Offshore Pile Holder with Pivotable Jaws for Precise Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pile holding systems face challenges in efficiently and precisely orienting large, heavy offshore wind turbine piles during installation, particularly in deeper waters, due to cumbersome designs and friction issues with pile engaging devices, which complicates the process and can lead to misalignment and damage.
Innovation Solution
A pile holder system with pivotable jaws and track structures that support primary and secondary pile engaging devices, allowing for controlled rotation of the pile around its longitudinal axis without the need for a separate pile drive, and enabling engagement with piles of varying diameters through adjustable suspension arms and rollers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate pile drive is used to rotate the pile, then pile orientation can be achieved, but device complexity increases and friction issues arise with pile engaging devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pile rotation function with the existing pile engaging devices. The engaging devices, which already contact the pile for positioning, are equipped with drives that can rotate the pile about its longitudinal axis. This eliminates the need for a separate pile drive system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective pile orientation capability.
2Ease of operation
If pile engaging devices are pressed hard onto the pile surface to overcome friction, then rotation can be achieved, but the risk of misalignment and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical friction-based rotation method with a more controlled approach. Instead of pressing engaging devices hard against the pile to overcome friction, the system uses drives on the engaging devices that can apply controlled rotational force. This substitution reduces the harmful effects of excessive friction and pressure while maintaining effective pile rotation and orientation.
3Ease of operation
If the pile holder is positioned outboard outside the vessel contour, then pile support during driving is enabled, but the footprint and deck space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic support system where the pile holder can be moved between inboard and outboard positions. The support system includes movable supports that can extend outward to position the pile holder outside the vessel contour during pile driving operations, then retract inward when not in use. This dynamic configuration enables the system to provide adequate pile support capability while minimizing the permanent footprint and deck space requirements of the installation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pile holding system configured to support the pile in an upright position at a pile installation location next to the vessel. The pile holding system comprises a pile holder and a pile holder support system. The pile holder support system is configured to be mounted on the deck of the vessel, to moveably support the pile holder, and to move the pile holder in a first direction between an inboard position and an outboard position. The pile holder, when in the outboard position, is located outside the contour of the vessel, for holding the pile in the upright position at the installation location. The pile holder, when in the inboard position with the first and second jaw in the open position, is located within the contour of the vessel.