Vibration device with increased clamping and method for clamping a foundation element
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing vibration devices for inserting foundation elements into the ground experience clearance issues between the device and the element, leading to noise generation, increased wear, and reduced control, due to which they are inefficient and cause environmental disturbance.
A vibration device with a clamping mechanism that fixes the foundation element radially and axially relative to the frame, reducing clearance and applying prestress, thereby minimizing noise, wear, and enhancing control over the insertion process.
The solution significantly reduces noise and wear, improves control over the foundation element, and extends the operational life of the vibration device by ensuring a secure and controlled insertion process.
Smart Images
Figure NL2024050221_31102024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] VIBRATION DEVICE WITH INCREASED CLAMPING AND METHOD FOR CLAMPING A
[0002] FOUNDATION ELEMENT
[0003] The invention relates to a vibration device with increased clamping of a foundation element to be inserted into the ground, a system comprising such a vibration device. The invention further relates to a method for clamping a foundation element and a method for inserting a foundation element into the ground.
[0004] Vibration devices for placing or inserting foundation elements, such as foundation piles, into the ground are known. Such devices are for example used in the placement of foundations for wind turbines or oil or gas rigs. The known vibration devices drive the foundation element, such as a solid or hollow foundation pile, into the ground using vibrations. To that end, the known vibration devices comprise at least one vibration block that is connected to the upper side of the foundation pile. In order to keep the foundation element in place during insertion, the vibration device comprises a clamping mechanism that surrounds and clamps an outer edge of the foundation element.
[0005] It has been found that a certain amount of clearance is present between the vibration device and the foundation element. A disadvantage of the clearance is that it causes generation of sound, thus leading to increased hindrance for the environment. In addition, it causes generation of heat, which increases wear on components of the vibration device.
[0006] The present invention is aimed at obviating or at least reducing the aforementioned problems by providing a vibration device for inserting a foundation element into the ground, the device comprising:
[0007] - a frame having a frame surface that extends in a plane defined by a first and second direction;
[0008] - a vibrator block that is operatively connected to the frame; and
[0009] - a clamping mechanism that is operatively connected to the frame and that is configured to both fixedly clamp a foundation element in a radial direction relative to a central frame axis that extends in a third direction that is substantially perpendicular to the frame surface, and to fixedly clamp the foundation element against the frame by displacing the frame and the foundation element relative to each other in the third direction.
[0010] An advantage of the vibration device according to the invention is that, due to the fact that the clamping mechanism displaces the foundation element in the third direction and clamps it against the frame, substantially all clearance between the vibration device and the foundation element is obviated. As a result, the amount of noise generated by the vibration device during use is reduced. Another advantage is that the amount of wear on the components, especially the bearings of the vibration device, is significantly reduced. This is mainly due to the fact that the amount of clearance, and therewith movement, between the vibration device and the foundation element is reduced.
[0011] A further advantage of the vibration device according to the invention provides increased control over the foundation element. This is mainly due to the fact that the axial clamping of the foundation element against the frame reduces the relative movement between them and allows a more direct control over the foundation element using the vibration device.
[0012] An even further advantage of the vibration device according to the invention is that, due to the axial clamping force exerted on the foundation element, a predetermined amount of prestress is applied between the foundation element and the vibration device.
[0013] Yet another advantage is that the vibration device according to the invention can be axial vibration devices, yet may also be torsion vibration devices. In fact, the vibration device according to the invention provides the abovementioned advantages for both types of vibration insertion of foundation elements into the ground.
[0014] It is noted that the third direction, in use of the vibration device, is substantially parallel to a central foundation axis of the foundation element to be inserted. In other words, in use of the vibration device, the central frame axis and the central foundation axis are parallel or even collinear. This also means that, during use of the vibration element, the clamping in the radial direction takes place in a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane in which the frame surface extends and is performed by exerting an inwardly directed clamping force on the foundation element in a radial direction (and thus towards the central axis).
[0015] It is further noted that the clamping of the foundation element against the frame can be done in the process of stabbing and / or thereafter. In case the foundation element and clamping device are making (full) contact already after stabbing, a further displacement relative to each other does not necessarily occur. Optionally, clamping of the foundation element against the frame can be done in the process of stabbing, whereafter optionally an upending process can be performed.
