A split-hull cutter suction dredger with a sealed transition structure
By using modular design and a sealed transition structure, the side buoys of the cutter suction dredgers solve the problems of sealing and complex installation, achieving efficient, stable and safe operation of the side buoys and adapting to the operational needs under complex sea conditions.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 中交(苏州)城市开发建设有限公司
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing modular cutter suction dredger side pontoons have shortcomings in sealing and structural transition, leading to seawater infiltration that affects buoyancy and stability. They are also complex to install and costly.
A modular cutter suction dredger side pontoon with a sealed transition structure was designed. Through modular assembly and the setting of sealed transition cavities, including the bow, middle and stern side pontoon units, the same width sealed transition cavities and fasteners are used to connect them. Combined with thin and thick double-layer sealed end plates and optimized sealing transition cavity positions, the sealing performance and connection strength between each part are ensured.
It has achieved efficient, stable and safe operation of the side buoys, reduced transportation and installation costs, improved construction efficiency, enhanced sealing performance and service life, and adapted to the operational needs under complex sea conditions.
Smart Images
Figure CN224466056U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of cutter suction dredgers, and in particular relates to a side buoy of a prefabricated cutter suction dredger with a sealed transition structure. Background Technology
[0002] As a key piece of equipment in dredging engineering, cutter suction dredgers play an irreplaceable role in numerous projects such as port construction, waterway dredging, land reclamation, and river and lake dredging. Side buoys, as an important component of cutter suction dredgers, not only provide the necessary buoyancy to ensure stable floating in water, but also have a significant impact on the overall structural strength and stability of the vessel.
[0003] Traditional cutter suction dredger side pontoons are often designed with an integral structure. While this structure can meet the basic operational requirements of the vessel to a certain extent, it has revealed numerous problems in practical applications. First, integral side pontoons are enormous, making transportation and installation extremely inconvenient. Due to their large size, special transport vehicles and complex transportation plans are required, increasing transportation costs and making them susceptible to limitations imposed by transportation conditions, such as road width and bridge load-bearing capacity. During installation, large lifting equipment is needed for hoisting operations, requiring a high-quality installation site. The installation process is complex and time-consuming, increasing the construction period and costs.
[0004] With the development of shipbuilding technology, prefabricated side pontoons have gradually attracted attention. Prefabricated side pontoons involve disassembling the integral side pontoon into multiple individual units for manufacturing and transportation, followed by on-site assembly. This design effectively solves the problems of transportation and installation difficulties associated with integral side pontoons, offering advantages such as convenient transportation and flexible installation. However, existing prefabricated side pontoons have significant shortcomings in terms of sealing and structural transitions.
[0005] Regarding sealing, since modular side buoys are composed of multiple individual units, leaks at the joints between these units are prone to occur. During ship navigation, especially in complex marine environments, seawater can easily seep into the side buoy through these joints. This not only affects the buoyancy and stability of the side buoy but can also cause corrosion and damage to the internal equipment and structure, shortening the ship's service life. Furthermore, leaks can prevent functional compartments such as ballast tanks and storage tanks from functioning properly, impacting the ship's performance and operational efficiency. Utility Model Content
[0006] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this utility model provides a modular cutter suction dredger side buoy with a sealed transition structure.
[0007] This invention is achieved by providing a modular cutter suction dredger side buoy with a sealed transition structure, comprising a front side buoy unit, a middle side buoy unit, and a stern side buoy unit connected in sequence.
[0008] The first side buoy unit includes a first ballast water tank at its end, two first main buoyancy chambers that provide buoyancy, and a first side buoy deck; a first sealed transition chamber is provided at the end opposite to the first ballast water tank, and the first sealed transition chamber has the same width as the first main buoyancy chamber.
