Flexible reef body for solving long-distance transportation problem in South China Sea

Abstract

The invention discloses a flexible reef body for solving the long-distance transportation problem of the South China Sea, and belongs to the technical field of ocean engineering, the flexible reef body comprises a flexible shell, a hollow partition plate and a cover body, an injection port is formed in the top of the flexible shell, the flexible shell can be compressed, and the overall size of the compressed flexible shell is reduced; the hollowed-out partition plates are horizontally arranged in the flexible shell, the edges of the hollowed-out partition plates are connected to the inner wall of the flexible shell, and the different hollowed-out partition plates are arranged at intervals in the height direction; and the cover body is used for blocking the injection port. The flexible shell is adopted, during transportation, the flexible shell can be compressed, transportation is facilitated, during throwing, the density and weight requirements of the reef body are met by filling coral sand, the reef body is converted from a flexible compression state to a rigid working state, and on the basis of the wave absorbing and resisting effects, the transportation cost can be reduced, and the applicability can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine engineering technology, and in particular to a flexible reef for solving the problem of long-distance transportation in the South China Sea, namely, an artificial reef structure and a method for constructing the artificial reef structure. Background Technology

[0002] In existing marine engineering technologies, breakwaters and other marine engineering facilities are typically constructed to achieve wave damping and protection. These facilities require the deployment of numerous artificial reefs on the seabed during construction. Currently, the industry commonly uses high-strength concrete as the primary material for these artificial reefs, with their structural forms often being traditional geometric shapes such as box-shaped, triangular, frustum-shaped, or frame-shaped.

[0003] However, existing artificial reefs have significant limitations: First, due to their concrete structure, the reefs are large in size and heavy in weight, requiring large specialized transport vessels for maritime transport; second, due to transportation constraints, existing reefs can usually only be deployed in near-shore waters, making it difficult to meet the engineering construction needs of remote islands and other special environments; third, their large size and weight not only increase the difficulty of transportation but also lead to high transportation costs, which to some extent restricts the scope and economic viability of marine engineering projects.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new type of artificial reef structure to solve the problems of transportation and deployment difficulties, limited applicable environments, and high costs in existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an artificial reef structure and a method for constructing such a structure, in order to solve the problems existing in the prior art. By using a flexible shell, the shell can be compressed during transportation, making it easy to transport. When deployed, coral sand is filled to meet the density and weight requirements of the reef, realizing the transformation of the reef from a "flexible compressed state" to a "rigid working state". While having the effect of wave damping and wave protection, it can reduce transportation costs and improve applicability.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: This invention provides an artificial reef structure, including a flexible shell, a perforated partition, and a cover. The top of the flexible shell is provided with an injection port. The flexible shell can be compressed, and the overall volume of the compressed flexible shell is reduced. The perforated partition is horizontally disposed inside the flexible shell, and the edge of the perforated partition is connected to the inner wall of the flexible shell. Different perforated partitions are spaced apart in the height direction. The cover is used to block the injection port.

[0007] In one embodiment, the perforated partition plate has through holes, which are evenly distributed across the surface of the perforated partition plate.

[0008] In one embodiment, the flexible shell includes an upper spherical shell and a lower cylindrical shell, which are combined and connected to form the flexible shell.

[0009] In one embodiment, the perforated partition near the injection port is a conical partition with the tip of the conical partition pointing downwards, and a first filling space is formed between the upper surface of the conical partition and the spherical shell.

[0010] In one embodiment, the perforated partition at the lower part of the conical partition is a circular partition with its top and bottom surfaces parallel. A second filling space is formed between the circular partition and the conical partition, between adjacent circular partitions, and between the bottom surface of the circular partition and the cylindrical shell.

[0011] In one embodiment, the edge of the conical partition is connected to the inner wall of the spherical shell, and the edge of the circular partition is connected to the inner wall of the cylindrical shell.

[0012] In one embodiment, the spherical shell is provided with turbulence holes distributed in the circumferential direction. The turbulence holes are opened along the tangential direction of the spherical shell to make the water flowing into the interior of the spherical shell have a tangential movement tendency.

[0013] In one embodiment, the system further includes a valve body, which is arranged in a ring array inside the spherical shell, located in the space between the conical partition and the spherical shell. One end of the valve body is connected to the inner wall of the spherical shell, and the other end of the valve body extends axially along the turbulence hole.

[0014] In one embodiment, the system further includes a protrusion, which is an annular or circular protrusion disposed in the gap between the turbulence holes. The surface of the protrusion is implanted with a microporous structure and preloaded with coral larvae spores.

[0015] This invention provides a method for constructing an artificial reef structure, using the artificial reef structure described above, including the following: The flexible shell is compressed and then transported to the designated location. Open the cover and inject coral sand into the inlet of the flexible shell. The coral sand passes through the perforated partition and sinks into the internal space of the flexible shell. Then, reseal the inlet with the cover. The flexible shell filled with coral sand was placed on the seabed.

[0016] The present invention achieves the following technical effects compared to the prior art: This invention employs a flexible shell, which can be compressed during transportation for ease of transport. During deployment, after opening the cover, materials such as coral sand are filled into the injection port to meet the density and weight requirements of the reef. The cover is then closed to prevent leakage of the filled coral sand. Simultaneously, perforated partitions enhance the structural strength of the flexible shell and restrict the movement of the filled coral sand, maintaining the stability of the reef. This allows the reef to transition from a "flexible compressed state" to a "rigid working state," achieving wave-damping and wave-prevention effects while reducing transportation costs and improving applicability. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the artificial reef in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the axial section of the artificial reef in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of the valve body and the flow-disrupting holes in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the conical partition in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a circular partition in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cover in an embodiment of the present invention; Among them, 1. Flexible shell; 2. Cover; 3. Hollowed-out partition; 4. Protrusion; 5. Petal; 6. Turbulence hole; 7. Inlet; 8. Through hole; 11. Spherical shell; 12. Cylindrical shell; 21. Outer flange; 22. Body; 23. Inner flange; 31. Conical partition; 32. Circular partition. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] The purpose of this invention is to provide an artificial reef structure and a method for constructing such a structure, in order to solve the problems existing in the prior art. By using a flexible shell, the shell can be compressed during transportation, which facilitates transport. When deployed, coral sand is filled to meet the density and weight requirements of the reef, realizing the transformation of the reef from a "flexible compressed state" to a "rigid working state". This reduces transportation costs and improves applicability.