[0016] A further advantage of the vibration device according to the present invention is that next to a displacement between clamping device and foundation element, also the aforementioned prestress between the foundation element and clamping device can be effectively applied which is preferably functional in a direction that substantially corresponds with a vibration direction (somewhat comparable to a bolt pretension principle). An effect of the application of this prestress is the (significant) reduction of the force amplitude between the clamp and foundation element, and thereby significantly reduces the fatigue damage of the clamp system and the foundation element, such that wear is further reduced. Another advantage of the vibration device according to the present invention is that the clamping device actively pulls the foundation element towards the clamping device. In the event that the foundation element was not fully inserted (stabbed), the clamping mechanism automatically corrects this by clamping the foundation element against the frame. This improves the overall safety.
[0017] An even further advantage is the allowable vibrating time of the vibration device according to the present invention is increased, as a result of the reduced wear and fatigue damage of the foundation element and clamping mechanism.
[0018] It is further noted that several components or elements of the vibration device are distinguished from each other by providing a reference of ‘axial’ or ‘radial’ thereto. These terms are not considered to indicate any movement direction or orientation of these components or elements. These references are merely used to indicate a difference between various components and should for example be considered similar to references as ‘first’ and ‘second’.
[0019] In an embodiment of the vibration device according to the invention, the vibrator block is configured to provide a vibration for the purpose of inserting the foundation element into the ground.
[0020] The vibrator block is configured to provide a vibration to the foundation element to drive the element into the ground. To that end, the vibrator block is operatively connected to the frame, and preferably is connected such that the vibration induced by the vibrator block is transferred to the foundation element.
[0021] In an embodiment of the vibration device according to the invention, the clamping mechanism comprises a plurality of clamping devices, wherein each of the clamping devices comprises:
[0022] - a radial clamping element including a cylinder and a radial clamping means that is operatively connected to the cylinder and configured to clamp onto a foundation element; and
[0023] - an axial clamping element that is connected to the radial clamping element and that is configured to displace the radial clamping element relative to, and preferably against, the frame to clamp the foundation element against the frame.
[0024] An advantage of the abovementioned embodiment is that each of the clamping devices is individually exchangeable. This increases the reparability of the device. In addition, it increases the sustainability of the vibration device, since is allows a single clamping device to be replaced in case of failure (rather than all devices at the same time).
[0025] Another advantage is that each clamping device may separately be controllable. This provides an increased control over the foundation element, such as for example the tilt angle of the foundation element. A further advantage is that, due to the individual replaceability and control, the vibration device will continue to operate even if one or some of the clamping devices may not properly operate.
[0026] In an embodiment of the vibration device according to the invention, each axial clamping element comprises one or more cylinders, preferably one or more hydraulic cylinders.
[0027] An advantage of providing multiple cylinders for each axial clamping element is that an increased clamping force can be exerted on the foundation element. Another advantage is that the axial clamping force can be applied in a more even manner to the radial clamping element and, therewith, the foundation element.
[0028] In an embodiment of the vibration device according to the invention, each axial clamping element comprises two cylinders, preferably three cylinders and more preferably four or more cylinders.
[0029] An advantage of providing the abovementioned number of cylinders is that the axial clamping force can be applied in a more even manner to the radial clamping element and, therewith, the foundation element.
[0030] In an embodiment according to the invention, the frame comprises frame engagement means and the axial clamping element comprises axial engagement means that are configured to, in use of the device, matingly engage with the frame engagement means.
[0031] An advantage of providing engagement means on both the frame and the axial clamping element is that the frame and the axial clamping element together secure a connection between them, after which the cylinders may be used to exert the force on the foundation element.
[0032] In an embodiment of the vibration device according to the invention, the plurality of clamping devices is positioned around a circumference of the frame.
[0033] An advantage of positioning the clamping devices around the circumference is that an evenly applied clamping force can be applied to the foundation element. Preferably the clamping devices are positioned evenly along the circumference for an optimally applied clamping force.
