Cutting Structural Members With Inclined Stepped Wire Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cutting structural members like subsea structure legs with existing diamond wire machines results in instability due to the top part sliding relative to the bottom part after cutting, posing risks to stability and safety during the cutting process.
Innovation Solution
A method using a travelling diamond wire with cutting parts that makes inclined and stepped cuts to prevent sliding, ensuring the top part remains stable and securely attached to the bottom part after cutting, utilizing a combination of rotational and translational movements to create specific cut patterns that restrict horizontal movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a horizontal cut at right angles to the leg is made, then the cutting operation is simple and efficient, but the top part of the leg becomes unstable and can slide relative to the bottom part
Solution Approach 1:
The cut is divided into multiple segments: a first inclined cut, a second inclined cut, and an intermediate stepped cut. This segmentation creates a mechanically interlocked joint where the top part cannot slide horizontally, while still allowing efficient cutting operations to be performed
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting approach transitions from a single horizontal cut to multi-dimensional inclined cuts. By cutting at angles and creating stepped intermediate surfaces, the solution adds dimensional complexity to prevent sliding while maintaining cutting efficiency
2Reliability
If the cutting machine processes one leg at a time, then safety and precision are maintained, but the overall cutting process becomes very lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The method creates preliminary stepped cuts and inclined surfaces before completing the final separation. These preliminary actions prepare the leg structure to achieve stability during the cutting process, allowing continuous operation without interruptions for safety checks or repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting process uses dynamic positioning of the cutting machine with motion tracks that allow movement in multiple directions. This enables the machine to efficiently process multiple legs while maintaining the safety and precision of individual leg cutting through controlled, adaptive positioning
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
Ensures safe and efficient cutting of subsea structure legs with enhanced stability, allowing for timely completion of the cutting process without compromising the structural integrity or stability of the remaining legs.
Implementation Method 1
use is made of cutting machines fitted with wires containing suitable cutting parts, such as so-called diamond wires
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for cutting tubular members, particularly legs, for supporting structures made of steel, concrete, steel and concrete, stone-like materials or the like, using at least one travelling wire (2) having suitable cutting parts, which method comprises the following stages: a) first cut in a transverse direction relative to the tubular member (1), extending to a certain depth into said member, in such a way as to produce a first cut line (5) in the form of an arc of a circle; b) second cut in a longitudinal direction relative to this tubular member (1), extending to a certain height of said member, in such a way as to produce two steps (6, 7) at two diametrically opposite points of this tubular member (1); and c) third cut in a transverse direction relative to the tubular member (1) until the travelling wire (2) emerges from this tubular member (1), in such a way as to produce a second cut line (8) in the form of an arc of a circle.