Energy absorption management for marine barrier and gate systems

Abstract

A marine barrier has buoyant panels elastically connected with an included angle therebetween, to form a pleated row of panels with hinges arranged in first and second rows. An impact net having cables is attached to a net connection portion of each hinge in the first row. The net connection portions are attachable to the cables with a tension such that, when the barrier is floating and a moving vessel impacts the net, an impact force causes the cables to move relative to the net connection portions, transferring a portion of the force of the impact to the net connection portions, until cable stops on the cable ends engage net connection portions adjacent the cable stops. The force of the impact is then transferred to the panels, which engage the water to transfer the force of the impact to the water, to arrest the motion of the vessel.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority to US Provisional Application No. 61 / 908,936, filed November 26, 2013, entitled "Improvements to Marine Barrier and Gate Systems," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. technical field [0003] This topic deals with ocean barriers and movable doors. The present disclosure is particularly applicable to marine barriers for arresting the motion of ships striking the barrier. Background technique [0004] Structures for use on land and / or water have previously been developed as safety barrier systems. This structure is generally intended to stop an intruding object and ranges from a thick solid wall blocking the advancement of the object to a safe area to disable the object's propulsion mechanism. These structures often exhibit significant disadvantages. First, installing and building these structures is often cumbersome and time consuming, as and when desired. Seco...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

These structures often exhibit significant disadvantages

First, installing and building these structures is often cumbersome and time-consuming, as and when desired

second, they are difficult or even impossible to maintain and / or repair after they have been impacted by an intruding object

Third, they are usually not adjustable to different needs and situations

[0009] figure 1 The ocean barrier is a huge improvement over previous barriers, but is not optimized for maximum effectiveness

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