Pivotable Spud-Pile Carriage for Dredging Load Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spud-pile carriage systems are complex and large, reducing the stroke length and increasing the frequency of pile repositioning in dredging ships, which decreases productivity due to inadequate load attenuation and control over rigidity, especially under varying wave conditions and maximum loads.
Innovation Solution
A spud-pile carriage design featuring pivotable carriage parts connected by an actuator, allowing for controlled load attenuation and improved rigidity adjustment, with retention means to maintain the spud in a vertical position, using a centring cylinder with interconnected pressure chambers for precise force transmission and measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional spud-pile carriage design with an arm and resilient support is used, then load attenuation is achieved, but the carriage dimensions increase and stroke length is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage is divided into a first carriage part and a second carriage part that are pivotally connected, allowing each part to be more compact while collectively providing the necessary load attenuation function through their relative movement
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotal connection between carriage parts allows dynamic adjustment of the carriage configuration, enabling the system to adapt its rigidity and load attenuation characteristics based on operating conditions while maintaining a compact form
2Reliability
If the carriage length is increased to accommodate load attenuation mechanisms, then load attenuation improves, but the stroke of the carriage with respect to the dredging ship is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the carriage into multiple pivotally connected parts, the system achieves effective load attenuation within a shorter overall length, thereby maximizing the stroke available for dredging operations and reducing the frequency of repositioning
3Reliability
If the spud-pile carriage is made more flexible to attenuate loads, then load protection improves, but the ability to maintain accurate dredging profiles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotal connection provides dynamic flexibility that allows the carriage to attenuate loads through controlled movement, while the actuator system dynamically adjusts the configuration to maintain the spud in the desired vertical position, thus preserving dredging profile accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator system monitors and adjusts the relative position of carriage parts to maintain the spud in the correct position, providing feedback control that ensures both load attenuation and dredging precision are achieved simultaneously
4Reliability
If a complex spring means system is used to control rigidity, then load attenuation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage is segmented into multiple parts with pivotal connections, providing inherent rigidity control through the mechanical arrangement alone, thereby reducing the need for complex additional spring means systems
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 design enhances operational reliability by reducing peak loads on the spud, protecting it from fracturing, and maintaining accurate dredging profiles through controlled load attenuation and improved rigidity, thereby increasing the dredging vessel's productivity and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second carriage parts are connected so as to be pivotable with respect to one another about a pivot pin
Implementation Method 2
an actuator for transmitting a moment through the spud-pile carriage of the spud-pile to a rail system of a dredging vessel
Implementation Method 3
using a centring cylinder with interconnected pressure chambers for precise force transmission and measurement
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a spud-pile carriage (1) for connecting a spud-pile (8) to a dredging vessel in a wheeled or sliding manner, in which the spud-pile carriage comprises a first (2) and second (3) carriage part, both of which are provided with wheels or sliders, characterized in that the first and second carriage parts are connected so as to be pivotable with respect to one another about a pivot pin.