Floating Wind Platform Y-Structure for Motion and Vessel Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Floating wind power generation devices face challenges in improving motion performance and reducing production costs, while also facilitating vessel access.

Innovation Solution

The structure of the floating wind power generation device includes a main column supported by a plurality of auxiliary columns connected by connecting members, with pontoons extending below to support the self-weight, featuring a Y-shaped configuration to reduce manufacturing costs and enhance vessel access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a traditional substructure with multiple columns and connecting members is used, then the structural strength is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidsubstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple columns and connecting members into a single integrated substructure. The U-shaped substructure combines the support function of columns with the connection function of members, eliminating the need for separate components while maintaining structural strength and reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The U-shaped substructure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, connects the floating body to the wind turbine, and offers mounting points for equipment. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If a compact substructure is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the vessel access becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidvessel access
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The U-shaped substructure extends in the longitudinal dimension of the floating body, creating open space on both sides. This dimensional arrangement allows vessels to access the wind turbine from either side without requiring a complex, space-consuming layout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If the floating body has high motion performance, then the power generation efficiency is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation efficiencyVSAvoidfloating body structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The floating body is segmented into distinct functional modules: the U-shaped substructure, the floating platform, and the wind turbine assembly. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 improved structure enhances motion performance and reduces production costs, while facilitating easier access for vessels.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of pontoons provided below the plurality of connecting members with respect to the direction of gravity to support a self-weight of the main column and the plurality of auxiliary columns

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP4714818A2Floating offshore power generation device
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 POHANG IRON & STEEL CO LTD
  • EP4714818A2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4714818A2 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4714818A2 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A floating wind power generation device may include a power generation unit configured to perform a wind power generation action, and a floating body provided to support the power generation unit, wherein the floating body includes a main column configured to support the power generation unit, a plurality of auxiliary columns provided around the main column, a plurality of connecting members configured to connect the main column and each of the plurality of auxiliary columns, and a plurality of pontoons provided below the plurality of connecting members with respect to the direction of gravity to support a self-weight of the main column and the plurality of auxiliary columns.