Vibrating Device Resilient Element Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vibrating devices for inserting foundation elements, such as wind turbine piles, face challenges with inaccurate coupling due to poor alignment and excessive wear on resilient components, particularly during the upending process, leading to reduced lifespan and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A vibrating device with a fixation mechanism that applies a bias to resilient elements using cylinders, combined with a rotation mechanism and clamping system, to minimize relative movements and distribute forces effectively, thereby reducing component wear and enhancing operational availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the foundation pile is vibrated into the ground from a vertical position using a vibrator block, then the foundation element can be inserted into the ground, but the coupling between the foundation pile and vibrator block is poor due to great distance, resulting in inaccurate positioning and increased accident risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional sequence by first positioning the vibrator block on the foundation pile in a horizontal position, then rotating the entire assembly to a vertical position for vibration. This inversion allows for much better coupling and alignment in the horizontal position before operation, eliminating the positioning inaccuracies and safety risks associated with vertical coupling.
2Ease of operation
If the foundation pile is rotated from horizontal to vertical position with the vibrator block attached, then the foundation element can be erected, but great forces are exerted on the vibrator block components at unfavorable angles, limiting lifespan and requiring additional maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates resilient elements (such as springs or elastomers) between the vibrator block and the foundation pile before the upending operation. These elements cushion the extreme forces and unfavorable angles experienced during rotation from horizontal to vertical position, protecting the vibrator block components and extending their operational lifespan.
3Reliability
If resilient elements are used in the vibrating device to isolate vibration forces, then forces are not transmitted to the rest of the installation, but the resilient elements are exposed to changing bending forces during rotation, making it difficult to obtain correct rotation angle and causing breakage after a period of time
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient elements are pre-installed and pre-compressed or pre-positioned to accommodate the expected range of motion during upending. This beforehand cushioning allows them to absorb the changing bending forces during rotation without exceeding their elastic limits, preventing breakage and maintaining both vibration isolation and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the resilient elements and their mounting to dynamically adapt to the changing forces during rotation. The elements can flex and deform within designed limits to accommodate the varying angles and forces, maintaining their functionality throughout the upending process and extending their service life.
4Productivity
If a vibrating device is arranged on a foundation element in a non-vertical position, then the foundation element can be positioned offshore, but exceptionally great forces occur during positioning, causing damage to resilient elements and reducing operational availability
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient elements are pre-installed and pre-compressed or pre-positioned to accommodate the exceptionally great forces that occur during offshore positioning from a non-vertical position. This beforehand cushioning protects the resilient elements from damage, maintaining their integrity and extending the operational availability of the vibrating device for multiple foundation element placements.
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 solution significantly extends the lifespan of the vibrating device, improves alignment accuracy, and reduces maintenance needs, enabling efficient and safe placement of foundation elements both on land and at sea, with reduced risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient elements serve the purpose of not transmitting to the rest of the installation the forces exerted on the foundation element during the vibration process
Implementation Method 2
Such vibrating devices make use of the vibration of a solid or tubular pile, wherein this pile is vibrated into the ground with a vibrator block
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D
Figure 2A
AI summary
The invention relates to a vibrating device, kit and method for inserting a foundation element into the ground, wherein the vibrating device comprises: - a clamping mechanism (18) for fixedly clamping the foundation element (12); - a vibrator block (32) configured to provide a vibration for the purpose of inserting the foundation element (12) into the ground, wherein the vibrator block (32) is provided with resilient elements (6); - a rotation mechanism operatively connected to the vibrator block (32) and configured to rotate the vibrator block (32) with the resilient elements (6), wherein the clamping mechanism (18) fixedly holds the foundation element (12); and - a fixation mechanism (40) configured to apply a prestress to the resilient elements (6).