Offshore Wind Support Structure with Nodeless Modular Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing offshore wind turbine supporting structures face high complexity and economic inefficiencies due to the need for custom-made node parts and extensive planning, production, and assembly efforts to adapt to varying static requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular supporting structure composed of statically predetermined sub-modules with supporting plates and stiffening struts arranged outside connection points, eliminating the need for separate node parts and allowing for flexible adaptation to different static requirements through modular assembly and stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lattice mast constructions with separate node parts are used to connect struts, then the structure can accommodate complex static requirements, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the separate node parts from the lattice structure. Instead of using distinct connection components at each joint, the struts are designed to connect directly to the support plates through their own structural geometry, removing the need for additional node components and simplifying the overall construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of the struts and node parts into a unified structure. The struts are designed with integrated connection features that directly engage with the support plates, combining what were previously separate components (struts and nodes) into a single cohesive element that reduces assembly complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom-made node parts are produced for each specific case to adapt to different static requirements, then the structure can be tailored to specific loads, but the manufacturing effort and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates universal support plates with standardized connection geometries that can accommodate multiple strut configurations and loading conditions. These standardized plates serve multiple functions across different applications, eliminating the need for custom-made node parts for each specific case while maintaining adaptability to various static requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables adaptation to different static requirements by changing the arrangement, number, and orientation of struts connected to the standardized support plates, rather than changing the node parts themselves. This parameter-based customization reduces manufacturing effort while maintaining design flexibility.
3Reliability
If separately manufactured node parts are used to connect struts branching in different directions, then the structure can handle complex load paths, but the assembly effort and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the separate node parts from the assembly process. Struts are designed with direct connection features that engage with the support plates without requiring intermediate node components, thereby eliminating the assembly steps involved in attaching separate nodes and significantly improving assembly efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection geometry between struts and support plates is pre-designed and pre-configured during the design phase, allowing for straightforward assembly without complex field adjustments. The struts are shaped in advance to match the connection points on the support plates, enabling rapid assembly while maintaining reliable load path transmission.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a support structure of an offshore structure, in particular a wind turbine. The support structure consists of at least one basic module with a predetermined static load-bearing capacity, and the basic module consists of at least two modularly assembled sub-modules (1) with a predetermined static load-bearing capacity, wherein the sub-modules (1) are composed of support plates (4, 4', 4", 4'') with support struts (2) arranged between them and stiffening struts (3) arranged between the support struts (2), and wherein the stiffening struts (3) are arranged outside the connection point of the support struts (2) with the support plate (4, 4', 4", 4'') and thus without nodes.