[0034] In an embodiment of the vibration device according to the invention, the clamping mechanism comprises:
[0035] - a radial clamping mechanism that is configured to clamp the foundation element in a radial direction, and
[0036] - an axial clamping mechanism that is configured to operatively fixedly clamp the foundation element against the frame by displacing the frame and the foundation element relative to, and preferably against, each other.
[0037] An advantage of the abovementioned embodiment is that the radial clamping mechanism and / or the axial clamping mechanism can be provided as a single clamping mechanism. This reduces complexity of the vibration device. Another advantage is that the weight of the vibration device can be reduced due to the fact that the clamping mechanism only requires a limited number of supply lines to be attached thereto (compared to individual supply lines for individual clamping devices).
[0038] In an embodiment of the vibration device according to the invention, the radial clamping mechanism comprises:
[0039] - a plurality of radial clamping means that are preferably positioned around a circumference of the frame and that is configured to clamp onto a foundation element;
[0040] - a plurality of radial cylinders, wherein each of the plurality of cylinders is associated with a single radial clamping element of the plurality of radial clamping means.
[0041] It is preferred that each of the clamping devices comprises a plurality of radial clamping means to apply an even clamping force to the foundation element. It is preferred that the radial clamping means are positioned substantially evenly along a circumference of the foundation element in order to provide (an even further) evenly divided clamping force to the foundation element. It is noted that the term ‘associated’ includes that each of the plurality of cylinders is ‘operatively connected’ or simply connected to a single radial clamping element of the plurality of radial clamping means.
[0042] In an embodiment of the vibration device according to the invention, the axial clamping mechanism comprises a plurality of axial cylinders that is operatively connected to the plurality of radial cylinders, and wherein each of the plurality of axial cylinders is associated with a single one of the plurality of radial cylinders.
[0043] An advantage of providing each radial cylinder with at least one axial cylinder is that the axial force is exerted evenly around the circumference of the foundation element.
[0044] In an embodiment of the vibration device according to the invention, each of the plurality of radial cylinders is associated with two axial cylinders, preferably four axial cylinders and more preferably more than four axial cylinders, and wherein the axial cylinders preferably are hydraulic cylinders.
[0045] An advantage of providing multiple axial cylinders for each radial cylinder is that an increased clamping force can be exerted on the foundation element. Another advantage is that the axial clamping force can be applied in a more even manner to the radial clamping cylinder and, therewith, the foundation element.
[0046] In an embodiment of the vibration device according to the invention, the axial clamping mechanism comprises:
[0047] - a support frame that is connected to the radial clamping mechanism; and
[0048] - a number of axial cylinders connected to the support frame to fixedly clamp the foundation element against the frame by displacing the support frame and the foundation element relative to, and preferably against, each other. An advantage of providing a support frame is that a reduced number of axial cylinders is required to clamp the foundation element to the frame, while simultaneously maintaining a similar clamping force. Another advantage is that the (axial) clamping force exerted by the axial cylinders is evenly divided over the circumference of the foundation element by virtue of the support frame. It is noted that the support frame may be positioned, when viewed with respect to the plane in which the frame surface extends, above or below the frame surface. It is however preferred that the support frame is positioned above the frame and is movable with respect thereto to apply the clamping force to the foundation element.
[0049] In an embodiment according to the invention, the frame comprises frame engagement means and the axial clamping element comprises axial engagement means that are configured to, in use of the device, matingly engage with the frame engagement means.
[0050] An advantage of providing engagement means on both the frame and the axial clamping element is that the frame and the axial clamping element together secure a connection between them, after which the cylinders may be used to exert the force on the foundation element.
[0051] In an embodiment of the vibration device according to the invention, the clamping mechanism further comprises positioning means configured to position the clamping mechanism around an edge of the foundation element to allow engagement thereof, and wherein the positioning means are preferably operatively connected to the radial clamping means.
[0052] An advantage of providing positioning means is that the vibration device can accurately and easily be positioned relative to the foundation element to allow the foundation element to be clamped in a correct manner.
[0053] The positioning means may be provided at any suitable position of the clamping mechanism and preferably provided near the position at which the clamping mechanism is clamped on the foundation element.
[0054] In an embodiment of the vibration device according to the invention, further comprising one or more drive units for operating the at least vibrator block and / or the clamping mechanism.
