Nearshore submarine cable large suspension treatment device

By setting up flexible floats, fixed piles, anchor chains, anchor blocks, and polymer cables on both sides of the submarine cable to form a stable mechanical support structure, the problem of near-shore submarine cables being suspended due to hydrodynamic factors is solved, the impact resistance and stability of the submarine cable are improved, and the continuous and stable operation of marine power and communication is ensured.

CN224164609UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-24ZHEJIANG COMM CONSTR GRP CO LTD
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
ZHEJIANG COMM CONSTR GRP CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-04-23
Publication Date
2026-04-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Nearshore submarine cables are suspended due to hydrodynamic factors such as tides, waves, and ocean currents, forming large suspended sections. This increases the risk of mechanical wear and fatigue damage, leading to communication or power outages.

Method used

A triangular-shaped stable mechanical support structure is formed by using flexible floats, fixed piles, anchor chains, anchor blocks, and polymer cables. The flexible floats provide buoyancy support, the anchor blocks enhance the anchoring effect, and the anchor chains maintain a distance from the submarine cables to cope with displacement, thus forming a stable mechanical balance system.

Benefits of technology

It effectively resists the influence of hydrodynamic factors, reduces the risk of cable damage, ensures the stable operation of marine power and communication, reduces construction difficulty and cost, and reduces the impact on the marine environment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN224164609U_ABST
    Figure CN224164609U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A near-shore submarine cable large suspension treatment device comprises flexible floating bodies, and a plurality of flexible floating bodies are sequentially arranged on a submarine cable in a sleeving mode. Comprising at least two fixing piles which are located on the two sides of a submarine cable respectively and fixedly arranged on the near-shore ground. Comprising an anchor chain, one end of the anchor chain is connected with a fixed pile, and the other end of the anchor chain extends to the seabed; comprising a high-molecular cable, one end of the high-molecular cable is connected with an anchor chain, and the other end of the high-molecular cable is connected with a flexible floating body; comprising anchor blocks, the anchor blocks are fixedly arranged at macromolecule cables and anchor chains through connecting pieces, components such as fixing piles, anchor chains, anchor blocks, macromolecule cables, flexible floating bodies, gravity blocks and the like are arranged on the two sides of the submarine cable, and then a triangular-like stable mechanical supporting structure is formed, so that the influence of various hydrodynamic factors on the submarine cable can be effectively resisted, and the submarine cable can be protected. The cable damage risk is greatly reduced, and continuous and stable operation of ocean power and communication is ensured.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of submarine cable protection technology, and in particular to a device for managing large-scale suspension of nearshore submarine cables. Background Technology

[0002] Nearshore submarine cables are submarine cables located in nearshore areas such as shallow waters or near beaches, and are mainly used for power transmission or communication signal transmission.

[0003] Nearshore submarine cables are located in nearshore waters and are affected by various hydrodynamic factors such as tides, waves, and currents. Firstly, the periodic rise and fall of tides causes alternating changes in the buoyancy and pressure on the submarine cables. This change will cause the cables to shift on the seabed.

[0004] Secondly, the impact of ocean waves can scour and erode the seabed surrounding the submarine cable. This erosion can damage the supporting structures around the cable, leaving it suspended in mid-air.

[0005] Third, the impact of ocean currents on submarine cables is mainly reflected in their continuous dragging and abrasion. The long-term effect of ocean currents will subject the cables to continuous water flow impact, causing the cables to wear down or move on the seabed.

[0006] The long-term influence of various hydrodynamic factors such as tides, waves, and ocean currents can cause submarine cables to not contact the support surface, resulting in a large suspended section. This large suspension can cause the submarine cable to sway and vibrate under the influence of the external environment, increasing the risk of mechanical wear and fatigue failure, ultimately leading to damage to the submarine cable and causing communication or power supply interruptions.

