Segmented Suction Bucket Sidewall for Easier Offshore Fabrication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional suction buckets for offshore facilities are challenging to manufacture due to their curved sidewalls, requiring specialized machinery and significant material, which increases manufacturing costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

The suction bucket is segmented into circumferential segments with at least one substantially planar section, allowing for easier manufacturing using different machinery and reducing material needs while maintaining stability and load-bearing capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional curved sidewalls are used, then the suction bucket achieves good hydrodynamic performance and stability, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and requires specialized machinery

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The suction bucket is divided into multiple circumferential segments that can be manufactured separately using standard flat plate fabrication techniques, then assembled together to form the complete structure. This segmentation allows each segment to be produced with conventional machinery rather than requiring specialized curved surface equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a three-dimensional curved surface to a two-dimensional flat plate approximation by using multiple planar segments arranged in a circumferential pattern. This dimensional simplification enables standard manufacturing processes while maintaining the essential functional characteristics of the curved design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If conventional curved sidewalls are used, then the suction bucket achieves the required structural integrity, but the material consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmaterial consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the sidewall into discrete planar segments, the structure can be optimized to use material only where structurally necessary, rather than requiring continuous thick material throughout a curved surface. The segmented approach allows for more efficient material distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each circumferential segment can be designed with locally optimized thickness and reinforcement at critical stress points, rather than requiring uniform material distribution throughout the entire curved surface. This allows material to be concentrated where needed for structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If conventional curved sidewalls are used, then the suction bucket maintains its hydrodynamic shape, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrodynamic performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The circumferential segmentation allows each plate to be manufactured using standard, cost-effective flat plate fabrication processes rather than expensive curved surface forming operations. The assembled structure approximates the hydrodynamic shape while using economical manufacturing methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention accepts a simplified geometric approximation (flat plates instead of precise curves) that is much cheaper to manufacture, trading minor hydrodynamic optimization for significant manufacturing cost reduction. The planar segments provide sufficient functional performance at lower cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

This approach simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces material costs, and allows for thinner wall thickness without compromising stability, making the production of suction buckets more efficient and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

embedded into a marine sediment, e.g. by creating a negative pressure inside the cavity of the suction bucket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11261575B2Segmented suction bucket

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY AS

AI summary

A suction bucket for a seabed foundation for an offshore facility is provided. The suction bucket is arranged for being embedded into a marine sediment. The suction bucket includes a lid and a sidewall. The sidewall is segmented into a first circumferential segment and at least a second circumferential segment. The first circumferential segment is connected with the second circumferential segment. The first circumferential segment and the second circumferential segment are attached to the lid of the suction bucket. Furthermore, the first circumferential segment and the second circumferential segment each contains at least one substantially planar section. Furthermore, a method to manufacture a suction bucket for a seabed foundation for an offshore facility is also provided.