Hyperstatic Tendon Tensioning for Uniform Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing offshore wind turbines face challenges in evenly distributing load among retaining tendons, which are sensitive to manufacturing tolerances and require precise tensioning to avoid overstretching or relaxing, especially in hyperstatic systems with non-vertical tendon angles.
Innovation Solution
A method involving adjustable and non-adjustable tendons, where adjustable tendons are deployed using cylinders to achieve controlled tensioning, ensuring load distribution and overcoming manufacturing errors, with steps to progressively increase force until non-adjustable tendons reach a threshold, allowing load transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional tensioning methods are used for hyperstatic systems, then the system can be assembled, but the load distribution among tendons becomes uneven due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the tendon system adjustable rather than fixed. Each tendon is equipped with an adjustable tensioning device that allows the static system to be dynamically tuned during assembly. This enables compensation for manufacturing tolerances and ensures uniform load distribution across all tendons, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the tension parameter of each tendon independently through adjustable tensioning devices. By allowing individual parameter adjustment of each tendon's tension, the system can compensate for variations in manufacturing tolerances and achieve uniform load distribution, thereby improving both manufacturing precision and system reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If manufacturing tolerances are strictly controlled to ensure even load distribution, then tendon tension uniformity improves, but assembly complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than requiring strict control of manufacturing tolerances, the patent introduces dynamic adjustability through tensioning devices on each tendon. This allows the system to compensate for manufacturing variations without requiring extremely precise manufacturing, thereby reducing assembly complexity and cost while maintaining tendon tension uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable tensioning devices enable the system to self-adjust and self-correct for manufacturing tolerances during assembly. Each tendon can be independently tuned to achieve the desired tension, eliminating the need for complex pre-manufacturing quality control procedures and reducing overall assembly complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If tendon tensions are increased to compensate for manufacturing errors, then load distribution improves, but the risk of overstretching or damaging tendons increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables independent adjustment of each tendon's tension parameter, allowing for precise control within safe limits. This prevents the need to uniformly over-tension all tendons to compensate for manufacturing errors, thereby protecting tendon integrity while achieving accurate load distribution through gradual, controlled tensioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable tensioning devices provide a feedback mechanism that allows operators to monitor and control tendon tension levels. By gradually adjusting each tendon's tension and monitoring the system response, the patent ensures that load distribution accuracy is achieved without exceeding the strength limits of individual tendons, preventing overstretching or damage.
4Measurement precision
If real-time monitoring of tendon tensions is implemented during lifting, then tension control improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable tensioning devices enable the system to self-monitor and self-adjust tendon tensions during assembly and lifting operations. The mechanical adjustability provides inherent tension control without requiring complex external monitoring systems, thereby improving tension control accuracy while minimizing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By making each tendon's tension parameter independently adjustable, the patent creates an inherently controllable system where tension distribution can be managed through the mechanical properties of the tensioning devices themselves. This reduces the need for additional electronic monitoring and control systems, improving measurement precision while limiting device complexity.
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
Guarantees consistent tendon tensions and correct load distribution, eliminating the need for oversizing components and real-time monitoring, while ensuring stable tendon tensions post-lifting.
Implementation Method 1
Each adjustable tendon (8) has a cylinder (8a) capable of deploying in order to tension said adjustable tendon (8)
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for tensioning a hyperstatic system involves two structures connected to each other, including: a) connecting, by at least one non-adjustable tendon and at least one adjustable tendon which is formed by a tendon coupled to a cylinder in an initially retracted position, an upper structure to a lower structure which is positioned below the upper structure while maintaining zero tension in the tendons; step b) applying a force to the upper structure and/or the lower structure in order to tension each adjustable tendon and to deploy the respective cylinder thereof, the tension of each non-adjustable tendon remaining at zero; and step c) progressively increasing the force until the tension of each non-adjustable tendon reaches a threshold value which brings about a load transfer from the lower structure to the upper structure to allow the lower structure to be supported by the upper structure.