Cylindrical Structure Surface Treatment Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying surface treatment to large diameter vertical pipes, such as those found in offshore wind turbines, are hazardous and inefficient due to the need for manual intervention and the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions and rough seas.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an elongated frame structure with fastening means and a moving platform, allowing for remote operation and enabling surface treatment to be applied to cylindrical structures of varying diameters without the need for manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sand blasting and hydro blasting is performed by workers suspended from wire, then surface treatment can be applied to cylindrical structures, but the task becomes difficult and dangerous due to large recoil force, specific distance requirements, and environmental contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables automated surface treatment operations where the treatment apparatus moves along the cylindrical structure independently, eliminating the need for workers to be suspended from wires. The system performs sand blasting and hydro blasting automatically, with the recoil force being absorbed by the structure rather than transmitted to operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of workers suspended from wires with an automated device that moves along the cylindrical structure. The treatment apparatus is mounted on a moving platform that can traverse the surface, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with an automated mechanical system that eliminates exposure to recoil forces and environmental hazards.
2Ease of operation
If workers are suspended from tower structure using ropes and wires, then access to offshore sites is provided, but the operation becomes hazardous to personnel due to adverse weather conditions and distances from shore
Solution Approach 1:
The device autonomously accesses and treats the cylindrical structure without requiring personnel to be suspended from the tower. The moving platform travels along the structure independently, performing all treatment operations automatically, thereby eliminating personnel exposure to hazardous offshore conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a moving platform as an intermediary between the treatment apparatus and the cylindrical structure. This platform serves as a safe, stable base that eliminates the need for personnel to directly access the structure from suspended positions, transferring the interaction to a controlled, automated system.
3Reliability
If floating cranes are used to provide access to offshore structures, then surface treatment can be applied, but the solution becomes costly and unreliable due to adverse weather conditions and distances from shore
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the treatment apparatus from the complex floating crane system and mounts it on a simplified moving platform that travels along the cylindrical structure. This eliminates the need for heavy floating machinery while maintaining surface treatment capability, reducing both cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a dynamic moving platform that can traverse the cylindrical structure, allowing the treatment apparatus to reach all required positions without the need for stationary floating cranes. This dynamic approach simplifies the overall system while maintaining reliability in offshore conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (1) for surface treatment of cylindrical structures (2) comprising an elongated frame structure (3) with a pair of fastening means (4) arranged at its ends, a moving platform (5) arranged on the frame structure (3) to be movable between the pair of fastening means (4) and interchangeable treatment means (6) on the moving platform (5) for applying different surface treatments to the surface of the cylindrical structure (2). The fastening means (4) comprise a tensioned flexible strap (42) to be arranged circumferentially around the cylindrical structure (2), pivoted rollers (46) for movably engaging its surface, and rotating means (34) configured to move the device (1) with respect to the flexible strap (42) and around the circumference of the cylindrical structure (2).