Underwater Pile Foundation with Pivot Module and Rock Loosening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for creating underwater foundations, such as monopiles, are limited by geological conditions and generate significant noise pollution, especially in ecologically sensitive areas.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize a pivot module to pivot and lower hollow piles into the ground, equipped with a sinking device to loosen rock and control depth, reducing noise and enabling foundation creation in non-drivable soils, using a hydraulic feed element and winches for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If pile driving gear is used to drive piles into the ground, then foundations can be created in various ground conditions, but high noise emissions are generated which are harmful in ecologically sensitive regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoundation creation capabilityVSAvoidnoise emissions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pile driving system with a drilling-based system. Instead of using impact forces from pile driving gear, the invention uses rotational drilling mechanisms to create holes and insert piles, thereby eliminating the harmful noise emissions while maintaining foundation creation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a drilling mechanism as an intermediary between the pile and the ground. Rather than directly driving the pile into the ground with impact forces, the drilling mechanism first creates a hole and then facilitates pile insertion, serving as a mediator that eliminates direct mechanical impact and associated noise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional pile driving methods are used, then foundations can be created in drivable soils, but the method cannot be used in non-drivable soils such as solid rock or clay with high friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeological condition adaptabilityVSAvoidmethod applicability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of pile installation from impact-driven to drill-based. By transitioning from a driving mechanism that relies on soil drivability to a drilling mechanism that can cut through various materials, the system gains adaptability to non-drivable soils including solid rock and high-friction clays while maintaining reliable foundation creation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If monopiles are used as single-part foundations, then the foundation structure is simplified, but the method becomes dependent on local geology and cannot handle undrivable ground conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoundation structureVSAvoidgeological adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the foundation system universal by designing a drilling-based pile installation method that can function across diverse geological conditions. The system is no longer limited to specific soil types but can adapt to various ground conditions including rock and clay, while maintaining the structural simplicity of monopile foundations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables the creation of foundations in challenging geological conditions while minimizing environmental noise and ensuring accurate placement and stability, with the ability to adapt to varying soil types and conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the feed force is generated via at least one feed element disposed on the pivot module, preferably a hydraulic cylinder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

the rock beneath the pile is loosened and the pile is lowered until a final depth is reached

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical cutting:

Data Source

PatentUS9222233B2Method and device for creating an underwater foundation of a building

Publication Date: 2015.12.29 HERRENKNECHT AG

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a device for creating an underwater foundation of a building, wherein a base element is provided as a module carrier (11) at the erection site and a pile (6) forms the foundation to be created or is a component of the foundation, wherein the pile (6) is implemented as a hollow body. The aim of the invention is to allow the creation of a foundation in geologically difficult conditions, while simultaneously reducing noise emissions in sensitive areas. The aim is achieved by clamping the pile (6) in a pivot module (13), by erecting the pile (6) by way of pivoting the pivot module (13), until the desired driving direction into the ground (9) relative to the horizontal is achieved, by locking the pivot module after erecting the desired slope, by sinking the pile (6) to the floor (8) of the water system (7) and pressing it into the floor (8) until a limit value of a driving force is reached, by installing a sinking device (24) in the pile (6) and sinking it to the floor (8), by loosening the rock (9) below the pile (6) and sinking the pile (6) until the final depth is reached.