Monopile Foundation Guiding Device Synchronous Clamping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional monopile foundation guiding devices for offshore wind turbines face challenges in achieving precise verticality control due to the use of multiple hydraulic cylinders, which complicates synchronous operation and reduces efficiency, and poses safety risks for operators.
Innovation Solution
A monopile foundation guiding device with a single drive unit and clamping arms that pivot synchronously, eliminating the need for multiple cylinders and allowing for precise verticality control, while ensuring safe and reliable operation by reducing the complexity of the clamping mechanism and relocating the drive unit to a safer position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple hydraulic cylinders are used to clamp the monopile foundation at several positions, then the clamping capability is improved, but the synchronous operation becomes difficult and verticality synchronous control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent cylinder control systems into a single integrated control system. The first and second drive units are controlled by a single controller that coordinates their operation, ensuring synchronous movement of multiple clamping arms while maintaining verticality control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by equipping each clamping arm with sensors that detect position and force information. This feedback is transmitted to the controller, which adjusts the drive units in real-time to maintain synchronous operation and precise verticality control during the clamping process.
2Force
If multiple cylinders are controlled by multiple people, then the clamping force can be distributed, but the operation process becomes complicated and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated control where the controller autonomously coordinates the drive units and clamping arms without requiring multiple operators. The system self-regulates the clamping force distribution through feedback from sensors, eliminating the need for manual coordination while maintaining effective force distribution across multiple clamping points.
3Ease of manufacture
If cylinders are mounted on the top of the platform, then the clamping mechanism can be positioned optimally, but operators face falling risks when climbing to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with automated electronic control. The drive units are controlled by motors and controllers that can be operated remotely or automatically, eliminating the need for operators to physically access the top of the platform while maintaining optimal clamping mechanism positioning.
4Measurement precision
If extension length of each cylinder is measured every time during construction, then the clamping precision can be maintained, but the operation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring of cylinder extension lengths through sensors that provide real-time data to the controller. This eliminates the need for intermittent manual measurements, allowing the system to maintain measurement precision while continuously operating without stopping to measure and adjust each cylinder.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a monopile foundation guiding device. The monopile foundation guiding device comprises at least one guiding unit; each of the at least one guiding unit comprises a single driving unit, a transmission unit, and a clamping unit; the clamping unit comprises at least two clamping arms, and a clamping space for clamping a monopile foundation is formed between the at least two clamping arms; the single driving unit transmits power to the transmission unit, and the at least two clamping arms are driven to operate synchronously by means of the transmission unit, so that the clamping unit is opened or closed. By means of the single driving unit, synchronous and coaxial opening or closing of multiple clamping arms can be implemented, so that high-precision verticality control of the monopile foundation can be implemented.