Compliant offshore structure with fixed base
US4810135A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 4, 1987 |
| Grant date | Mar 7, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 4, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE02B2017/0086
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A compliant offshore structure in which the primary restoring force to lateral displacement is provided by elongate flex elements. A gravity base is rigidly secured to the ocean bottom. A tower extends vertically upward from the base to a position above the ocean surface. A work deck is supported atop the tower. The tower is secured to the base by elongate flex elements which are arranged in an array surrounding the central axis of the structure. Each flex element has one end secured to the base and a second end secured to the tower. The flex elements permit the tower to pivot about its lower end, thus providing the tower and deck with a compliant response to environmental forces. The flex elements also support the tower above and free from contact with the base. This eliminates the need for a vertical load bearing joint between the tower and base.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.