Triangular Floating Frame With Pivot Joints For Wave Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional floating structures, typically made of large rectangular frames, face high wave resistance and loads, making them heavy and inefficient in accommodating both frontal and torsional wave movements, and often require complex couplings and large air gaps to function effectively.
Innovation Solution
A floating structure composed of interconnected triangular frames supported by separate buoyant members, allowing for efficient load absorption and transfer, reduced wave resistance, and enhanced flexibility through movable or pivotable connections between frames, which can be easily assembled and transported.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a large rigid rectangular frame is used, then the structure has high wave resistance and can accommodate frontal waves, but it requires heavy and strong materials to withstand the loads
Solution Approach 1:
The floating structure is divided into multiple modular triangular frames that can be independently assembled. Each triangular frame is a separate unit supported by its own buoyant members, allowing the structure to be built from smaller, lighter components rather than requiring a single heavy rigid frame. This segmentation reduces overall weight while maintaining structural integrity through the geometric stability of triangular configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The triangular frames are connected through movable or pivotable joints that allow the structure to dynamically adapt to wave movements. Rather than using a rigid fixed connection, the frames can rotate or pivot relative to each other, enabling the structure to follow wave motions and reduce the need for heavy reinforcement materials.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rectangular frame is used, then the structure can accommodate frontal wave movements, but it cannot efficiently accommodate torsional wave movements
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into multiple triangular frames that can independently respond to different wave directions. Each triangular frame acts as an independent unit that can accommodate both frontal and torsional wave movements through its geometric configuration, eliminating the need for complex coupling mechanisms between frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable or pivotable connections between triangular frames allow the structure to dynamically adjust its configuration in response to wave movements. The frames can rotate or pivot relative to each other, providing inherent flexibility to accommodate both frontal and torsional wave actions without requiring complex additional coupling systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the frame is made clear of the water, then wave resistance is reduced and the upper surface remains dry, but the frame requires separate buoyant members which increases structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Each triangular frame is supported by separate buoyant members rather than being integrated into the frame structure. This segmentation allows the frame to be kept clear of the water, reducing wave resistance and keeping the upper surface dry. The buoyant members are independent components that can be optimized separately for their buoyancy function.
Solution Approach 2:
The buoyancy function is extracted from the frame structure and implemented through separate buoyant members. This extraction allows the frame to be optimized purely for its load-bearing function, keeping it clear of water contact. The buoyant members are removed from the frame assembly and positioned separately to provide the necessary buoyancy support.
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 triangular frame design reduces structural loads, minimizes water exposure, and improves stability, enabling the structure to efficiently accommodate wave movements while supporting large installations like solar panels or desalination plants with reduced complexity and weight.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of buoyant members supporting the structure
Implementation Method 2
Triangular frames are particularly well suited for absorbing and/or transferring shear loads within the plane of the triangle
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a floating structure, comprising a plurality of interconnected frames and a plurality of buoyant members supporting the structure, wherein the frames are substantially triangular in planform. Adjacent triangular frames may be movably connected, in particular pivotably connected. The triangular frames may comprise right-angle triangles, isosceles triangles or equilateral triangles. The floating structure may support an installation, like e.g. a solar farm. The invention also relates to a triangular frame for use in such a floating structure.