent instability caused by single-point stress during towing. After connection, the condition of all ball joint connectors and guide wires is checked to confirm their ability to withstand the effects of waves and currents during towing.

[0064] The tugboat tows the platform along the designated route while using a guide wire to maintain the stability of the towline. During towing, the chain arrangement effectively reduces water resistance and improves towing efficiency. Depending on sea conditions and towing distance, auxiliary vessels are used as needed to ensure the relative stability of each module during towing.

[0065] After the platform reaches the target sea area, it is moored and temporarily secured by the anchoring system. The robotic arm is then activated to release or connect the modules that need adjustment to predetermined positions, preparing for the array-style reconfiguration of the platform structure. This stage requires precise control of the robotic arm's movement to ensure the relative positions and structural stability of the floating units during the reconfiguration process.

[0066] Tugboats and auxiliary vessels worked together to reorganize the floating units into an array arrangement, ensuring that the connectors were securely reinforced to form a stable multi-row layout. This array structure enhanced the platform's resistance to wind and waves, adapting it to the specific needs of the work area. During this process, all connectors were ensured to be secure to prevent structural loosening during operations.

[0067] After the structural modifications are completed, the platform's mooring system is activated, and the anchor chains and anchor heads are placed on the seabed to ensure the platform's stability under the influence of wind and waves. Single-point or multi-point mooring is selected based on seabed conditions to achieve optimal stabilization. Adjusting the anchor chain tension further enhances the platform's stability in currents and waves.

[0068] Through scientific planning and systematic operation, the above process ensures the safe and efficient construction and installation of the modular, mobile, and variable-structure floating platform, providing stable support for various offshore operation scenarios.

Claims

1. A modular, movable, and variable-structure floating platform, characterized in that, The modular movable and variable-structure floating platform includes a floating body unit (1), a ball joint connector (2), a robotic arm (3), a connecting rod (4), a tugboat (5), an anchor chain (10), and an anchor head (11). The floating body unit (1) is connected in a chain arrangement through the ball joint connector (2) and is connected and moved by the tugboat (5). In the target sea area, the anchor chain (10) and the anchor head (11) fix the floating body unit (1) that is not moving. Through the cooperation of the ball joint connector (2), the robotic arm (3) and the connecting rod (4), the floating body unit (1) to be moved rotates and moves, thereby performing a variable-structure operation on the floating platform to form an array arrangement.

2. The modular, movable, and variable-structure floating platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ball joint connector (2) includes a convex ball joint (16), a concave ball joint (17), and a hydraulic telescopic rod (18). The opening diameter of the concave ball joint (17) is larger than that of the convex ball joint (16), and the inner wall is covered with a flexible pad to buffer the collision during connection. The hydraulic telescopic rod (18) is evenly distributed on the inner wall of the concave ball joint (17). The convex ball joint (16) is locked or separated by hydraulically driving the hydraulic telescopic rod (18). The extension length and pressure of the hydraulic telescopic rod (18) are adjusted to achieve flexible adjustment of rotational damping or complete locking by compressing the flexible pad. The ball joint connector (2) is used to quickly switch between chain arrangement and array arrangement to ensure the stability and flexibility of the connection of the float unit (1).

3. The modular, movable, and variable-structure floating platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The robotic arm (3) is installed between adjacent floating body units (1) to be modified; the robotic arm (3) includes a multi-degree-of-freedom joint (14) and a gripper (15); the gripper (15) is equipped with an electromagnetic adsorption device for adsorbing or releasing the connecting rod (4), and achieves efficient gripping and precise connection by adjusting the electromagnetic force.

4. The modular, movable, and variable-structure floating platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The floating body unit (1) is a standardized module made of seawater sand concrete, with FRP reinforcement (12) embedded inside to improve strength and corrosion resistance; the FRP reinforcement (12) integrates fiber optic sensors (13) for real-time monitoring of the stress state, structural health and environmental parameters of the floating body unit (1).

5. The modular, movable, and variable-structure floating platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tugboat (5) tows the floating body unit (1) with a tow cable (6) and decomposes the main tow cable into two branch tow cables via a triangular eye plate (7); the branch tow cables are evenly distributed to both sides of the floating body unit (1) via a cable guide (8).

6. The modular, movable, and variable-structure floating platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an auxiliary vessel (9) to assist the tugboat (5) in towing the floating platform and to provide support for adjusting and fixing the floating unit (1) during the transformation operation. During the transformation operation, the tugboat (5) and the auxiliary vessel (9) respectively tow the first floating unit (1) and the tail floating unit (1) of the modular movable variable structure floating platform. The robotic arm (3) releases or grabs the connecting rod (4) through the gripper (15) and works with the ball joint connector (2) to complete the connection and locking between the floating units (1).

7. The modular, movable, and variable-structure floating platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anchor chain (10) and anchor head (11) are used for anchoring operations of the platform in the target sea area; the anchor chain (10) is adjustable in length and the anchor head (11) is designed to adapt to sandy, muddy or rocky seabeds, providing reliable grip and stability.

8. The modular, movable, and variable-structure floating platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the platform operation is completed, the tugboat (5) tows the first floating body unit (1) through the tow cable (6), and the auxiliary vessel (9) tows the stern floating body unit (1), changing the platform from an array-style arrangement to a chain-style arrangement; finally, the tugboat (5) tows the platform back to the dock or to the next operating area, realizing flexible operation mode conversion.

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