[0055] The invention further relates to a vibration system, the system comprising:
[0056] - a vibration device according to the invention; and
[0057] - a foundation element to be inserted in the ground.
[0058] The vibration system according to the invention provides similar effects and advantages as the vibration device according to the invention. The vibration system according to the invention may freely be combined with one or more of the embodiments as disclosed for the vibration device according to the invention.
[0059] In an embodiment of the vibration system according to the invention, further comprising a power supply that is operatively connected to the vibration device. The system preferably comprises a power supply, which may be a hydraulic power supply or may be an electric power supply or may be a combination thereof. It is preferred that the power supply comprises a sustainable power supply or at least a power driven by sustainable power (sources).
[0060] The invention also relates to a method for clamping a foundation element with a vibration device, the method comprising the steps of:
[0061] - providing a vibration device according to the invention;
[0062] - positioning the vibration device on a foundation element to be clamped;
[0063] - clamping the clamping mechanism on the foundation element to fixedly clamp the foundation element in a radial direction; and
[0064] - clamping the foundation element against the frame by displacing the foundation element and the frame relative to, preferably against, each other in an axial direction.
[0065] The method according to the invention provides similar effects and advantages as the vibration device and the vibration system according to the invention. The method according to the invention may freely be combined with one or more of the embodiments as disclosed for the vibration device and the vibration system according to the invention.
[0066] An advantage of the method according to the invention is that both a radial clamping force and an axial clamping force are exerted on the foundation element, the latter of which secures the foundation element against the frame to reduce clearance and relative movement between both. As a result, the amount of noise generated by the vibration device during use is reduced and the amount of wear on the components of the vibration device is reduced.
[0067] A further advantage of the method according to the invention is that, due to the axial clamping force exerted on the foundation element, a predetermined amount of prestress is applied between the foundation element and the vibration device.
[0068] Yet another advantage is that the method according to the invention can be applied both for axial vibration insertion and torsion vibration insertion. The method according to the invention therewith is highly adaptable and efficient for in essence all vibration-based methods for insertion a foundation element into the ground.
[0069] It is further noted that the clamping of the foundation element against the frame can be done in the process of stabbing and / or thereafter. In case the foundation element and clamping device are making (full) contact already after stabbing, a further displacement relative to each other does not necessarily occur. Optionally, clamping of the foundation element against the frame can be done in the process of stabbing, whereafter optionally an upending process can be performed.
[0070] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method may further comprise the step of positioning the clamping mechanism relative to the foundation element, preferably around an edge of the foundation element to allow engagement thereof with the clamping means.
[0071] It is preferred that the method also includes a positioning step to secure the relative position of the foundation element and the vibration device to provide an optimal clamping force.
[0072] The invention also relates to a method for inserting a foundation element into the ground, the method comprising the steps of:
[0073] - providing a vibration device according to the invention;
[0074] - clamping the foundation element in the vibration device; and
[0075] - inserting the foundation element into the ground.
[0076] The method for inserting a foundation element according to the invention provides similar effects and advantages as the vibration device, the vibration system and the method for clamping according to the invention. The method for inserting a foundation element according to the invention may freely be combined with one or more of the embodiments as disclosed for the vibration device, the vibration system and the method for clamping according to the invention.
[0077] A particular advantage of the method for inserting a foundation element according to the invention is that the method, by virtue of the increased clamping, provides increased control over the foundation element. This is mainly due to the fact that the axial clamping of the foundation element against the frame provides reduces the relative movement between them and allows a more direct control over the foundation element.
[0078] In an embodiment of the method for inserting a foundation element according to the invention, the step of clamping the foundation element comprises the steps according to the method for clamping a foundation element with a vibration device.
[0079] It is preferred that the method for inserting the foundation element into the ground is performed using the method for clamping a foundation element according to the invention.
[0080] Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0081] - Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a vibration device according to the invention;
[0082] - Figure 2 shows a more detailed perspective view of an example of a vibration device according to the invention;
[0083] - Figure 3 shows a detailed side view of a part of an example of a vibration device according to the invention;
[0084] - Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an example of a clamping device of a vibration device according to the invention; - Figure 5 shows a schematic view of an example of the method for clamping a foundation element according to the invention; and
[0085] - Figure 6 shows a schematic view of an example of the method for inserting a foundation element into the ground according to the invention.
