Positioning Framework Buoyancy Control for Soft Seabed Pile Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for arranging foundation piles in an underwater bottom are less suitable for soft seabeds due to the risk of the positioning framework sinking, which is undesirable and limits the accuracy and stability of pile placement.
Innovation Solution
A positioning framework with interconnected guide tubes arranged in a geometric pattern, equipped with floating means that provide buoyancy and adjustable control, allowing for precise placement without resting on the seabed, and anchor means for stability, enabling accurate pile placement even in areas with low load-bearing capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the positioning framework rests on the underwater bottom to ensure accurate pile placement, then positioning precision is improved, but the framework sinks into soft seabeds reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies buoyancy as a counterweight force to offset the gravitational weight of the positioning framework. Floating means are integrated into the framework structure to generate upward buoyant forces that balance the downward weight, allowing the framework to remain suspended above the seabed without direct contact. This resolves the contradiction by preventing sinking into soft seabeds while maintaining positioning accuracy through controlled suspension at the desired depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary medium between the positioning framework and the seabed. By utilizing the buoyant properties of water, the framework is supported by the fluid medium rather than directly resting on the seabed. This intermediary support system allows accurate positioning to be achieved through controlled placement in the water column, eliminating the sinking problem associated with direct seabed contact.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the positioning framework is designed with wide foot supports to prevent sinking, then stability is improved, but the space occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using wide foot supports to distribute weight and prevent sinking, the patent employs buoyancy as a counterweight force that directly opposes gravity. This eliminates the need for large contact areas with the seabed, as the framework is supported by the buoyant force distributed throughout its volume in the water column. The framework maintains stability through controlled suspension rather than broad base support, significantly reducing the horizontal space occupied.
3Manufacturing precision
If the positioning framework is lowered close to the seabed for accurate pile placement, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the risk of sinking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses buoyancy as a counterweight force to offset the framework's weight, allowing it to be positioned close to the seabed without actually contacting or sinking into it. The floating means generate sufficient upward force to maintain the framework in a suspended state at the optimal placement height, eliminating the sinking risk while preserving the positioning accuracy needed for precise pile placement.
Solution Approach 2:
Water serves as an intermediary support medium that enables the framework to achieve close proximity to the seabed without direct contact. The buoyant properties of water provide distributed support throughout the framework's volume, allowing accurate positioning to be achieved through controlled suspension in the water column just above the seabed, eliminating the harmful sinking effect.
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
Enables accurate and stable placement of foundation piles in underwater bottoms with reduced load-bearing capacity, preventing sinking and allowing for efficient installation of structures like wind turbines or jetties, while minimizing space requirements and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
floating means which impart buoyancy to the positioning framework
Implementation Method 2
control means which can adjust the buoyancy of the positioning framework. The floating means not only impart a buoyancy to the positioning framework, whereby the positioning framework can be transported relatively easily in floating manner to a desired location, but also allow the positioning framework to be positioned at different depths underwater by means of the control means
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a positioning framework for arranging in an underwater bottom foundation piles arranged in a geometric pattern. The positioning framework comprises mutually connected guide tubes arranged in the geometric pattern for the foundation piles, floating means which impart buoyancy to the positioning framework, and control means which can adjust the buoyancy of the positioning framework. The invention also relates to a method for arranging the foundation piles in an underwater bottom, and an assembly of a floating platform and a positioning framework optionally coupled thereto.