Radial Pile Gripping Assembly for Flanged and Conical Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping assemblies for marine or aquatic wind power plants are cumbersome and limited in application, requiring separate assemblies for flanged and conical piles, leading to operational complications and risks of deformation during handling.
Innovation Solution
A gripping assembly with a central portion equipped with linear actuators and radially extending arms, featuring hydraulic actuation and low-friction grasping members that can adapt to both flanged and conical piles by adjusting the position of the grasping units to ensure secure and even pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate gripping assemblies are used for flanged and conical piles, then the gripping operation is reliable for each specific type, but the device complexity and operational complications increase due to needing multiple assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping assembly is designed with a universal structure that can handle both flanged and conical piles using the same device. The grasping members can adapt to different pile types through radial movement and positioning adjustments, eliminating the need for separate specialized assemblies for each pile type while maintaining reliable gripping performance
Solution Approach 2:
The grasping members are designed with radial movability allowing them to adjust their position dynamically. This dynamic capability enables the same gripping assembly to accommodate different pile geometries (flanged or conical) by adjusting the radial position of grasping members, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability for specific types and overall device complexity
2Reliability
If gripping members are inserted inside flanged end to exceed the flange, then stable suspension is ensured, but the risk of deformation increases during handling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping members are designed with differentiated local characteristics - some portions contact the flange while other portions contact the pile shell. This local quality differentiation allows stable suspension through flange engagement while distributing pressure evenly on the pile shell to prevent deformation in critical areas
Solution Approach 2:
The radial position of grasping members can be adjusted to change the distribution of contact forces. By modifying the radial position parameter, the system achieves stable suspension while controlling pressure distribution on the pile to minimize deformation risk during handling operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gripping assemblies are stored on board for different pile types, then versatility is maintained, but the space requirements and operational complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single gripping assembly is designed to handle multiple pile types (flanged and conical) through adjustable grasping members. This universal design eliminates the need to store multiple specialized assemblies on board, reducing space requirements while maintaining full versatility for different pile configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The functionality of multiple separate gripping assemblies is merged into a single unified device. The grasping members can be repositioned and reconfigured to accommodate different pile types, combining the capabilities of what would otherwise require separate assemblies into one space-efficient solution
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 safe and efficient handling of both flanged and conical piles without the need for assembly changes, reducing the risk of deformation and operational complications by providing a versatile and adaptable gripping solution.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of linear actuators (20) about a central axis (120), each linear actuator (20) being provided with a stem (24) carried by said central portion (12) having a radial orientation
Implementation Method 2
said central portion (12) carrying a plurality of arms (14) which extend radially around said central axis (120); said assembly (1) comprising means for hydraulically actuating said armature (22)
Implementation Method 3
the gripping assembly is equipped with a plurality of grasping members, each of which is arranged to couple by friction with the inner and/or outer shell of the piles to be handled
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A gripping assembly (1) for a pile (CP) provided with a longitudinal axis (AL) and axially delimited by a longitudinal end (LE) having a given shape, by a first shell (IM) and by a second shell (EM) which delimit the longitudinal end (LE) from the inside and from the outside, respectively; the assembly (1) comprising a frame (10) provided with a central portion (12) shaped to support a plurality of linear actuators (20) about a central axis (120), where each linear actuator (20) is provided with a stem (24) carried by the central portion (12) having a radial orientation, and with an armature (22) that terminates with a free end (220) which carries the grasping means (30) designed to radially couple with at least one of the first shell (IM) and second shell (EM) of the end (LE) of the pile (CP); the central portion (12) carrying a plurality of arms (14) which extend radially around the central axis (12); each arm (14) being provided with a radial guide (140) to which the grasping means (30) are coupled in a freely slidable manner.