[0086] In an example (see figure 1), vibration device 2 comprises frame 4 that is provided with frame surface 6 that extends in a plane P defined by (horizontal) first direction x and (horizontal) second direction y. Vibration device 2 is further provided with hoist connection 8. Vibration device 2 in this example also includes two vibrator blocks 10 that, when viewed in (vertical) third direction z, which is substantially perpendicular to plane P and thus directions x and y, are positioned above frame 4. In this example, clamping mechanism 12 comprises a plurality of clamping devices 14, each of which is provided in opening 16 of frame 4. Each clamping device 14 is moveable in third direction z with respect to frame 4 (see also figure 2 and 3). In this example, foundation element 18 is shown in partially worked-open view in order to show vibration device 2 more clearly.
[0087] Each clamping device 14 in this example comprises radial clamping element 20 that is, when viewed in third direction z, positioned underneath frame surface 6. Radial clamping element 20 includes radial cylinder 22 and radial clamping means 24 (see figures 2 - 4). In use, radial clamping means 24 can be moved in a radial direction from and towards central frame axis A, which in most cases coincides with central foundation axis C. Clamping device 14 further includes axial clamping element 26 that, when viewed in third direction z, is positioned above frame surface 4. In this example, axial clamping element 26 comprises axial clamping means 28 that in this example include two axial engagement means 30 that engage mating engagement means 32 on frame 4 to secure axial clamping element 26 to frame 4. Axial clamping element in this example 26 further comprises a number of axial cylinders 34 that are configured to pull radial clamping element 20 in an upward direction along direction z to pull (not shown) upper surface of foundation element 18 towards (and preferably against) frame surface 6 to secure the upper surface to frame surface 6.
[0088] It is noted that the plurality of radial clamping elements 20 together in this example also form radial clamping mechanism 36 and that the plurality of axial clamping elements 26 together in this example also form axial clamping mechanism 38.
[0089] Vibration device 2 further includes drive unit 40 and optional power supply 42, both of which are schematically shown in figure 1. It is noted that the power supply 42 may also be connected to a different part of vibration device 2. In this example, drive unit 40 is a hydraulic drive unit 40. Also schematically shown is hoist device 44, which is connected to hoist connection 8 and positioning means 46. The latter are schematically shown as part of clamping mechanism 12 and may be positioned in any suitable position within vibration device 2. In an example of the method 1000 for clamping a foundation element with a vibration device (see figure 6), the method may comprise the step of providing 1002 a vibration device according to the invention and positioning 1004 the vibration device on a foundation element to be clamped. Optionally, step 1004 may comprise the step of positioning 1006 the clamping mechanism relative to the foundation element. Preferably, the positioning comprises positioning around an edge of the foundation element to allow engagement thereof with the clamping means.
[0090] In a further step, the method 1000 may comprise the step of clamping 1008 the clamping mechanism on the foundation element to fixedly clamp the foundation element in a radial direction, and the step of clamping 1010 the foundation element against the frame by displacing the foundation element and the frame relative to, preferably against, each other in an axial direction. In an example of the method 2000 for inserting a foundation element into the ground, the method may comprise the steps of providing 2002 a vibration device according to the invention and clamping 2012 the foundation element in the vibration device. Method 2000 in this example further comprises inserting 2014 the foundation element into the ground. Method 2000 may, in the step of clamping 2012 the foundation element, further comprise one or more of the method steps 1008, 1010.
[0091] The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiments and / or experiments thereof. The rights sought are defined by the following claims within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged.
