Marine Foundation Buoyancy Control for Stable Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional marine structure foundations face challenges in being easily moved and accurately installed at sea, often requiring multiple tugs and being susceptible to tide and wave-induced position changes.
Innovation Solution
A marine foundation system comprising a self-weight control tank unit that floats and submerges, a monopod unit, a guide bucket unit, and leg units, along with a thrust device for precise positioning, allowing for single-tug movement and stable installation using seawater buoyancy and suction mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional marine structure foundation is loaded on a barge or ship and moved to an installation position, then the foundation can be transported to sea, but multiple tugs are required and the process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation structure incorporates a self-weight control tank unit that can change its buoyancy state dynamically. By controlling the weight of seawater in the tank unit, the foundation can transition between floating and submerged states, enabling it to move easily on the water surface during transport and then submerge for installation, eliminating the need for complex barge or ship transportation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the weight parameter of the foundation structure by controlling the amount of seawater in the self-weight control tank unit. This parameter change allows the foundation to achieve different operational states (floating for transport, submerged for installation) without requiring complex external transportation equipment
2Productivity
If a marine structure foundation is moved using multiple tugs, then the foundation can be transported, but the transportation process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic buoyancy control system allows the foundation to self-propel or be easily towed while floating, and then quickly submerge for installation. This eliminates the need for time-consuming operations involving multiple tugs and complex loading/unloading procedures on barges or ships
Solution Approach 2:
The foundation structure serves itself by using the self-weight control tank unit to manage its own buoyancy and positioning. The ability to control its own weight and buoyancy state reduces dependence on external assistance during transport and installation, thereby reducing transportation time and costs
3Reliability
If a marine structure foundation is submerged at the installation position, then the foundation can be installed, but the installation position may change due to tide or wave
Solution Approach 1:
The guide bucket unit is lowered and connected to the ocean floor before the foundation is fully submerged. This preliminary action creates a guide structure that constrains the foundation's position during submersion and installation, preventing position changes caused by tides or waves
Solution Approach 2:
The guide bucket unit acts as an intermediary structure between the foundation and the ocean floor. It provides a stable reference frame and physical constraint that ensures the foundation is installed at the correct position and maintains that position during submersion, counteracting the effects of tides and waves
4Strength
If a conventional foundation system is used, then the structure can support marine equipment, but the delivery costs and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation structure is segmented into functional units: a self-weight control tank unit for buoyancy control, a guide bucket unit for positioning, a monopod unit for structural support, and leg units for ocean floor mounting. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall system compared to conventional barge-based approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The self-weight control tank unit serves multiple functions: it provides buoyancy for surface transport, acts as a ballast for submersion, and enables position control during installation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and equipment, thereby reducing overall complexity and delivery costs
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 efficient, cost-effective installation of marine structures with reduced delivery costs and improved stability against tidal and wave-induced movements, ensuring accurate positioning of the foundation.
Implementation Method 1
a self-weight control tank unit configured to move while floating at sea level and submerged and installed on an ocean floor by receiving seawater
Implementation Method 2
a guide bucket unit installed under the monopod unit and mounted on the ocean floor by discharging seawater
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a marine foundation and a construction method thereof. The marine foundation of the present invention includes a self-weight control tank unit moving while floating at sea level and submerged and installed on the ocean floor when seawater is supplied thereto, a monopod unit installed on the self-weight control tank unit to be lowered and connected to a marine structure, a guide bucket unit installed under the monopod unit and mounted on the ocean floor by discharging seawater, and a leg unit installed under the self-weight control tank unit.