Swiveling Retaining Support Body for Monopile Aperture Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable protection systems for offshore wind turbines face issues with latch failure, misalignment, and damage to the monopile wall due to point loading and biased retaining elements, leading to costly failures and complex installation processes.
Innovation Solution
A method for locating a rigid support body at a predetermined position with respect to an aperture in a facility using a retaining element that swivels from a storage position to a deployed position, reducing point loading and eliminating the need for diver-assisted orientation changes, and utilizing a winching system to guide the support body through the aperture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biased retaining elements (latches) are used to secure the support body, then the support body can be retained at the aperture, but point loading occurs causing damage to the monopile wall and latch failure
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is divided into multiple contact points along its length, distributing the retention force across multiple locations on the support body and aperture structure, thereby eliminating point loading concentration
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element is designed to swivel or rotate during installation and operation, allowing it to automatically adjust its orientation to match the aperture alignment dynamically, preventing misalignment-induced point loading
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed orientation retaining elements are used, then installation is simpler, but misalignment with the aperture occurs leading to installation failures
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element incorporates a swiveling mechanism that allows it to rotate from an initial fixed orientation during installation to a final aligned orientation during operation, combining installation simplicity with alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element is pre-configured with a specific initial orientation that facilitates easy installation, then automatically transitions to the correct operational orientation through the swiveling mechanism
3Manufacturing precision
If complex orientation adjustment mechanisms are used to prevent misalignment, then alignment precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element uses its own weight and the natural swiveling motion to automatically achieve proper alignment with the aperture during installation, eliminating the need for external adjustment mechanisms or diver assistance
Solution Approach 2:
A simple swiveling joint allows the retaining element to self-adjust its orientation dynamically during installation, achieving precise alignment without complex control systems
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 solution enhances the stability and durability of cable protection systems by minimizing damage to the monopile wall and simplifying the installation process, reducing the risk of latch failure and misalignment, thereby reducing maintenance and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
A method for locating a rigid support body at a predetermined position with respect to an aperture in a facility using a retaining element that swivels from a storage position to a deployed position
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a winching system to guide the support body through the aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A method for locating a rigid support body at a predetermined location with respect to an aperture in a wall of a facility is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing a rigid support body at a first position outside a facility, the rigid support body comprising at least one retaining element disposed in a storage position, and comprising a through-bore that extends through the support body from a first end of the support body to a further end; via a first pulling force applied to a first terminal end region of a flexible elongate member that includes a covered region located in the through-bore, urging the rigid support body at least partially through an aperture in a wall of a facility, the rigid support body thereby being located at a further position whereby a portion of the rigid support body and at least one retaining element supported on the rigid support body is within the facility and the retaining element is spaced apart from an inner surface of the wall of the facility; subsequent to location of said retaining element within the facility and in a spaced apart relationship with said inner wall surface, positioning the retaining element out of a storage position by selectively swivelling the retaining element from the storage position; and subsequently urging the rigid support body into a retained position whereby at least a portion of an abutment surface of the retaining element is disposed in an abutting relationship with the inner surface of the wall proximate to the aperture to thereby locate the rigid support body at a predetermined location with respect to the aperture in which the retaining element is disposed in a deployed position.