Modular Structural Jacket with Radial Arms for Platform Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional structural support systems for offshore and onshore platforms are inflexible and costly to manufacture and install, requiring large cranes and complex assembly processes, and lack accessibility for maintenance and inspection.
Innovation Solution
A modular, vertically-oriented structural building module with a central core and radially spaced arms and tubular cans, allowing for customizable angles and lengths, which can be assembled into a multi-tiered jacket template for various platform configurations, and utilizing 3D printing for rapid and cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional structural support systems are used, then structural stability is achieved, but manufacturing flexibility and installation efficiency deteriorate due to inflexible designs requiring large cranes and complex assembly processes
Solution Approach 1:
The structural support system is divided into modular components including core structures, arms, and cans that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation enables flexible manufacturing of individual modules and simplifies the overall assembly process, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable arm angles and configurable module arrangements that allow the structure to be adapted to different platform requirements. This dynamic configurability provides manufacturing flexibility while maintaining structural integrity, addressing the contradiction between adaptability and assembly complexity
2Strength
If conventional structural support systems are used, then structural strength is maintained, but installation cost and time increase due to requirement of large cranes and complex assembly processes
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the structure into manageable modules, the system can be assembled in a step-by-step manner without requiring large cranes for entire structure installation. This reduces installation time and cost while maintaining structural strength through proper modular connections
Solution Approach 2:
Modules are pre-assembled and prepared before final installation, allowing for quality control and configuration verification prior to deployment. This preliminary preparation reduces on-site assembly time and complexity while ensuring structural integrity
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional structural support systems are used, then structural stability is achieved, but accessibility for maintenance and inspection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design creates accessible interfaces between modules that serve as natural access points for maintenance and inspection. Each module can be independently accessed without compromising overall structural stability, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The modular interfaces and connection points act as intermediaries that provide access to internal components while maintaining external structural stability. These intermediary elements enable maintenance personnel to reach internal structures without compromising the overall framework
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular design with customizable angles and lengths is implemented, then adaptability and ease of manufacture improve, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular components are designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized features that can accommodate various configurations. This universality allows the same basic modules to serve multiple functions and arrangements, providing configuration flexibility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a base structural building module employing a core structural member having an array of upwardly and outwardly and downwardly and outwardly extending braces or arms extending therefrom. Tubular cans are mounted at the ends of each of the upper and lower arms to receive piles. One upper arm is aligned and paired with one lower arm and the pair's respective cans are aligned about their can axis. The modules employ flexible design by varying the lengths of the arms and their respective inclination or declination angles. Modules can be stacked one on top of another (and secured) to form multi-tiered structural building jackets for building vertical structures such as, for example, oil and gas platforms used onshore or offshore as well as other structures. Each tier can also comprise multiple modules joined laterally together to provide a wide variety of potential template configurations and building applications.