Modular Semi-Submersible Platform Expansion and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating solutions for coastal and lake-side structures are limited by small usable surface area, restricted to protected waters, and fail to meet stringent environmental and safety regulations, especially in adverse sea conditions.
Innovation Solution
A modular semi-submersible structure composed of interconnected modules with a hexagonal deck, annular hull, and columns, featuring a ballasting system and connection arms for easy expansion and adaptation, allowing for varying waterline levels to enhance stability and safety in adverse conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional floating pontoons are used in harbour environments, then they can provide floating support, but they have limited utilisable surface area and are restricted to protected waters
Solution Approach 1:
The floating structure is divided into multiple modular semi-submersible units that can be connected together. Each module consists of a deck, hull, and columns, allowing the structure to be expanded by adding more modules horizontally or vertically, thereby increasing the utilisable surface area while maintaining the ability to operate in unprotected waters
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions from traditional surface-floating pontoons to semi-submersible modules where portions of the hull are submerged below the water surface. This vertical dimensionality change provides greater volume and surface area for the same deck footprint, enabling expanded utilisable surface while enhancing stability in adverse sea conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If floating structures are deployed in unprotected areas, then they can access more locations, but they cannot withstand adverse sea conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The semi-submersible modules feature adjustable ballast systems that can dynamically change the submersion depth of the hull and columns. In adverse sea conditions, the structure can be ballasted to increase submersion and reduce wave impact on the deck, while in calmer conditions it can be raised for easier access and operation
Solution Approach 2:
The structure utilizes ballast water to change its displacement and draft parameters. By pumping water into or out of ballast tanks within the hull and columns, the structure can adjust its floating characteristics to optimize performance for different sea states, thereby withstanding adverse conditions while maintaining deployment flexibility
3Area of stationary object
If modular structure is used for expansion, then utilisable surface can be increased, but construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is designed as standardized modular units with identical connection interfaces. Each module is a self-contained unit with deck, hull, and columns that can be manufactured separately and then assembled by connecting via standardized arms and coupling mechanisms, reducing construction complexity despite the ability to expand
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple semi-submersible modules are connected through arms that link the columns of adjacent modules, forming an integrated floating platform. The connection system combines mechanical coupling with ballast adjustment capabilities, allowing modules to be joined together efficiently while maintaining individual module functionality and ease of assembly
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 structure provides an expandable and adaptable platform that can operate in unprotected areas, ensuring safety and comfort in adverse sea conditions while minimizing environmental impact, and can be easily constructed and expanded as needed.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a ballasting system and connection arms for easy expansion and adaptation, allowing for varying waterline levels to enhance stability and safety in adverse conditions
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a modular semi- submersible structure 1, comprising a platform for boarding various types of structures in the vicinity of coasts or of lake or river banks. The structure 1 comprises two or more semi-submersible modules 10, 10', 10" connected to each other, each of which comprises: - a deck 11 which in conditions of use is emerged and defines a portion of said platform; - a hull 12, which is positioned under the deck, is provided internally with first watertight compartments having a ballast function and in conditions of use is submerged; and - a plurality of columns 13 which structurally connect the hull to the deck and have inside them second watertight compartments having a ballast function. The semi-submersible structure comprises arms 16 which structurally connect adjacent semi-submersible modules to each other. The invention also relates to a method for making such semi-submersible structure.