Multi-Suction Pile Anchor With Coupling Plate For Lateral Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchor technologies for marine structures face challenges in increasing capacity without enlarging the suction pile size, leading to reduced efficiency and environmental concerns, especially in deep-sea installations, where the lateral resistance is weak due to small contact surfaces and high manufacturing costs for large-capacity anchors.
Innovation Solution
A multi-suction pile anchor system where multiple suction piles are connected in parallel with a coupling plate to enhance capacity and lateral resistance without increasing the suction pile diameter, allowing for easier penetration and stable mooring of marine structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the suction pile diameter is increased to enhance anchor capacity, then the penetrating force increases, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides a single large-capacity anchor into multiple smaller suction piles connected in parallel. Each suction pile maintains a manageable diameter for cost-effective manufacturing and easy installation, while the combined group provides the required total anchor capacity. The coupling plate connects these segmented suction piles to function as a unified anchor system.
2Force
If the suction pile diameter is increased to improve penetrating force, then the penetration capability improves, but the lateral resistance remains insufficient due to small contact surface
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple suction piles laterally to simultaneously achieve sufficient penetrating force and lateral resistance. The coupling plate merges the suction piles into a unified structure where the collective cross-sectional area provides adequate penetrating force, while the extended lateral contact surface area along multiple piles provides the required lateral resistance for stable mooring.
3Device complexity
If a single large-capacity anchor is used to reduce the number of components, then the device complexity decreases, but the manufacturing cost increases due to the large suction pile size
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the anchor system into multiple standard-sized suction piles that can be manufactured using conventional, cost-effective processes. These modular units are then assembled using a coupling plate, achieving the required total capacity without the prohibitive costs of manufacturing a single large-diameter suction pile. The standardized components benefit from economies of scale in manufacturing.
4Strength
If the suction pile diameter is increased to enhance anchor capacity, then the pullout resistance increases, but the installation difficulty and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the anchor capacity requirement into multiple smaller suction piles that are easier to handle and install. Each small suction pile can be independently positioned and installed using standard equipment, reducing installation difficulty and time compared to maneuvering a single large-diameter suction pile. The coupling plate connects them after installation to achieve the required total pullout resistance.
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 system allows for efficient and cost-effective installation of marine structures by enhancing anchor capacity and lateral resistance, enabling easier penetration and stable mooring without the need for large suction pile sizes, and allows for reuse of components.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure difference is generated between the inside and outside of the suction pile, and the suction pile is driven into the ground due to the pressure difference
Implementation Method 2
The suction pile is installed at the ground by using a pressure difference between an inside and an outside of the suction pile, which is generated when a fluid such as water or air provided therein is pumped outwards
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-suction pile anchor and a plate anchor for mooring a marine structure, comprises a plurality of suction piles connected in parallel with the same capacity penetrates into the sea floor, wherein a pullout resistance required for mooring the marine structure is applied by changing the number of suction piles, and wherein a plurality of suction piles is connected each other with a connecting plate to increase a lateral resistance.