Underwater Buoy Modular Retaining Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underwater buoys with modular members face the challenge of retaining structures breaking under high upward forces required to suspend tubular ducts between the seabed and surface installations, especially when the modular members are bulky.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates two facing retaining structures with receiving areas on the hollow body of the buoy, which trap modular members securely, and spacers to prevent lateral movement, enhancing resistance to hydrostatic pressure and facilitating assembly and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If modular members are made bulky to increase upward force, then the buoyancy capability is improved, but the retaining means become intensely loaded and risk breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means are divided into two separate facing retaining structures spaced longitudinally apart, each capable of independently supporting modular members. This segmentation distributes the load from bulky modular members across two structures rather than concentrating it on a single retaining means, thereby preventing structural failure while maintaining high buoyancy capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-plane retaining configuration to a multi-dimensional arrangement where two retaining structures are positioned at different longitudinal locations along the hollow body. This spatial distribution in the longitudinal dimension allows the system to handle larger modular members by spreading the mechanical load across multiple attachment points.
2Reliability
If modular members are retained strongly to prevent breaking, then the reliability is improved, but the assembly and manipulation become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the retaining function into two separate structures spaced along the hollow body, each structure can be independently accessed and manipulated. This allows modular members to be assembled and secured in a step-by-step manner, improving ease of operation while maintaining strong retention through the combined effect of both structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The facing retaining structures act as intermediary elements between the modular members and the hollow body. These intermediaries provide secure attachment points that are easier to access and manipulate than a single complex retaining mechanism, facilitating simpler assembly and maintenance operations.
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
This configuration ensures the modular members are securely fastened, resisting high upward forces and maintaining the buoy's vertical orientation, while allowing for easier assembly and manipulation, reducing the risk of structural failure.
Implementation Method 1
The modular members, which have a density lower than that of seawater, exert an upward force on one of the two retaining structures that is itself fastened to the hollow body
Data Source
AI summary
An underwater buoy for hanging a duct between a sea bed and the surface, the buoy including a frame and a plurality of modular members mounted in the frame, the modular members extending between their two opposite modular-member ends, the frame including a longitudinal body for receiving the extended tubular duct, and retainers mounted on the body for maintaining the modular members substantially parallel to the body. The retainers include two retaining structures spaced from each other along the body. The retaining structures are maintained in a fixed position relative to each other in order to hold at least one modular member.