[0007] Therefore, designing a device to address the problem of large-scale suspension of nearshore submarine cables can effectively solve the problem, improve the safety and stability of submarine cables, reduce construction difficulty and cost, minimize adverse impacts on the marine environment, and ensure the continuous and stable operation of marine power and communication. Utility Model Content

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome the defects in the prior art and provide a device for managing large-scale suspension of nearshore submarine cables.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: a nearshore submarine cable suspension management device, comprising flexible floats, a plurality of which are sequentially sleeved on the submarine cable; a fixing pile, at least two of which are located on one side of the submarine cable and the other on the other side, the fixing piles being fixedly installed on the nearshore ground; an anchor chain, one end of which is connected to the fixing pile and the other end of which extends to the seabed; a polymer cable, one end of which is connected to the anchor chain and the other end of which is connected to the flexible floats; and an anchor block, which is fixedly installed at the polymer cable and the anchor chain by a connector.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the two fixed piles are at the same distance from the submarine cable.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the two fixed piles are at different distances from the submarine cable.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the length dimensions between adjacent polymer cords can be the same or different.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the anchor chain is set vertically parallel to the submarine cable and maintains a certain distance from the submarine cable.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a gravity block is also fixedly installed at one end of the anchor chain located on the seabed.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the flexible float is a tubular structure, and the flexible float and the submarine cable are fitted together with a gap.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the number of fixing piles located on both sides of the submarine cable is the same.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the number of fixing piles located on both sides of the submarine cable is different.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the anchor block is precast from concrete and is cubic or spherical in shape.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0020] 1. This utility model sets fixed piles, anchor chains, anchor blocks, polymer cables, flexible floats, gravity blocks and other components on both sides of the submarine cable, thereby forming a triangular stable mechanical support structure that can effectively resist the influence of various hydrodynamic factors on the submarine cable, greatly reduce the risk of cable damage, and ensure the continuous and stable operation of marine power and communication.

[0021] 2. The components of this utility model, such as fixed piles, anchor chains, anchor blocks, polymer cables, flexible floats, and gravity blocks, can be flexibly adjusted and optimized according to different geological and environmental parameters and cable suspension conditions, making them suitable for various complex nearshore marine environments.

[0022] 3. This utility model can complete all stages of the operation using conventional marine construction equipment and technology, without the need for special large-scale professional equipment and complex processes, thus shortening the construction cycle, reducing costs and difficulties, and minimizing the potential impact on submarine cables and the marine environment.

[0023] 4. This utility model uses common and low-cost materials, which reduces the cost of the device while ensuring the treatment effect.

[0024] 5. The anchor chain of this utility model is made of high-strength iron chain, which is parallel to the submarine cable and maintains a certain distance from the submarine cable to flexibly cope with the small displacement that the submarine cable may undergo under the action of water flow and waves, thereby improving the impact resistance of the submarine cable.

[0025] 6. The flexible float of this utility model is made of a material that is resistant to seawater corrosion and has buoyancy properties. It can provide upward buoyancy support for submarine cables and prevent submarine cables from swinging and vibrating violently under the action of various hydrodynamic factors and gravity, thereby preventing damage to the submarine cables.

[0026] 7. The length between adjacent polymer cables in this invention can be adjusted to optimize the tension on the polymer cables, thereby enabling the flexible float, polymer cables and anchor chains to form a stable and efficient mechanical balance system, ensuring smooth force transmission between components, and jointly providing reliable support and fixation for submarine cables.

[0027] 8. The anchor block located at the connection between the anchor chain and the polymer cable can effectively play an anchoring role, enhance the stability of the entire device in complex marine environments, and thus provide reliable support and fixation for submarine cables. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a top view of the present invention;

[0030] The attached diagram is labeled as follows: 1. Submarine cable, 2-1. Fixed pile, 2-2. Anchor chain, 2-3. Anchor block, 2-4. Polymer cable, 2-5. Flexible float, 2-6. Gravity block. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Using the treatment device and construction method of this utility model, the submarine cable 1 is not completely attached to the seabed. There is still a gap between the submarine cable 1 and the seabed. Unlike a large suspension phenomenon, which would cause the submarine cable to swing and vibrate violently under the action of the external environment, resulting in damage to the submarine cable and thus causing communication or power supply interruptions, the existence of this gap allows the submarine cable to move slightly, resisting the repeated impact of various hydrodynamic factors and improving the impact resistance of the submarine cable.

