Heavy Load Launching Structure With Retractable Transport Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for launching heavy loads, such as gravity-based wind turbine foundations, are costly, require significant port reinforcement, and are limited by the height of the mast when deployed on land, necessitating complex and expensive solutions like large barges and cranes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising support structures with movable transport structures that can switch between lifting and retracted configurations to facilitate the launch of heavy loads, allowing the load to be positioned and released without submerged support, reducing the need for large barges and port reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional deployment methods are used for heavy loads with tall masts, then the load can be deployed, but the cost increases significantly and port reinforcement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The transport structure is divided into multiple modular components that can be assembled and disassembled. The barge is segmented into transport structures that can be configured in different arrangements, allowing the system to adapt to various load sizes and port conditions without requiring complete port reinforcement
Solution Approach 2:
The transport structures are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, allowing them to transform between different operational states (assembled for transport, disassembled for port passage). This dynamic capability enables the same structure to handle both tall mast loads and navigate through port constraints without permanent infrastructure modifications
2Length of moving object
If large capacity barges and cranes are used to handle tall masts, then the load can be launched, but the draft requirements increase and port reinforcement is needed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of solving the mast height problem by increasing barge draft (vertical dimension), the invention uses horizontal positioning and support structures that extend alongside the mast. The transport structures can support tall loads horizontally while keeping the barge draft minimal, effectively moving the solution from the vertical to the horizontal dimension
3Strength
If submerged load-bearing structures are used to support the load, then the load can be transported, but the draft increases and underwater equipment motion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces air-supported cushions as intermediary elements between the load and the water. These cushions provide the necessary load support and stability without requiring submerged structural elements, thereby maintaining minimal draft and reducing underwater equipment motion while still enabling heavy load transport
4Strength
If transport structures remain in lifting configuration throughout, then the load can be supported, but the load cannot pass through the transport structure to be released
Solution Approach 1:
The transport structures incorporate movable components that can dynamically transition between lifting configuration (for transport) and retracted configuration (for load release). This dynamic reconfigurability allows the same structure to perform both support and release functions without requiring separate equipment
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
System (1) for placing a heavy load (E), in particular a gravity base of a wind turbine comprising a base and a central tower, in water, the system comprising: - two supporting structures (20a, 20b) extending between a zone for receiving the load on land and a zone for unloading the load onto the water; - front and rear transporting structures (10a, 10b) that are able to move together while bearing on the two supporting structures between the receiving and unloading zones, each transporting structure being transversally movable relative to the supporting structures in order to go from a lifting configuration, in which the transporting structure extends partially over the load, to a retracted configuration, in which the transporting structure frees a space to allow the load to pass through the transporting structure in order to be placed between the transporting structures in the receiving zone and released in the unloading zone, and vice versa, each transporting structure comprising members for lifting the load to allow it to be lifted in the receiving zone and lowered into the water in the unloading zone; - a rear bearing structure (30a) which allows the rear transporting structure to rest thereon and on one of the supporting structures only in the retracted configuration; and - a front bearing structure (30b) which allows the front transporting structure to rest thereon and on one of the supporting structures in the retracted configuration.