Offshore Pile Foundation Positioning Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for providing a foundation for offshore wind turbines or jetties using piles are time-consuming, typically taking 5 to 7 days due to the need for precise positioning and repositioning of piles, which is challenging in rough sea conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a positioning frame with guide sleeves and adaptable positioning means such as spud poles, traction cables, and remotely operated vehicles to accurately place piles in a geometric pattern, allowing for precise alignment and reduction in the time required for foundation setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a lifting crane is used to manipulate each pile individually, then the foundation can be assembled with precise pile placement, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple repositioning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pile manipulation operations into a single integrated positioning frame that can hold and place multiple piles simultaneously. The frame integrates guide sleeves for pile alignment, positioning mechanisms for accuracy, and lifting capabilities for multiple piles, eliminating the need for repeated crane repositioning and significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning frame is prepared in advance with multiple guide sleeves and positioning mechanisms configured for the specific foundation pattern. Piles are pre-positioned on the frame at the correct locations and orientations before being lowered into the water, allowing for rapid deployment without time-consuming on-site adjustments.
2Productivity
If the positioning frame is lowered without precise positioning means, then the operation is simpler and faster, but the accuracy of pile placement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into multiple independent components: coarse positioning mechanisms for rapid movement, fine-adjustment mechanisms for precision, and fixed guide sleeves for final alignment. This segmentation allows the frame to be quickly positioned overall while maintaining high accuracy for individual pile placements without requiring complex integrated systems.
3Measurement precision
If multiple repositioning operations are performed to achieve accurate pile placement, then precision is improved, but the time required and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning frame serves as an intermediary device that pre-establishes the correct geometric relationships between all pile locations. By configuring the frame with guide sleeves at precise intervals and angles before deployment, the complex task of positioning multiple piles accurately is reduced to a single lowering operation, eliminating the need for multiple repositioning cycles.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an efficient method for providing a foundation for a mass located at height, such as the jacket of a wind turbine or a jetty, wherein the foundation comprises a number of piles (40) driven into a bottom in a geometric pattern. The method comprises of providing a floating device (60) provided with lifting means (18); providing a positioning frame (1) comprising a number of mutually connected guide sleeves (2a,2b,2c,2d) arranged in a geometric pattern for the purpose of receiving the piles; lowering the positioning frame to the bottom (30) into a position of use via the lifting means (18); and arranging the piles in the bottom through the guide sleeves of the positioning frame in the position of use, and to a positioning frame (1) adapted to perform the method.