Buoyant Structure Hull Design for Offshore Kinetic Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a buoyant structure that can absorb kinetic energy from watercraft, dampen waves, and provide friction forces to prevent injuries and facilitate safe entry and quick evacuation in offshore oil and gas operations, especially in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
The buoyant structure features a tunnel with dynamic movable tendering mechanisms and a unique hull design that includes a combination of frustoconical and ellipsoidal sections, providing wave damping, radiation damping, and friction to absorb kinetic energy and protect watercraft, while allowing for rapid personnel transfer and operation as a command center or hospital.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a buoyant structure provides kinetic energy absorption capabilities through dynamic movable tendering mechanisms, then personnel safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing dynamic movable tendering mechanisms that can move between extended and retracted positions. These mechanisms include movable arms with fenders that can dynamically adjust to absorb kinetic energy from watercraft during docking operations, thereby improving personnel safety while managing the complexity through controlled movement rather than static rigid structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by positioning fenders on the dynamic movable tendering mechanisms to provide pre-positioned kinetic energy absorption capabilities. The fenders are arranged to contact watercraft hulls before significant impact occurs, cushioning the docking process in advance and preventing injury to personnel on the buoyant structure
2Stability of the object's composition
If a buoyant structure provides wave damping capabilities, then operational stability in harsh environments is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by designing the buoyant structure with a specific hull geometry featuring a frustoconical section and an ellipsoidal section. This geometric configuration naturally provides wave damping capabilities by altering how waves interact with the hull form, achieving operational stability in harsh environments through shape optimization rather than adding complex active wave damping devices
3Loss of energy
If a buoyant structure provides friction forces to watercraft hull, then kinetic energy absorption is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an intermediary approach by introducing fenders as a mediating element between the watercraft hull and the buoyant structure. The fenders provide friction forces and kinetic energy absorption capabilities while maintaining ease of operation, as they deform and absorb energy through material properties rather than requiring complex mechanical friction systems that would hinder docking 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
The solution enables safe and efficient entry and exit of watercraft, absorbs kinetic energy, and provides wave damping, ensuring personnel safety and rapid evacuation in harsh offshore conditions, while also serving as a command center or hospital.
Implementation Method 1
provides kinetic energy absorption capabilities from a watercraft by providing a plurality of dynamic movable tendering mechanisms in a tunnel formed in the buoyant structure
Implementation Method 2
provides friction forces to a hull of a watercraft in the tunnel
Implementation Method 3
provides wave damping and wave breakup within a tunnel formed in the buoyant structure
Data Source
AI summary
A buoyant structure having a hull, a main deck, an upper cylindrical side section extending downwardly from the main deck, an upper frustoconical side section, a cylindrical neck, a lower ellipsoidal section that extends from the cylindrical neck, an ellipsoidal keel and a fin-shaped appendage secured to a lower and an outer portion of the exterior of the ellipsoid keel. The upper frustoconical side section located below the upper cylindrical side section and maintained to be above a water line for a transport depth and partially below the water line for an operational depth of the buoyant structure.