[0009] The intermediate side buoy unit includes a second main buoyancy chamber, a storage chamber, and an intermediate side buoy deck; the end of the storage chamber is provided with a second sealed transition chamber of the same width as the first sealed transition chamber; the second sealed transition chamber and the first sealed transition chamber are sealed and connected by fasteners; on the side adjacent to the main buoy, the inner wall of the second main buoyancy chamber is provided with two third sealed transition chambers for sealing and connecting with the main buoy.
[0010] The stern side buoy unit includes a generator compartment located in the middle, fuel tanks located on both sides of the generator compartment, a stern ballast water tank located at the stern, and a stern side buoy deck; on the side adjacent to the middle side buoy unit, the stern side buoy unit is provided with a fourth sealed transition chamber, the fourth sealed transition chamber having the same width as the second main buoyancy chamber; used for sealed connection with the main buoy.
[0011] On the side adjacent to the main buoy, a fifth sealed transition chamber is provided on the inner wall of the generator compartment for sealed connection with the main buoy.
[0012] More preferably, the first sealing end plate of the first sealed transition chamber and the second sealed transition chamber includes a first sealing ring plate and a first main sealing core plate located inside it; the thickness of the first main sealing core plate is less than that of the first sealing ring plate; and the first sealing ring plate is provided with a first connecting hole.
[0013] Further preferably, on the side adjacent to the main buoy, the second sealing end plate of the fourth and fifth sealed transition chambers includes a second sealing ring plate and a second main sealing core plate located inside it; the thickness of the second main sealing core plate is less than that of the second sealing ring plate; the second sealing ring plate extends upward and is higher than the corresponding intermediate or stern side buoy deck, and its protruding portion is provided with a second connecting hole; a side buoy sealing connection seat is welded to the lower end of the second sealing ring plate, the side buoy sealing connection seat is welded to the bottom plate of the side buoy, and is provided with a third connecting hole; the side buoy sealing connection seat is used for sealing connection with the main buoy sealing connection seat on the main buoy.
[0014] More preferably, the third sealed transition chamber is located at the corner of the inner wall of the second main buoyancy chamber.
[0015] More preferably, the fifth sealed transition chamber is located at the corner of the inner wall of the generator compartment adjacent to the tail loading compartment.
[0016] The advantages and technical effects of this utility model are as follows: The assembled cutter suction dredger side buoy with a sealed transition structure achieves significant technical effects through a series of innovative technical means, providing a strong guarantee for the efficient, stable and safe operation of the cutter suction dredger in complex sea conditions.
[0017] Modular assembly design not only simplifies the manufacturing and transportation process of side pontoons, reducing costs, but also makes installation and maintenance more convenient. On the construction site, side pontoons of the required length can be quickly assembled according to actual needs, greatly improving construction efficiency. At the same time, the modular design also enhances the flexibility and scalability of the side pontoons, facilitating future upgrades and modifications.
[0018] The sealed transition structure design is a major highlight of this side float. By setting up transition chambers of equal width and sealed connection, seawater or other liquids are effectively prevented from seeping in at the connection, ensuring the overall sealing performance of the side float. This design is especially important in harsh sea conditions, as it can avoid equipment damage and safety hazards caused by seawater infiltration.
[0019] The sealed endplate design further enhances the sealing performance and connection strength of the side float box. The sealed endplate, employing a dual-layer design with varying thicknesses, ensures both sealing performance and weight reduction while improving buoyancy. Simultaneously, a well-planned layout of connection holes and the selection of fasteners ensure a tight connection between the endplate and other components.
[0020] The optimized placement of the sealed transition chamber makes full use of space and improves the connection performance between the side buoys and the main buoy. Positioning the sealed transition chamber in key locations, such as the inner corners, makes the connection more stable and better able to resist external forces.
