Adjustable Dry Setting Installation for Underwater Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dry setting installations for underwater structures, such as sheet pile walls, are not adaptable to different steel sheet profiles, requiring multiple installations and being time-consuming and labor-intensive to manufacture and adjust for varying wall profiles, leading to increased material and construction costs.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable dry setting installation with varying distance and positioning means between side edge sealing elements, allowing the installation to fit different types of sheet pile walls by adjusting the width and position of the side walls and bottom, enabling reuse across multiple profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional dry setting installations are manufactured to fit a specific wall profile, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but adaptability to different profiles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall is made adjustable through a positioning system with multiple predetermined positions, allowing the installation to dynamically adapt to different wall profiles while maintaining effective sealing contact
Solution Approach 2:
A single dry setting installation design can serve multiple wall profiles by adjusting the side wall position to different predetermined locations, eliminating the need for custom installations for each profile type
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dry setting installations are manufactured for different profiles, then adaptability to different profiles is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
One universal installation design with adjustable side wall positioning can replace multiple fixed-profile installations, reducing the total number of different installation types needed while maintaining compatibility with various wall profiles
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dry setting installations are manufactured for different profiles, then adaptability to different profiles is improved, but manufacturing time and labor deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple predetermined positioning locations are pre-established on the side wall, allowing for quick adjustment to different profiles without time-consuming custom fabrication or complex alignment procedures during installation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces the need for multiple installations, saves time and materials, and allows for a single set of strength calculations to be applied across various profiles, lowering development and construction costs while providing a versatile and efficient method for creating a dry working environment.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable continuous air chamber (8) extending over the total width of the caisson and along the upright side walls (2) thereof; a series of deformable sealing elements (9) having a profile approaching the profile of a groove (6), which elements (9) are mounted between two horizontal guiding plates (11) disposed one above the other in a manner such as to allow a displacement of the elements (9) in the direction of the sheet pile wall (5) in front of the grooves therein, while said inflatable air chamber (8) is provided for pressing these elements (9) against the wall (5)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dry setting installation (1) for generating a substantially dry working space for carrying out work at an underwater structure. The dry setting installation (1) comprises two side-walls (2), a back wall (3) and a bottom (4) thus forming a cofferdam. The dry setting installation furthermore comprises, for each side-wall, a side edge sealing means (20) provided on the side-wall (2) edge for providing a substantially sealing contact between the side-walls (2) and the underwater structure. According to embodiments of the present invention, the dry setting installation also comprises a distance variation means (30) for varying the distance between the side edge sealing means (20) of the two side-walls (2).