A support device for an instrument rack of an offshore observation platform

Abstract

This application discloses a support device for an instrument rack on a marine observation platform, used to support observation instruments at the wellhead of an observation well on the platform. The device includes a guide rail assembly, a support assembly, and a drive assembly. The guide rail assembly includes guide rails at least partially located on two opposite sides of the wellhead, extending substantially along a predetermined straight line. The support assembly is slidably connected to the guide rail assembly. The support assembly includes a support plate, a load-bearing plate, and a sliding member slidably connected to the guide rails. At least a portion of the load-bearing plate is connected to the support plate, and the sliding member is connected to the bottom of at least one location on the support plate or the load-bearing plate. The support assembly includes a first state where the load-bearing plate is above the wellhead and a second state where the load-bearing plate is completely positioned to one side of the wellhead. The drive assembly is connected to the support assembly and drives the support assembly to switch between the first and second states. This design avoids prolonged wear and tear on the traction device, extending the lifespan of both the traction device and the observation instruments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of marine operation auxiliary equipment technology, and in particular to a support device for an instrument rack on a marine observation platform. Background Technology

[0002] Offshore observation platforms, deployed on the sea surface, are fixed equipment systems used for water body profiling observations, suitable for long-term monitoring needs under different sea conditions near and offshore. To achieve profiling observations at different depths of seawater, offshore observation platforms typically use a traction device to position and secure the instrument rack. When lowering is required, the traction device guides the instrument rack smoothly to the target depth. Once at the designated position, the traction device continues to apply tension to the instrument rack, suspending it in the water layer and allowing data acquisition through the instruments on the rack. When retrieval or adjustment of the observation depth is needed, the traction device pulls the instrument rack, along with the instruments, back to the platform or adjusts the rack's position.

[0003] However, existing marine observation platforms still rely on towing devices to secure the instrument racks and instruments when they are in standby mode. When the instruments are in standby, the towing device needs to continuously pull and bear force for extended periods, increasing its workload. If the towing device fails, there is a risk of the instruments being lost or damaged. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this application is to provide a support device for an instrument rack on a marine observation platform, which can prevent the traction device from being subjected to stress and wear for a long time, extend the life of the traction device, and improve the safety of the observation instruments.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A support device for an instrument rack on a marine observation platform is disclosed, used to support observation instruments at the wellhead of an observation well on the platform. The device includes a guide rail assembly, a support assembly, and a drive assembly. The guide rail assembly includes guide rails at least partially located on two opposite sides of the wellhead, extending substantially along a predetermined straight line. The support assembly is slidably connected to the guide rail assembly. The support assembly includes a support plate, a load-bearing plate, and a slider slidably connected to the guide rails. At least a portion of the load-bearing plate is connected to the support plate, and the slider is connected to the bottom of at least one location on the support plate or the load-bearing plate. The support assembly includes a first state where the load-bearing plate is above the wellhead and a second state where the load-bearing plate is completely positioned to one side of the wellhead. The drive assembly is connected to the support assembly and drives the support assembly to switch between the first and second states.

[0007] Furthermore, the slider includes a slider slidably connected to the guide rail or a roller slidably connected to the guide rail.

[0008] Furthermore, the drive assembly includes either a hydraulic actuator or an electric actuator.

[0009] Furthermore, the support components also include an instrument storage container, which is fixed to the support plate.

[0010] Furthermore, the support device also includes a fence assembly, which includes a first fence disposed at at least three sides of the wellhead.

[0011] Furthermore, the fence assembly also includes a second fence located at the edge of the support assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, in the direction perpendicular to the preset straight line, the width of the bearing plate is smaller than the width of the wellhead of the observation well, and the width of the supporting plate is at least partially larger than the width of the wellhead of the observation well.

[0013] Furthermore, the support plate includes a first plate portion and a second plate portion connected to one side of the first plate portion, and the bearing plate is connected to the first plate portion; in the direction perpendicular to the preset straight line, the width of the first plate portion is smaller than the width of the wellhead of the observation well, the width of the bearing plate is basically equal to the width of the first plate portion, and the width of the second plate portion is larger than the width of the wellhead of the observation well.

[0014] Furthermore, the support plate includes a first plate portion and a second plate portion respectively connected to the opposite two sides of the bearing plate; in the direction perpendicular to the preset straight line, the width of the first plate portion is smaller than the width of the wellhead of the observation well, the width of the bearing plate is basically equal to the width of the first plate portion, and the width of the second plate portion is larger than the width of the wellhead of the observation well.

[0015] Furthermore, the support plate is a grid-shaped steel plate.

