Rotatable Arm Pile Guide Frame for Seabed Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pile guide frames for underwater pile-driving operations are costly and heavy due to the need for multiple pile guide sleeves, and they require time-consuming and expensive adaptations for different seabed topologies, limiting their efficiency and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A pile guide frame with a supporting frame, a rotation module, leveling modules, and at least one rotatable arm, which includes a rail surface for smooth movement, adjustable leveling mechanisms, and a pile guide module with a locking mechanism to secure the pile, allowing for precise positioning and adjustment to various seabed conditions with reduced components and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pile guide sleeves are provided for different seabed topologies, then adaptability to different seabed conditions is improved, but weight and cost of the pile guide frame increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static multiple sleeves with a single rotatable arm that can dynamically change its position and orientation. The arm can rotate to different angles and extend to various positions along the supporting frame, allowing the same physical component to adapt to different seabed topologies without adding weight from multiple fixed sleeves.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable arm serves multiple functions that would traditionally require separate components. A single arm structure can guide piles at different locations and orientations by rotating and extending, making one component universal for multiple pile guide positions rather than requiring dedicated sleeves for each position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pile guide sleeves are provided for different seabed topologies, then adaptability to different seabed conditions is improved, but cost of the pile guide frame increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamics principle reduces manufacturing cost by replacing multiple static components with a single dynamic component. Instead of manufacturing and inventorying multiple specialized sleeves for different seabed conditions, the system manufactures one rotatable arm that can be configured for various conditions through rotation and extension, simplifying production and reducing material costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal rotatable arm design consolidates multiple specialized components into one multi-functional element. This universality reduces the total quantity of parts needed, simplifies manufacturing processes, and lowers overall system cost while maintaining the capability to handle different seabed topologies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pile guide frames are adapted to different seabed topologies, then adaptability is improved, but time and cost for procurement and adaptation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable arm provides immediate adaptability through mechanical rotation rather than requiring time-consuming procurement or assembly of specialized components. The arm can be quickly repositioned and reconfigured on-site to match different seabed conditions, eliminating the delay associated with adapting conventional frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is self-adapting through the rotatable arm's ability to independently assume different configurations. Rather than requiring external intervention to procure or modify components for different seabed topologies, the existing rotatable arm structure can self-adjust to various conditions, saving time and reducing the need for specialized procurement.
4Weight of stationary object
If a single rotatable arm is used instead of multiple sleeves, then weight and cost are reduced, but positioning precision and stability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of multiple fixed sleeves with a rotatable arm system that uses rotational mechanics. The arm's position is controlled through rotation angles and extension positions, providing precise positioning through angular and linear measurements rather than relying on multiple fixed reference points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains positioning precision by changing parameters such as rotation angle and extension position of the arm. Instead of relying on the physical presence of multiple sleeves, the single arm achieves various guide positions by varying its angular and linear parameters, maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled parameter adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A pile guide frame is coupled with at least one rotatable arm and includes a plurality of leveling modules for compensating for differences in height of the seabed. The rotatable arm can be rotated along a supporting frame and thereby move a pile guide module to facilitate pile-driving operations.