[0092] vibration device 2 frame 4 frame surface 6 hoist connection 8 plane P vibrator block 10 clamping mechanism 12 clamping device 14 frame opening 16 foundation element 18 radial clamping element 20
[0093] (radial) cylinder 22 radial clamping means 24 axial clamping element 26 radial clamping means 28 axial engagement means 30 frame engagement means 32
[0094] (axial) cylinder 34 radial clamping mechanism 36 axial clamping mechanism 38 central frame axis A central foundation (element) axis C first direction x second direction y third direction z drive unit 40 power supply 42 hoist device 44 positioning means 46
Claims
CLAIMS1. Vibration device for inserting a foundation element into the ground, the device comprising:- a frame having a frame surface that extends in a plane defined by a first and second direction;- a vibrator block that is operatively connected to the frame; and- a clamping mechanism that is operatively connected to the frame and that is configured to both fixedly clamp a foundation element in a radial direction relative to a central frame axis that extends in a third direction that is substantially perpendicular to the frame surface, and to fixedly clamp the foundation element against the frame by displacing the frame and the foundation element relative to each other in the third direction.
2. Vibration device according to claim 1, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a plurality of clamping devices, wherein each of the clamping devices comprises:- a radial clamping element including a cylinder and a radial clamping means that is operatively connected to the cylinder and configured to clamp onto a foundation element; and- an axial clamping element that is connected to the radial clamping element and that is configured to displace the radial clamping element relative to, and preferably against, the frame to clamp the foundation element against the frame.
3. Vibration device according to claim 2, wherein each axial clamping element comprises one or more cylinders, preferably one or more hydraulic cylinders.
4. Vibration device according to claim 3, wherein each axial clamping element comprises two cylinders, preferably four cylinders and more preferably more than four cylinders.
5. Vibration device according to any one of the claims 2 - 4, wherein the plurality of clamping devices is positioned around a circumference of the frame.
6. Vibration device according to claim 1, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises:- a radial clamping mechanism that is configured to clamp the foundation element in a radial direction, and- an axial clamping mechanism that is configured to operatively fixedly clamp the foundation element against the frame by displacing the frame and the foundation element relative to, and preferably against, each other.
7. Vibration device according to claim 6, wherein the radial clamping mechanism comprises:- a plurality of radial clamping means that are preferably positioned around a circumference of the frame and that is configured to clamp onto a foundation element;- a plurality of radial cylinders, wherein each of the plurality of cylinders is associated with a single radial clamping element of the plurality of radial clamping means.
8. Vibration device according to claims 6 or 7, wherein the axial clamping mechanism comprises a plurality of axial cylinders that is operatively connected to the plurality of radial cylinders, and wherein each of the plurality of axial cylinders is associated with a single one of the plurality of radial cylinders.
9. Vibration device according to claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of radial cylinders is associated with two axial cylinders, preferably four axial cylinders and more preferably more than four axial cylinders, and wherein the axial cylinders preferably are hydraulic cylinders.
10. Vibration device according to claim 7, wherein the axial clamping mechanism comprises:- a support frame that is connected to the radial clamping mechanism; and- a number of cylinders connected to the support frame to fixedly clamp the foundation element against the frame by displacing the support frame and the foundation element relative to, and preferably against, each other.
11. Vibration device according any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping mechanism further comprises positioning means configured to position the clamping mechanism around an edge of the foundation element to allow engagement thereof, and wherein the positioning means are preferably operatively connected to the radial clamping means.
12. Vibration device according any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more drive units for operating the at least vibrator block and / or the clamping mechanism.
13. Vibration system comprising:- a vibration device according to any one of the claims 1 - 12;- a foundation element to be inserted in the ground.
14. Vibration system according to claim 13, further comprising a power supply that is operatively connected to the vibration device.
15. Method for clamping a foundation element with a vibration device, the method comprising the steps of:- providing a vibration device according to any one of the claims 1 - 12;- positioning the vibration device on a foundation element to be clamped;- clamping the clamping mechanism on the foundation element to fixedly clamp the foundation element in a radial direction; and- clamping the foundation element against the frame by displacing the foundation element and the frame relative to, preferably against, each other in an axial direction.
16. Method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of positioning the clamping mechanism relative to the foundation element, preferably around an edge of the foundation element to allow engagement thereof with the clamping means.
17. Method for inserting a foundation element into the ground, the method comprising the steps of:- providing a vibration device according to one or more of the claims 1 - 12;- clamping the foundation element in the vibration device; and- inserting the foundation element into the ground.
18. Method according to claim 17, wherein the step of clamping the foundation element comprises the steps according to method claim 15 or 16.