[0016] In the support device for the instrument rack of the marine observation platform provided in this application, the support component is pushed to slide along the guide rail by the drive component, so that the bearing plate arrives at and covers the predetermined position above the wellhead of the observation well. The support component is used to support the observation instrument, avoid the traction device from pulling the instrument rack and the observation instrument for a long time and causing wear, extend the life of the traction device, and improve the safety of the observation instrument. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the support device in the embodiments of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a top view of the support device in its first state according to the embodiments of this application;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a top view of the second state of the support device in the embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the support device from a first-view perspective in the embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the support device from a second perspective in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in specific embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] It should be noted that the directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back, or ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in this article are all based on the accompanying drawings of the specification and are introduced for ease of description. They do not imply any limitation on the order of the components. In addition, since some parts of the components provided in the above embodiments have the same function, this specification adopts a uniform naming method for these parts.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, this application provides a support device 100 for an instrument rack on a marine observation platform. The support device 100 includes a guide rail assembly 11, a support assembly 12, and a drive assembly 13. The base plate is the basic structure of the observation platform, and personnel activities on the platform are primarily conducted on the base plate. A wellhead is provided on the base plate, communicating with an observation well and providing a passage for the observation instruments to enter the well. The guide rail assembly 11 is located on opposite sides of the wellhead, defining the sliding direction of the support assembly 12 and supporting it. The support assembly 12 is slidably connected to the guide rail assembly 11 and is used to support the instrument rack. The drive assembly 13 is connected to the support assembly 12, providing a driving force for the support assembly 12 to move along the guide rail assembly 11. Specifically, the drive assembly 13 is connected to the bottom of the support assembly 12, or to the side of the support assembly 12. During operation on the marine observation platform, the observation instruments are towed by a traction device. The support device 100 is installed at the wellhead of the observation well to support the observation instruments when they are not in operation. To clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application, the following are also provided: Figure 1 The support device 100 shown is positioned vertically, horizontally, and forward and backward.

[0025] In the description of this application, the length direction of the support device 100 is... Figure 1 The front-to-back direction shown, and the height direction of the support device 100 are respectively... Figure 1 The vertical direction shown corresponds to the width direction of the support device 100. Figure 1 The left and right directions are shown.

[0026] The guide rail assembly 11 includes guide rails 111 at least partially located on two opposite sides of the wellhead. A straight line extending along the length of the support device 100 is defined as a preset straight line 101, and the guide rails 111 extend substantially along the preset straight line 101. The guide rails 111 provide a slidable track for the support assembly 12. The arrangement of the guide rails 111 ensures that the support assembly 12 moves along the preset straight line 101 under the action of the drive assembly 13, and no lateral deviation occurs during the movement.

[0027] The support assembly 12 includes a support plate 121, a bearing plate 122, and a slider 123 slidably connected to the guide rail 111. The support plate 121 connects to the bearing plate 122 and bears the load borne by the weight of the observation instrument. At least a portion of the bearing plate 122 is connected to the support plate 121, and the bearing plate 122 directly supports the observation instrument. The slider 123 is connected to the bottom of at least one location on the support plate 121 or the bearing plate 122, and facilitates movement of the support assembly 12 along the guide rail assembly 11.

[0028] like Figures 2 to 3 As shown, the support assembly 12 includes a first state in which the support plate 122 is positioned above the observation well (see [reference]). Figure 2 The second state, in which the bearing plate 122 is completely located on one side of the observation well (see...) Figure 3 When the support assembly 12 is in its first state, the bearing plate 122 is located above the wellhead 111 and can be used to support the observation instrument. The bearing plate 122, through a rigid connection with the support plate 121, transfers the load to the sliding member 123, which then transfers it to the guide rail 111, allowing the guide rail 111 to bear the entire weight and transmit it to the observation platform. When the support assembly 12 switches from the first state to the second state, the bearing plate 122 moves away from the wellhead 111, freeing up the wellhead area and creating space for lowering the observation instrument.

[0029] The drive assembly 13 is connected to the support assembly 12 and drives the support assembly 12 to switch between a first state and a second state. The drive assembly 13 is used to provide a controllable driving force to ensure that the support assembly 12 can maintain smooth switching over a long period of time.

[0030] With the above settings, when the support component 12 is in the first state, the bearing plate 122 carries the observation instrument, and the traction device does not need to apply a continuous traction force to the observation instrument, thus avoiding long-term stress and wear on the traction device and extending its service life.

