Inflatable Packer Element for Offshore Foundation Gripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing offshore packers and grippers for securing support structures to foundations are complex, costly, and prone to failure, leading to reliability issues and increased installation costs due to the need for calm weather conditions to ensure a strong connection.
Innovation Solution
A packer and gripper member comprising inflatable elements with ports and coupling members, configured to expand and secure support structures to foundations using pressurized fluid, minimizing movement and enabling reliable fixation without complex components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If complex packers and grippers with multiple moving components are used to secure support structures, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inflatable elements that expand using pressurized fluid to secure the support structure to the foundation. This pneumatic mechanism replaces complex mechanical packers and grippers with multiple moving components, achieving strong connection through simple inflation while reducing device complexity and operational cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible inflatable elements that can be inflated to expand and secure the support structure. These flexible shells provide the necessary holding force through expansion without requiring complex mechanical structures, multiple moving parts, or expensive maintenance-intensive components
2Reliability
If complex packers and grippers are used to ensure strong connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the maintenance cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable elements provide a simple, reliable mechanism for securing structures without complex mechanical parts that require maintenance. The pneumatic inflation system eliminates the need for moving components, reducing potential failure modes and maintenance requirements while ensuring consistent connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple inflatable elements that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than complex packers and grippers that require expensive maintenance. The simplicity of the inflatable design reduces operational costs and makes the system more economical to maintain or replace
3Strength
If traditional packers are used to prevent movement during cement curing, then the connection strength is improved, but the installation cost increases due to weather constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable elements provide immediate and reliable stabilization of the support structure during cement curing through pneumatic expansion. This allows installation to proceed in various weather conditions without waiting for calm periods, as the inflatable elements actively prevent movement, thereby reducing installation costs and improving productivity
4Reliability
If multiple moving components are used in packers and grippers, then the gripping capability is improved, but the potential failure modes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple moving mechanical components with a single inflatable element that expands through pneumatic pressure to provide gripping and securing capability. This eliminates numerous potential failure points associated with mechanical joints, seals, and actuating mechanisms while maintaining effective gripping capability through uniform expansion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions of complex packers and grippers into a single inflatable element. The inflation mechanism integrates positioning, securing, and stabilization functions that previously required multiple separate components, thereby reducing the number of parts and potential failure modes while maintaining comprehensive gripping capability
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 inflatable packer and gripper member provides a reliable, cost-effective solution for securing support structures, reducing installation costs and ensuring robust connections without the need for calm weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
configured to expand and secure support structures to foundations using pressurized fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a packer and/or gripper element (10), beneficially for use offshore and/or underwater, the packer and/or gripper (10) comprising an inflatable element or cushion (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d), wherein a periphery of the/each inflatable element or cushion (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) comprises at least one corner, the at least one corner comprising a concave portion (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d). The disclosed packer and/or gripper element (10) comprises a plurality of inflatable elements (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d), each inflatable element (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) being communicably coupled to an adjacent inflatable element (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) by a port (155a, 155b) disposed between the inflatable elements (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d).