[0033] Example 1:

[0034] like Figures 1-2 As shown, a nearshore submarine cable suspension management device includes flexible floats 2-5, with several flexible floats 2-5 sequentially mounted on the submarine cable 1; fixed piles 2-1, at least two of which are located on one side of the submarine cable 1 and the other on the other side, the fixed piles 2-1 being fixedly installed on the nearshore ground; anchor chains 2-2, one end of which is connected to the fixed piles 2-1, and the other end of which extends to the seabed; polymer cables 2-4, one end of which is connected to the anchor chains 2-2, and the other end of which is connected to the flexible floats 2-5; and anchor blocks 2-3, which are fixedly installed at the polymer cables 2-4 and the anchor chains 2-2 via connectors.

[0035] The two fixed piles 2-1 are at the same distance from the submarine cable 1.

[0036] Specifically, a set of fixed piles, anchor chains, anchor blocks, polymer cables, flexible floats, and gravity blocks are installed on both sides of submarine cable 1, thus forming a triangular stable mechanical support structure. This structure can effectively resist the impact of various hydrodynamic factors on the submarine cable, greatly reduce the risk of cable damage, and ensure the continuous and stable operation of marine power and communication.

[0037] In order to optimize the tension on the polymer cable 2-4 and thus enable the flexible float 2-5, the polymer cable 2-4 and the anchor chain 2-2 to form a stable and efficient mechanical balance system, the length between adjacent polymer cables 2-4 can be adjusted. Therefore, the dimensions of adjacent polymer cables 2-4 can be the same or different.

[0038] Anchor chain 2-2 is set vertically parallel to submarine cable 1 and maintains a certain distance from submarine cable 1 to accommodate partial displacement of submarine cable 1 under the action of water flow and waves, thereby improving the impact resistance of submarine cable. Anchor chain 2-2 is made of high-strength iron chain, and its good wear resistance and tensile strength, together with anchor block 2-3, polymer cable 2-4 and flexible float 2-5, can withstand large external forces.

[0039] A gravity block 2-6 is also fixedly installed at one end of the anchor chain 2-2 located on the seabed. The gravity block 2-6 allows the tail end of the anchor chain 2-2 to hang down naturally by gravity, preventing it from getting tangled with the submarine cable 1.

[0040] Anchor block 2-3 is fixed to the connection between anchor chain 2-2 and polymer cable 2-4 by special connectors. Its weight and size are precisely calculated and determined based on seabed geological conditions and water flow velocity. It can significantly increase the friction and anchoring force between anchor chain 2-2 and seabed, effectively prevent anchor chain 2-2 from sliding or shifting under the impact of water flow, and further enhance the reliability of the entire treatment device.

[0041] The flexible float 2-5 is a tubular structure made of a material that is resistant to seawater corrosion and has buoyancy properties. Its inner diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the submarine cable 1, making it easy to fit onto the submarine cable 1. It can provide upward buoyancy support for the submarine cable 1 and prevent the submarine cable 1 from swaying and vibrating violently under the action of various hydrodynamic factors and gravity, thereby preventing damage to the submarine cable 1.

[0042] The fixed pile 2-1, anchor chain 2-2, anchor block 2-3, polymer cable 2-4, flexible float 2-5 and gravity block 2-6 of this utility model are all made of common and low-cost materials, which reduces the cost of the device while ensuring the treatment effect.

[0043] This invention utilizes conventional marine construction equipment and technology to complete each stage of the operation, eliminating the need for special large-scale professional equipment and complex processes. This shortens the construction cycle, reduces costs and difficulties, and minimizes the potential impact on submarine cables and the marine environment.

[0044] Specifically, a nearshore submarine cable large-suspension management device is implemented, including:

[0045] Step 1: Install fixing stakes 2-1. At least one fixing stake 2-1 shall be set on each side of the submarine cable 1. The fixing stakes 2-1 shall be fixed to a specified depth on the nearshore ground by hammering or pressing.

[0046] During the driving of fixed pile 2-1, advanced monitoring instruments are needed to monitor the verticality and penetration depth of the fixed pile 2-1 in real time to ensure that the driving quality of fixed pile 2-1 fully meets the design standards. After the pile driving is completed, the fixed pile 2-1 is thoroughly inspected in strict accordance with the acceptance specifications to confirm its stability and reliability, thus laying a solid foundation for the entire treatment device.