[0021] These technological advancements collectively enhance the overall performance and service life of the side buoy, meeting the operational needs of cutter suction dredgers in complex sea conditions. Whether operating in deep sea or nearshore, the side buoy demonstrates exceptional stability and safety, providing solid support for the efficient operation of cutter suction dredgers. Attached Figure Description
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first section of the side pontoon's single-unit structure;
[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the single structure of the middle side floating box;
[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the tail-side floating box unit structure;
[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first sealing end plate structure;
[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the first and second sealed transition chambers.
[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the third, fourth, and sixth sealed transition chambers and the main buoy deck;
[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the third, fourth, and sixth sealed transition chambers and the bottom plate of the main buoy box;
[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a prefabricated cutter suction dredger.
[0031] In the diagram: 1. First side buoy unit; 11. First ballast water tank; 12. First main buoyancy empty tank; 13. First side buoy deck; 14. First sealed transition empty tank;
[0032] 2. Mid-side pontoon unit; 21. Second main buoyancy compartment; 22. Storage compartment; 23. Mid-side pontoon deck; 24. Second sealed transition compartment; 25. Third sealed transition compartment;
[0033] 3. Aft side buoy unit; 31. Generator room; 32. Fuel tank; 33. Aft ballast water tank; 34. Aft side buoy deck; 35. Fourth sealed transition empty compartment; 36. Fifth sealed transition empty compartment;
[0034] 4. First sealing end plate; 41. First sealing ring plate; 42. First main sealing core plate; 43. First connecting hole;
[0035] 5. Second sealing end plate; 51. Second sealing ring plate; 52. Second main sealing core plate; 53. Second connecting hole; 54. Side float box sealing connecting seat; 55. Third connecting hole;
[0036] 6. Fasteners;
[0037] 7. Main buoy box; 71. Main buoy box deck; 72. Main buoy box sealing connection seat. Detailed Implementation
[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.
[0039] Please see Figures 1 to 9 A modular cutter suction dredger side buoy with a sealed transition structure includes a first side buoy unit 1, a middle side buoy unit 2, and a stern side buoy unit 3 connected in sequence. The first side buoy unit 1 includes a first ballast water tank 11, two first main buoyancy chambers 12 providing buoyancy, and a first side buoy deck 13 located at its end; a first sealed transition chamber 14 is provided at the end opposite to the first ballast water tank 11, and the first sealed transition chamber 14 has the same width as the first main buoyancy chambers 12; the middle side buoy unit 2 includes a second main buoyancy chamber 21, a storage chamber 22, and a middle side buoy deck 23; the end of the storage chamber 22 is provided with a second sealed transition chamber 24 with the same width as the first sealed transition chamber 14; the second sealed transition chamber 24 and the first main buoy deck 23 are connected in sequence. The first sealed transition chamber 14 is sealed and connected by fasteners 6; on the side adjacent to the main buoyancy box 7, two third sealed transition chambers 25 are provided on the inner wall of the second main buoyancy chamber 21 for sealed connection with the main buoyancy box; the stern side buoyancy box unit 3 includes a generator compartment 31 located in the middle, fuel tanks 32 located on both sides of the generator compartment 31, a stern ballast water tank 33 located at the stern, and a stern side buoyancy box deck 34; on the side adjacent to the middle side buoyancy box unit 2, the stern side buoyancy box unit 3 is provided with a fourth sealed transition chamber 35, the fourth sealed transition chamber 35 having the same width as the second main buoyancy chamber 21; for sealed connection with the main buoyancy box; on the side adjacent to the main buoyancy box, a fifth sealed transition chamber 36 is provided on the inner wall of the generator compartment 31 for sealed connection with the main buoyancy box.
[0040] More preferably, the first sealing end plate 4 of the first sealed transition chamber 14 and the second sealed transition chamber 24 includes a first sealing ring plate 41 and a first main sealing core plate 42 located inside it; the thickness of the first main sealing core plate 42 is less than that of the first sealing ring plate 41; the first sealing ring plate 41 is provided with a first connecting hole 43.