[0031] As an optional implementation, the slider 123 includes a slider slidably connected to the guide rail 111. One end of the slider is connected to the support plate 121, and the other end is in direct contact with the guide rail 111. With this configuration, the slider 123 allows the support assembly 12 to be slidably connected to the guide rail assembly 11, thereby enabling the support assembly 12 to slide along the guide rail assembly 11. The slider 123 and the guide rail assembly 11 cooperate to define the direction of sliding of the support assembly 12. Furthermore, the contact surface between the slider and the guide rail 111 can distribute the load, and the contact between the slider and the guide rail 111 can also absorb some vibration and impact, allowing the support assembly 12 to slide smoothly even under disturbances such as sea waves, effectively maintaining the stability of the support assembly 121 on the guide rail 111, and preventing tilting and jamming.

[0032] As an alternative implementation, the slider 123 includes a rolling wheel slidably connected to the guide rail 111. The rolling wheel moves in a rolling manner on the guide rail, which greatly reduces the friction between the slider and the guide rail, significantly reducing the thrust required by the drive assembly 13 and making the switching of the support assembly 12 smoother.

[0033] The above settings enable the slider 123 to move smoothly along the guide rail 111, ensuring that the support assembly 12 smoothly switches between the first and second states.

[0034] like Figures 2 to 3 As shown, in one implementation, the support assembly 12 also includes an instrument storage container 124. The instrument storage container 124 is fixedly connected to the support plate 122, and moves with the support plate 122 as it moves on the guide rail 111. When the support assembly 12 switches to the first state and positions the support plate 122 above the observation well, the instrument storage container 124 is also accurately positioned above the observation well as the support plate 122 moves. At this time, the observation instrument can be placed in the instrument storage container 124 for storage. Through the above settings, when the support assembly 12 is in the first state, the observation instrument can be placed in the instrument storage container 124, achieving immersion protection for the observation instrument, avoiding prolonged exposure to the air environment, ensuring the performance of the observation instrument, and extending its service life.

[0035] like Figure 4As shown, in one implementation, the width of the supporting plate 122 is smaller than the width of the wellhead in the direction perpendicular to the preset straight line 101, to avoid other components of the observation platform, such as the guide structure of the traction device. The width of the supporting plate 121 is at least partially greater than the width of the wellhead. When the supporting plate 121 slides out from the wellhead position, this portion exceeding the width of the wellhead can extend laterally to both sides of the wellhead. The extended portions on both sides of the supporting plate 121 provide space for force bearing, preventing the supporting plate 121 from being completely suspended in the air, and also improving the supporting capacity of the supporting plate 121 for the supporting plate 122.

[0036] like Figure 4 As shown, in one implementation, the support plate 121 includes a first plate portion 1211 and a second plate portion 1212 connected to one side of the first plate portion 1211, and a bearing plate 122 connected to the first plate portion 1211. The first plate portion 1211 and the second plate portion 1211 are integrally formed, which improves the overall strength of the support plate 121. In the direction perpendicular to the preset straight line 101, the width of the first plate portion 1211 is smaller than the width of the wellhead, the width of the bearing plate 122 is approximately equal to the width of the first plate portion 1211, and the width of the second plate portion 1212 is larger than the width of the wellhead. In the first state of this implementation, the support assembly 12 is located above the wellhead, and the bearing plate 122 and the first plate portion 1211 are substantially aligned with the wellhead, used to support the observation instrument unloaded from the traction device. Maintenance and replacement of the observation instrument are performed in the first state. When switching from the first state to the second state, the observation instrument is fixed on the traction device, and the first plate part 1211 and the supporting plate 122 are moved out of the wellhead of the observation well. Because the width of the second plate part 1212 is greater than the width of the wellhead of the observation well, the second plate part 1212 passes over the wellhead of the observation well, and the second plate part 1212 can provide better support for the supporting plate 122 and the first plate part.

[0037] Furthermore, when necessary, the support plate 122 carrying the observation instrument can be switched from the first state to the second state, allowing the observation instrument to be moved to the wellhead side for maintenance or replacement. Specifically, the drive assembly 13 retracts, causing the support assembly 12 to slide along the guide rail 111 to the second state, and the support plate 122, along with the observation instrument, is simultaneously moved out of the wellhead. This configuration increases the operating space during maintenance or replacement, avoiding safety hazards caused by limited space above the wellhead. In addition, the wider operating space facilitates specialized operations such as calibration, cleaning, maintenance, or replacement of parts for the observation instrument.

[0038] As an alternative implementation, the support plate 121 includes a first plate portion 1211 and a second plate portion 1212 respectively connected to the opposite side edges of the bearing plate 122. In the support plate 121, the first plate portion 1211 and the second plate portion 1212 are separately provided and connected to the two sides of the bearing plate 122, which can reduce the overall weight of the support assembly 12. In the width direction of the support device 100, the width of the first plate portion 1211 is smaller than the width of the wellhead, the width of the bearing plate 122 is substantially equal to the width of the first plate portion 1211, and the width of the second plate portion 1212 is larger than the width of the wellhead. In the first state of this implementation, the support assembly 12 slides above the wellhead, the bearing plate 122 and the first plate portion 1211 are aligned with the wellhead, and the second plate portion 1212 is located on one side of the bearing plate 122.

