Pile Upending Device Wedge Assemblies Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pile upending devices for large diameter tubular elements in offshore anchoring systems concentrate load on the wall of the pile, leading to potential damage and require improved handling techniques to reduce flexibility and risk of damage.
Innovation Solution
A pile upending device with a centrally open annular base ring and a hingeable lifting arm that aligns the hoisting point with the contact area, utilizing multiple wedge assemblies for even engagement and reducing bending moments, along with a base ring driving device for centring and wedge assemblies for friction coupling, to distribute forces evenly and minimize load concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pile upending device is used, then the tubular element can be upended, but the load is concentrated on the wall of the pile, leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The base ring is divided into multiple wedge assemblies (at least three) that are distributed around its circumference. Each wedge assembly independently engages with the tubular element wall, segmenting the total lifting force into multiple contact points. This segmentation distributes the load evenly across the pile wall, preventing localized stress concentration and reducing damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge assemblies engage with the tubular element in a radial dimension, distributing forces uniformly around the circumference. The hingeable lifting arm adds rotational freedom, allowing the system to adapt to different angular positions and maintain optimal force distribution throughout the upending operation.
2Strength
If the lifting arm is rigidly fixed, then the structure is simpler, but bending moments increase during upending
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting arm is made hingeable rather than rigid, allowing it to rotate relative to the base ring. This dynamic connection enables the lifting arm to adjust its angular position during upending, maintaining alignment with the vertical axis and minimizing bending moments on the tubular element. The hinge mechanism provides rotational freedom while maintaining structural integrity.
3Weight of moving object
If the base ring is solid, then the structure is more rigid, but the weight of the upending device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base ring is segmented into multiple wedge assemblies rather than being a solid continuous structure. This segmentation significantly reduces the overall weight of the upending device while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed arrangement of wedge assemblies that collectively provide the necessary rigidity and support.
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 solution effectively reduces bending moments and load concentration on the tubular element during upending, enhancing the handling and reducing the risk of damage by ensuring even force distribution and alignment of the hoisting force with the contact area, facilitating safe and efficient upending of large diameter tubular elements.
Implementation Method 1
a number of wedge assemblies (7) suitable for frictional engagement with the tubular element (2), specifically the wall thereof
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Pile upending device (1) for large diameter tubular elements (2), the device comprising;- an annular base ring (3) for extending along substantially the entire circumference (4) of the tubular element, - a central lifting arm (5) for coupling the pile upending device to a hoisting element (6), which lifting arm is hingeably coupled with the base ring, - a number of wedge assemblies (7) disposed along the outside circumference (8) of the base ring for facing the inside surface (9) of the tubular element and frictional engagement with the tubular element.