[0041] Further preferably, on the side adjacent to the main buoy, the second sealing end plate 5 of the fourth sealed transition chamber 35 and the fifth sealed transition chamber 36 includes a second sealing ring plate 51 and a second main sealing core plate 52 located inside it; the thickness of the second main sealing core plate 52 is less than that of the second sealing ring plate 51; the second sealing ring plate 51 extends upward and is higher than the corresponding intermediate side buoy deck 23 or the stern side buoy deck 34 or the main buoy deck, and its protruding part is provided with a second connecting hole 53; a side buoy sealing connection seat 54 is welded to the lower end of the second sealing ring plate 51, and the side buoy sealing connection seat 54 is welded to the side buoy bottom plate (the side buoy bottom plate is not separately marked in the figure, it is part of the overall structure of the side buoy) and is provided with a third connecting hole 55; the side buoy sealing connection seat 54 is used for sealing connection with the main buoy sealing connection seat 72 on the main buoy (the relevant structure of the main buoy is not shown in the figure).
[0042] More preferably, the third sealed transition chamber 25 is located at the corner of the inner wall of the second main buoyancy chamber 21.
[0043] More preferably, the fifth sealed transition empty compartment 36 is located at the corner of the inner wall of the generator compartment 31 adjacent to the tail loading compartment (the tail loading compartment is not explicitly mentioned in the original structure, but is presumed to be a compartment related to or similar to the tail ballast water tank 33; for the sake of explaining the positional relationship of the reference numerals in the attached drawings, this interpretation is used for now).
[0044] The following is a detailed summary of the technical effects of each technical solution:
[0045] 1. Modular Structure Design: By designing the side pontoons as a structure in which the first, middle, and stern side pontoons are connected sequentially, modular assembly is achieved. This design facilitates transportation, installation, and maintenance, reducing construction difficulty and costs. Simultaneously, the modular design also improves the flexibility and scalability of the side pontoons, allowing for adjustments to their length and configuration according to actual needs.
[0046] 2. Sealed transition structure design:
[0047] First and Second Sealed Transition Chambers: A first and second sealed transition chamber of equal width are provided between the first and middle side pontoon units, and are sealed together with fasteners to ensure a tight seal. This design effectively prevents seawater or other liquids from seeping into the connection, improving the overall sealing performance and safety of the side pontoons.
[0048] The third sealed transition chamber: A third sealed transition chamber is installed on the inner wall of the second main buoyancy chamber of the intermediate side buoy unit for a sealed connection with the main buoy. This design enhances the connection strength and sealing between the side buoy and the main buoy, ensuring the stability and safety of both under complex sea conditions.
[0049] The fourth and fifth sealed transition chambers: A fourth and fifth sealed transition chamber are installed on the stern side buoy unit, respectively for sealing connection with the intermediate side buoy unit and the main buoy unit. The design of these sealed transition chambers further improves the overall sealing performance of the side buoys, ensuring tight connection and stable operation between all parts.
[0050] 3. Sealing end plate design
[0051] First sealing end plate: The first sealing end plate includes a first sealing ring plate and a first main sealing core plate located inside it, and the thickness of the first main sealing core plate is less than that of the first sealing ring plate. This design ensures sealing performance while reducing the weight of the end plate, thus improving the buoyancy and stability of the side float box. Simultaneously, the first sealing ring plate is provided with a first connecting hole for easy fastening connection with other components.
[0052] Second sealing end plate:
[0053] Technical advantages: The second sealing end plate includes a second sealing ring plate and a second main sealing core plate located inside it, with the thickness of the second main sealing core plate being less than that of the second sealing ring plate. The second sealing ring plate extends upwards and is higher than the corresponding deck, with a second connecting hole on its protruding portion for easy fastening to the main buoy sealing connection seat on the main buoy box. Furthermore, a side buoy sealing connection seat is welded to the lower end of the second sealing ring plate, further enhancing the stability and sealing of the connection.