[0039] Furthermore, the support plate 121 is a grid-shaped steel plate. Specifically, the support plate 121 is a steel plate with several through holes. The grid structure effectively reduces the weight of the support plate 121 itself, while providing flow channels to allow seawater and rainwater to flow through, avoiding the impact of water accumulation during the operation of the support plate 121, thus ensuring stable operation. The through holes on the support plate 121 can be formed by punching or drilling a single piece of steel plate to create uniformly arranged circular, square, or other shaped through holes. Alternatively, the support plate 121 can be composed of several interlaced steel beams forming an interlaced grid shape.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, as an optional implementation, the drive assembly 13 includes a hydraulic push rod, one end of which is connected to the bottom of the support plate 121 of the support assembly 12, and the other end is fixed to the base plate. The hydraulic push rod pushes the support assembly 12 to slide linearly along the guide rail 111.

[0041] As an alternative implementation, the drive assembly 13 includes an electric actuator. One end of the electric actuator is fixedly connected to the support plate 121, and the other end is fixed to the base plate. The electric actuator can drive the support assembly 12 to move along the guide rail 111. The electric actuator is integrated between the support assembly 12 and the base plate. The electric actuator has precise positioning and can accurately control the extension length and speed, making the switching between the first and second states of the support assembly 12 more stable.

[0042] With the above settings, the drive component 13 can stably drive the support component 12 to move linearly along the guide rail 111, so that the support component 12 can move to a predetermined position on the guide rail 111.

[0043] like Figure 5As shown, in one implementation, the support device 100 also includes a fence assembly 14, which includes a first fence 141 disposed on at least three sides of the wellhead. The first fence 141 is fixed to at least three sides of the wellhead. Optionally, the first fence 141 is provided with a plurality of blocking elements to prevent workers or tools from accidentally entering the well, thereby ensuring safe operation.

[0044] Furthermore, the fence assembly 14 also includes a second fence 142 disposed at the edge of the support assembly 12. The second fence 142 is fixedly connected to the support assembly 12, and the second fence 142, together with the first fence 141, can enclose the observation well area to prevent operators or tools from accidentally falling into the observation well.

[0045] Finally, it should be noted that the above are only some preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A support device for a sea-based observation platform instrument rack for supporting observation instruments at the mouth of an observation well of a sea-based observation platform, characterized in that, include: The guide rail assembly includes guide rails at least partially disposed on two sides opposite the wellhead of the observation well, the guide rails extending substantially along a predetermined straight line; A support assembly is slidably connected to the guide rail assembly. The support assembly includes a support plate, a load-bearing plate, and a slider slidably connected to the guide rail. At least a portion of the load-bearing plate is connected to the support plate, and the slider is connected to the bottom of at least one part of the support plate or the load-bearing plate. The support assembly includes a first state in which the load-bearing plate is located above the observation well and a second state in which the load-bearing plate is completely located on one side of the observation well. A driving component is connected to the support component and drives the support component to switch between the first state and the second state.

2. The support device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slider includes a slider slidably connected to the guide rail or a roller slidably connected to the guide rail.

3. The support device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive assembly includes either a hydraulic actuator or an electric actuator.

4. The support device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support assembly also includes an instrument storage container, which is fixed to the support plate.

5. The support device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support device also includes a fence assembly, which includes a first fence disposed on at least three sides of the wellhead of the observation well.

6. The support device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fence assembly also includes a second fence located at the edge of the support assembly.

7. The support device according to claim 1, characterized in that: In a direction perpendicular to the preset straight line, the width of the bearing plate is smaller than the width of the wellhead of the observation well, and the width of the supporting plate is at least partially greater than the width of the wellhead of the observation well.

8. The support device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The supporting plate includes a first plate portion and a second plate portion connected to one side of the first plate portion. The bearing plate is connected to the first plate portion. In a direction perpendicular to the preset straight line, the width of the first plate portion is smaller than the width of the wellhead of the observation well, the width of the bearing plate is approximately equal to the width of the first plate portion, and the width of the second plate portion is larger than the width of the wellhead of the observation well.

9. The support device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support plate includes a first plate portion and a second plate portion respectively connected to opposite side edges of the bearing plate; in a direction perpendicular to the preset straight line, the width of the first plate portion is smaller than the width of the wellhead of the observation well, the width of the bearing plate is substantially equal to the width of the first plate portion, and the width of the second plate portion is larger than the width of the wellhead of the observation well.

10. The support device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The supporting plate is a grid-shaped steel plate.

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