Spudcan Test Rig Loading With Dual-State Ballast Tank

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing experiment devices for spudcan penetration and pullout of a jack-up rig are structurally complex due to the need for separate loading devices to apply penetration and pullout forces, complicating the experimental process.

Innovation Solution

An experiment device with a ballasting tank that can switch between two states, using its gravity as both penetration and pullout force, and adjustable by varying water volume in a water-containing cavity, accompanied by a flushing system to manage backfill soil, simplifying the device structure and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate loading devices are used to apply penetration and pullout forces, then the experimental functionality is complete, but the device structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexperimental functionalityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ballasting tank is designed to serve dual functions: as a penetration loading device when positioned on the spudcan leg, and as a pullout loading device when suspended via the suspension rope. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate penetration and pullout loading devices, thereby reducing device structural complexity while maintaining complete experimental functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the penetration loading function and pullout loading function into a single ballasting tank system. By combining these two separate functions into one device, the overall device structure is simplified without compromising the ability to perform both penetration and pullout experiments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a ballasting tank with water-containing cavity is used, then the force is adjustable, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce adjustabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ballasting tank incorporates a water-containing cavity where water can be added or removed to adjust the tank's weight. This parameter change approach allows continuous adjustment of both penetration and pullout forces without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, thus achieving force adjustability with minimal increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If flushing pipe is added to manage backfill soil, then the pullout resistance analysis is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepullout resistance analysisVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flushing pipe acts as an intermediary device that introduces water into the backfill soil region. This water serves as a mediator to reduce friction and remove soil particles, thereby improving the accuracy of pullout resistance measurements without requiring complex soil removal or measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Simplifies the experiment device structure and operation, allowing convenient force adjustment and reduced pullout resistance by managing backfill soil, enhancing experimental efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

when the ballasting tank is in the first state, the gravity of the ballasting tank acts as an penetration force exerting on the spudcan leg

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

when the ballasting tank is in the second state, the gravity of the ballasting tank acts as a pullout force exerting on the spudcan leg through the suspension rope

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

the water in the water-containing cavity is used to flush the backfill soil outside the spudcan leg

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentUS12492525B2Experiment device for spudcan penetration and pullout of jack-up rig

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 CHINA UNIV OF PETROLEUM (BEIJING)

AI summary

This disclosure provides an experiment device for spudcan penetration and pullout of a jack-up rig, comprising an experiment bench and a spudcan leg, and further comprising: a ballasting tank; supporting wheels provided on the experiment bench; a suspension rope wound around the supporting wheels with two ends being connected respectively to the spudcan leg and the ballasting tank, wherein the ballasting tank has a first state of being seated on the spudcan leg and a second state of being separated from the spudcan leg and suspended under the suspension rope, by configuring the ballasting tank to have two different states, the gravity of the ballasting tank can be used as both the penetration force and the pullout force, and eliminating the need to provide two loading devices to apply the penetration pressure and the pullout force respectively.