[0054] 4. Optimization of the location of the sealed transition empty compartment
[0055] The third sealed transition chamber is located at the corner of the inner wall of the second main buoyancy chamber, making full use of the space while improving the connection strength and sealing between the side buoy and the main buoy. This design allows the side buoy to better resist external forces and maintain stable operation under complex sea conditions.
[0056] Location of the fifth sealed transition chamber: The fifth sealed transition chamber is located at the corner of the inner wall of the generator compartment adjacent to the stern loading compartment. This optimizes space utilization and improves the connection performance between the side buoys and the main buoys. This design helps ensure the stability and sealing of the side buoys in the stern region, preventing seawater or other liquids from seeping in.
[0057] In summary, this modular cutter suction dredger side buoy with a sealed transition structure achieves efficient, stable, and safe operation through modular assembly, sealed transition structure design, sealed end plate design, and optimized placement of the sealed transition empty compartment. These technological advancements collectively enhance the overall performance and service life of the side buoy, meeting the operational needs of cutter suction dredgers in complex sea conditions.
[0058] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A modular cutter suction dredger side buoy with a sealed transition structure, comprising a front side buoy unit, a middle side buoy unit, and a stern side buoy unit connected in sequence. The first side buoy unit includes a first ballast water tank at its end, two first main buoyancy empty tanks that provide buoyancy, and the first side buoy deck. A first sealed transition chamber is provided at the end opposite to the first ballast water tank, and the width of the first sealed transition chamber is the same as that of the first main buoyancy chamber. The intermediate side buoy unit includes a second main buoyancy chamber, a storage chamber, and an intermediate side buoy deck; the end of the storage chamber is provided with a second sealed transition chamber of the same width as the first sealed transition chamber; the second sealed transition chamber and the first sealed transition chamber are sealed and connected by fasteners; on the side adjacent to the main buoy, the inner wall of the second main buoyancy chamber is provided with two third sealed transition chambers for sealing and connecting with the main buoy. The stern side buoy unit includes a generator compartment located in the middle, fuel tanks located on both sides of the generator compartment, a stern ballast water tank located at the stern, and a stern side buoy deck; on the side adjacent to the middle side buoy unit, the stern side buoy unit is provided with a fourth sealed transition chamber, the fourth sealed transition chamber having the same width as the second main buoyancy chamber; used for sealed connection with the main buoy. On the side adjacent to the main buoy, a fifth sealed transition chamber is provided on the inner wall of the generator compartment for sealed connection with the main buoy.
2. The assembled cutter suction dredger side buoy with a sealed transition structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first sealing end plate of the first sealed transition chamber and the second sealed transition chamber includes a first sealing ring plate and a first main sealing core plate located inside it; the thickness of the first main sealing core plate is less than that of the first sealing ring plate; the first sealing ring plate is provided with a first connecting hole.
3. The assembled cutter suction dredger side buoy with a sealed transition structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: On the side adjacent to the main buoy, the second sealing end plate of the fourth and fifth sealed transition chambers includes a second sealing ring plate and a second main sealing core plate located inside it; the thickness of the second main sealing core plate is less than that of the second sealing ring plate; the second sealing ring plate extends upward and is higher than the corresponding intermediate or stern side buoy deck, and its protruding portion is provided with a second connecting hole; a side buoy sealing connection seat is welded to the lower end of the second sealing ring plate, the side buoy sealing connection seat is welded to the bottom plate of the side buoy, and is provided with a third connecting hole; the side buoy sealing connection seat is used for sealing connection with the main buoy sealing connection seat on the main buoy.
4. The assembled cutter suction dredger side buoy with a sealed transition structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The third sealed transition chamber is located at the corner of the inner wall of the second main buoyancy chamber.
5. The assembled cutter suction dredger side buoy with a sealed transition structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fifth sealed transition chamber is located at the corner of the inner wall of the generator compartment adjacent to the tail loading compartment.