Inflatable Spacing Member for Jacket Pile Leveling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coupling jackets with foundation piles do not allow for effective leveling of the jacket during offshore installation, and they fail to provide a safe and efficient way to transfer loads after the grout connection is cured, especially in scenarios requiring height adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an inflatable spacing member is used between the jacket's first and second flanges, allowing for height adjustments and safe load transfer through grout connection by inflating or deflating the member, which can rupture to detach from the flanges, ensuring loads are transferred solely through the grout connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a temporary coupling system is used to allow jacket leveling, then the jacket can be adjusted in height position, but the system complexity increases due to additional leveling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system employs movable clamping shoes that can be adjusted between different positions to accommodate variations in pile height and enable jacket leveling. The clamping shoes are moveable along the pile surface, providing dynamic adjustment capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a leveling mechanism as an intermediary component between the clamping device and the jacket. This mediator enables height adjustment and leveling functionality without requiring complex integration into the core clamping mechanism, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clamping device is designed to accommodate pile position variations, then it can support jacket leveling, but the clamping device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping shoes are designed to be moveable rather than fixed, allowing them to adapt to different pile positions and heights. This dynamic capability provides versatility in accommodating pile variations without requiring multiple specialized clamping devices for different scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device is designed with universal applicability to handle various pile positions and orientations. The same basic clamping mechanism can accommodate both vertical and slightly inclined piles, as well as different height variations, reducing the need for multiple specialized components
3Reliability
If a temporary coupling system is used during grout curing, then the jacket position is maintained, but the system requires additional components for temporary support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temporary support function with the existing clamping mechanism. The same clamping shoes and actuating system that provide temporary support during grout curing are integrated with the leveling mechanism, eliminating the need for separate temporary support components
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device is designed to perform multiple functions: providing temporary support during grout curing, enabling jacket leveling, and maintaining jacket position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components for temporary support
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
Enables precise leveling of the jacket and safe removal of the coupling system, ensuring that loads are transferred through the grout connection only, which is crucial for large-scale installations like windmill parks, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The inflatable spacing member is arranged between the first flange and second flange in an inflated state
Implementation Method 2
the sleeve and the pile are fixedly coupled in a known manner by means of grout. When the grout is cured, said grout couples the pile and the sleeve for supporting the platform
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for coupling a jacket with a foundation pile, comprising; - mounting a first flange with the jacket, - contacting a second flange with the foundation pile such that the second flange is supported by the foundation pile, - mutually positioning the first flange and the second flange such that the jacket may be supported by the pile through the first flange and the second flange, - arranging an inflatable spacing member between the first flange and second flange such that the spacing member contacts both the first flange and second flange for supporting the jacket through the spacing member.