[0047] Step 2: Install anchor chain 2-2. Fix one end of anchor chain 2-2 to fixed pile 2-1, ensuring that the connection has sufficient strength. Then, with the help of professional equipment such as ships or underwater robots, slowly lower the other end of anchor chain 2-2 to the nearshore seabed along the pre-planned path. Make detailed adjustments and temporary fixation according to the actual topography of the nearshore seabed, so that it is parallel to the submarine cable 1 and maintains a certain distance from the submarine cable 1, so as to flexibly deal with the slight displacement that the cable may undergo under the action of water flow and waves.

[0048] Throughout the entire process of lowering anchor chain 2-2, the construction personnel closely monitored the condition of anchor chain 2-2 to avoid any abnormalities such as entanglement or knotting, ensuring that anchor chain 2-2 was successfully laid in place, thus laying the foundation for the stable operation of the entire project.

[0049] Step 3: Install flexible floats 2-5. Place several flexible floats 2-5 onto the submarine cable 1 in sequence. After the flexible floats 2-5 are placed onto the submarine cable 1, their close fit with the submarine cable 1 will not cause damage to the cable.

[0050] The flexible float 2-5 can be installed on the submarine cable 1 either in sections or as a whole. Auxiliary tools are used to ensure a smooth and stable installation process. After installation, the position and connection of the flexible float 2-5 are thoroughly inspected and fine-tuned to ensure that it can perform its buoyancy function normally.

[0051] Step 4: Install polymer cable 2-4. Connect one end of polymer cable 2-4 to flexible float 2-5 through a special rigging connector, and connect the other end of polymer cable 2-4 to anchor chain 2-2.

[0052] Step 5: Install anchor block 2-3 and fix anchor block 2-3 to the connection between anchor chain 2-2 and polymer cable 2-4 using connectors;

[0053] Anchor blocks 2-3 are prefabricated on land using concrete. They are in the shape of cubic or spherical shapes. Then, they are precisely placed in the designated position using hoisting equipment and reliably connected to anchor chains 2-2 and polymer cables 2-4 using special connectors. This effectively enhances the anchoring function and strengthens the stability of the entire treatment device in complex marine environments.

[0054] Step 6 includes: Adjusting and testing the installed fixed piles 2-1, anchor chains 2-2, anchor blocks 2-3, polymer cables 2-4, and flexible floats 2-5; comprehensively inspecting whether the connections of the fixed piles 2-1, anchor chains 2-2, anchor blocks 2-3, polymer cables 2-4, and flexible floats 2-5 are secure and reliable, and whether there are any potential safety hazards such as loosening, deformation, or damage; using professional testing instruments to accurately test and scientifically evaluate the tension of the polymer cables 2-4, the buoyancy of the flexible floats 2-5, and the stability of the entire treatment device to ensure that all parameters strictly meet the requirements; simultaneously, continuously monitoring the treated submarine cable 1 for a period of time, closely observing its actual operating status in the marine environment, and verifying whether the treatment effect has achieved the expected goals through in-depth analysis of the monitoring data; if necessary, further optimizing and adjusting the treatment device based on the monitoring results to ensure that the submarine cable 1 maintains a safe and stable state during long-term operation, providing a solid guarantee for the reliable operation of marine power and communication systems.

[0055] This includes step S1, which precedes step 1. Step S1 is the preliminary preparation stage for the construction method.

[0056] Step S1: Based on the nearshore waters and the conditions of submarine cable 1, including the suspended length, height, and location of submarine cable 1, as well as the nearshore seabed topography, geological conditions, and marine environmental parameters, such as the precise collection of information on water flow velocity, wave height, and tidal changes, determine the data for fixed piles 2-1, anchor chains 2-2, anchor blocks 2-3, polymer cables 2-4, and flexible floats 2-5.

[0057] The data for fixed piles 2-1 in step S1 includes the number, location, size, and driving depth of fixed piles 2-1; the data for anchor chains 2-2 in step S1 includes the length, specifications, and arrangement of anchor chains 2-2; the data for anchor blocks 2-3 in step S1 includes the weight, shape, and distribution of anchor blocks 2-3; the data for polymer cables 2-4 in step S1 includes the length, diameter, and tension of polymer cables 2-4; and the data for flexible floats 2-5 in step S1 includes the buoyancy, size, and material of flexible floats 2-5.

