Rotating Pile Support Sleeve for Offshore Wind Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of offshore wind turbine foundations is challenging due to the complexity of maneuvering large foundation piles and the need for precise alignment during pile-driving operations, which existing systems fail to adequately address, particularly in terms of dynamic positioning and rotational freedom.
Innovation Solution
A temporary support system for foundation piles, featuring a sleeve with rotational freedom and bearing means, including cylindrical rollers, to facilitate maneuvering and compensate for ship movements, ensuring precise orientation and alignment during pile-driving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sleeve with adjustable lateral opening is used to facilitate foundation pile passage, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve incorporates a secondary section that is rotatable relative to the primary section, allowing the lateral opening to be dynamically positioned at different angular locations. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the opening to be oriented optimally for pile passage without requiring a completely redesign of the sleeve structure, thus improving ease of operation while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve is divided into a primary section and a secondary section that can rotate independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the secondary section to be maneuvered to different angular positions, creating an adjustable lateral opening that facilitates pile passage while maintaining a relatively simple overall sleeve structure.
2Ease of operation
If bearing means with rotational freedom are added to the sleeve, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Bearing means are introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the primary and secondary sections of the sleeve. These bearings enable smooth rotational movement of the secondary section relative to the primary section, providing the necessary rotational freedom for maneuvering the lateral opening without requiring complex mechanical linkages or actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing means allow the secondary section to rotate freely and be maneuvered into position through self-service mechanisms, reducing the need for complex external actuation systems. The rotational freedom is achieved through the inherent properties of the bearing components rather than through complex control mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the sleeve structure is made more complex to accommodate adjustable opening, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing means act as an intermediary that standardizes the connection between the primary and secondary sections. By using off-the-shelf bearing components with predetermined precision specifications, the manufacturing precision requirements for the custom sleeve structure are reduced, as the bearings provide a standardized interface that accommodates minor dimensional variations.
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 system enhances the maneuverability of foundation piles, allowing for efficient orientation and alignment, reducing installation complexity and improving the accuracy of offshore wind turbine foundation placement.
Implementation Method 1
which bearing means include at least one bearing comprising a contact bearing which has rolling elements, and a smooth raceway centered on said axis of rotation, which rolling elements consist of cylindrical rollers
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for temporarily holding, during piling operations, a foundation pile (E) intended to receive the mast of an offshore wind turbine. The temporary holding system (1) comprises a sleeve (2) intended to surround a section of said foundation pile (E) and a supporting frame (3) comprising an interface module (31). The interface module (31) and a primary section (2a) of said sleeve (2) are assembled by means of bearing means (5) intended to confer a degree of freedom in rotation to said sleeve (2) relative to said interface module (31), along an axis of rotation (R) extending coaxially with said longitudinal axis (21'). And said temporary holding system (1) comprises rotational maneuvering means (9), adapted to maneuver said sleeve (2) in rotation along said axis of rotation (R).