Modular Semi-Submersible Platform Pin Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of semi-submersible offshore wind turbine platforms is time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the need for welded joints, which require significant space, manpower, and temporary structures for final assembly.
Innovation Solution
A modular assembly system using pinned tubulars and a custom-designed assembly rig that aligns pin joints for quick assembly and disassembly, allowing the platform to be assembled without welding, with beams and floats connected via pin joints that transfer loads efficiently and reduce wear and tear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welded joints are used to connect truss system components, then structural strength and stability are improved, but assembly time and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into modular components (buoyancy chambers, truss elements, columns) that can be assembled separately and then quickly connected using pin joints rather than welded connections, reducing assembly time while maintaining structural integrity through the modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The welding process is replaced with a mechanical pin joint connection system that allows for rapid assembly and disassembly of truss components, eliminating the need for time-consuming welding operations while still providing sufficient structural strength through the pin connection mechanism
2Strength
If welded joints are used for final assembly, then connection strength is improved, but the need for temporary structures and manpower increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex welding process and associated temporary structures (scaffolding, welding equipment) are extracted from the assembly process, replacing them with simple pin joint connections that can be made directly between pre-fabricated components without requiring temporary support structures
Solution Approach 2:
The pin joints serve as a temporary but sufficient connection method during assembly, allowing components to be quickly connected and disconnected without the need for permanent welded joints, reducing both the complexity and resources required for assembly operations
3Force
If larger buoyancy chambers are used, then restoring moment is improved, but the complexity of the truss system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyancy support system is segmented into multiple separate buoyancy chambers distributed around the platform rather than using fewer larger chambers, which reduces the complexity of individual truss connections while collectively providing the necessary restoring moment through distributed buoyant force
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 modular system significantly reduces assembly time and manpower requirements, enabling faster and more efficient construction of semi-submersible platforms while maintaining structural integrity and stability, and allowing for easier transportation and deployment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the at least one upper beam, the at least one lower beam, and the at least one cross beam are configured to rotate about at least one pin
Implementation Method 2
each of the at least one upper beam, the at least one lower beam and the at least one cross beam are coupled via a plurality of pins to the float and the central column
Data Source
AI summary
A semi-submersible offshore platform includes at least one truss having a central column with an upper end and a lower end, at least one float having an upper end and a lower end, the float spaced from the central column horizontally, at least one upper beam coupled to the upper end of the float and the upper end of the central column, at least one lower beam coupled to the lower end of the float and the lower end of the central column, at least one cross beam coupled to the lower end of the float and the upper end of the central column, wherein each of the at least one upper beam, the at least one lower beam and the at least one cross beam are coupled via a plurality of pins to the float and the central column.