[0058] In step 4, the tension of the polymer cable 2-4 needs to be monitored in real time and its length adjusted. By continuously optimizing the length and tension of the polymer cable 2-4, the flexible float 2-5, the polymer cable 2-4 and the anchor chain 2-2 can form a stable and efficient mechanical balance system, ensuring smooth force transmission between the components and providing reliable support and fixation for the submarine cable 1.

[0059] Example 2:

[0060] The difference between Example 2 and Example 1 is that the fixed piles 2-1 located on both sides of the submarine cable 1 are at different distances from the submarine cable 1.

[0061] Due to the complex environment of the nearshore land, the anchor piles 2-1 cannot be symmetrically set on both sides of the submarine cable 1. However, by changing parameters such as the path of the anchor chain 2-2, the length of the polymer cable 2-4, and the weight of the anchor block 2-3, the same effect as in Example 1 can be achieved.

[0062] Example 3:

[0063] The difference between Embodiment 3 and Embodiment 1 is that the number of fixed piles 2-1 located on both sides of the submarine cable 1 is different.

[0064] By accurately collecting information such as water flow speed, wave height, and tidal changes, it is determined which side of the submarine cable 1 needs more support and fixation, and then different numbers of fixing piles 2-1 are set on both sides of the submarine cable 1.

[0065] Two fixed piles 2-1 can be set on one side and two fixed piles 2-1 can be set on the other side, or one fixed pile 2-1 can be set on one side and two fixed piles 2-1 can be set on the other side. Similarly, the phenomenon of large suspension of submarine cable 1 can be avoided.

[0066] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention; therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0067] Although this document uses numerous reference numerals from the figures, such as 1, submarine cable, 2-1, fixed pile, 2-2, anchor chain, 2-3, anchor block, 2-4, polymer cable, 2-5, flexible float, and 2-6, gravity block, the possibility of using other terms is not excluded. These terms are used merely to more conveniently describe and explain the essence of this utility model; interpreting them as any kind of additional limitation would be contrary to the spirit of this utility model.

Claims

1. A device for managing large-scale suspension of nearshore submarine cables, characterized in that: The system includes: a flexible float (2-5), several of which are sequentially mounted on a submarine cable (1); a fixed pile (2-1), at least two of which are located on one side of the submarine cable (1) and the other on the other side, and the fixed pile (2-1) is fixedly installed on the nearshore ground; an anchor chain (2-2), one end of which is connected to the fixed pile (2-1) and the other end of which extends to the seabed; a polymer cable (2-4), one end of which is connected to the anchor chain (2-2) and the other end of which is connected to the flexible float (2-5); and an anchor block (2-3), which is fixedly installed at the polymer cable (2-4) and the anchor chain (2-2) by a connector.

2. The nearshore submarine cable large-scale suspension management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two fixed piles (2-1) are at the same distance from the submarine cable (1).

3. The nearshore submarine cable large-scale suspension management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two fixed piles (2-1) are at different distances from the submarine cable (1).

4. The nearshore submarine cable large-scale suspension management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lengths of adjacent polymer cords (2-4) can be the same or different.

5. The nearshore submarine cable large-scale suspension management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anchor chain (2-2) is set vertically parallel to the submarine cable (1) and maintains a certain distance from the submarine cable (1).

6. The nearshore submarine cable large-scale suspension management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anchor chain (2-2) is also fixedly equipped with a gravity block (2-6) at one end located on the seabed.

7. The nearshore submarine cable large-scale suspension management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible float (2-5) is a tubular structure, and the flexible float (2-5) and the submarine cable (1) are fitted together with a clearance.

8. The nearshore submarine cable large-scale suspension management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of fixed piles (2-1) located on both sides of the submarine cable (1) is the same.

9. A nearshore submarine cable large-scale suspension management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of fixed piles (2-1) located on both sides of the submarine cable (1) is different.

10. A nearshore submarine cable large-scale suspension management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anchor blocks (2-3) are precast concrete and are cubic or spherical in shape.