[0021] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0022] like Figures 1-6 As shown, this invention provides an artificial reef structure, including a flexible shell 1, a perforated partition 3, and a cover 2. The top of the flexible shell 1 has an injection port 7, through which seawater and coral sand can be injected into the flexible shell 1 to change its overall flexibility, allowing it to sink and be placed on the seabed as a reef. The flexible shell 1 can be compressed, reducing its overall volume for easier transport. Compression can occur vertically or horizontally. After expelling air from the flexible shell 1, the injection port 7 is sealed to maintain the compressed state, or auxiliary mechanisms such as weights or retaining mechanisms can be used to maintain the compressed state. The perforated partition 3 is horizontally positioned inside the flexible shell 1. When the perforated partition 3 is made of a flexible material, it can be compressed either vertically or horizontally. When compressed horizontally, the perforated partition 3 can be compressed along with the flexible shell 1. When compressed vertically, the perforated partition 3 can maintain its original shape after the flexible shell 1 is compressed vertically. Conversely, when the perforated partition 3 is made of a non-flexible material, it cannot be compressed horizontally; in this case, the flexible shell 1 can only be compressed vertically. The edges of the perforated partition 3 are connected to the inner wall of the flexible shell 1. Different perforated partitions 3 are spaced apart vertically, thus creating multiple spaces between the different perforated partitions 3 and between the perforated partitions 3 and the flexible shell 1. The space near the bottom is used to hold materials with high density, such as coral sand, while the space near the top can be used to store seawater or coral sand. The perforated partition 3 serves two purposes: firstly, it restricts the coral sand within different spaces, preventing it from moving inside the flexible shell 1 and affecting stability; secondly, it strengthens the flexible shell 1, improving its overall structural strength. The cover 2 seals the injection port 7 to further reduce or prevent the spillage of materials such as coral sand. Additionally, if the flexible shell 1 has no other openings besides the injection port 7, after compressing the flexible shell 1 to expel internal air, tightening the cover 2 maintains the compressed state of the flexible shell 1, facilitating loading.

[0023] This invention employs a flexible shell 1, which can be compressed for easy transport. During deployment, after opening the cover 2, materials such as coral sand are filled into the injection port 7 to meet the density and weight requirements of the reef. The cover 2 is then closed to prevent leakage of the filled coral sand. Simultaneously, a perforated partition 3 enhances the structural strength of the flexible shell 1 and restricts the movement of the filled coral sand, maintaining the stability of the reef. This achieves a transformation from a "flexible compressed state" to a "rigid working state," reducing transportation costs and improving applicability. Once installed on the seabed, the reef itself acts as a barrier to water flow, thus achieving wave dissipation and protection. Furthermore, functionally, this invention integrates wave dissipation and shoreline protection, habitat creation, and coral sand retention, forming a composite system of "flexible frame + ecological filling."

[0024] In one embodiment, the flexible shell 1, the cover 2 sealing the flexible shell 1, the perforated partition 3 connected to the inner wall of the flexible shell 1, and the flap 5 connected to the inner wall of the flexible shell 1 (mentioned later) are all made of flexible polymer composite materials capable of self-recovering deformation, such as aramid fiber reinforced polyurethane composite materials. These materials also possess resistance to seawater corrosion and UV aging, and can simulate the surface roughness of natural reefs on the outer surface of the flexible shell 1, promoting bio-attachment. Shape memory alloy wires can be added inside each structure to better restore the designed shape after the flexible shell 1 is unfolded.

[0025] In one implementation, such as Figure 6 As shown, the cover 2 includes an outer flange 21, a body 22, and an inner flange 23 that are interconnected. The body 22 is located inside the injection port 7. The outer flange 21 and the inner flange 23 are respectively placed inside and outside the flexible shell 1. After the cover 2 is installed, the body 22 of the cover 2 can be snapped into the injection port 7 to maintain the connection stability between the cover 2 and the flexible shell 1. In addition, the inner flange 23 may also be provided with a conical surface, with the conical surface facing away from the outer flange 21, thereby facilitating the installation of the cover 2.

[0026] In one implementation, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the perforated partition 3 has through holes 8, which are evenly distributed across its surface. These through holes 8 facilitate the passage of materials such as coral sand and their smooth descent into the space near the bottom of the flexible shell 1. Furthermore, for the perforated partition 3 made of flexible material, the through holes 8 further enhance its flexibility, i.e., its deformability, facilitating the compression deformation and directional adjustment of the flexible shell 1. The cross-section of the through holes 8 can be circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, or other polygonal shapes. In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal section of the through holes 8 can be conical, thus forming a funnel-shaped structure for each through hole 8. This facilitates the downward flow of materials such as coral sand and further prevents or reduces the reverse flow of materials such as coral sand after they enter the space below the perforated partition 3.

[0027] In one implementation, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the flexible shell 1 comprises an upper spherical shell 11 and a lower cylindrical shell 12, which are combined and connected to form the flexible shell 1. The top spherical shell 11 can more evenly distribute external pressure (such as water flow and wave impact) and internal stress, reducing local stress concentration and lowering the risk of cracking or collapse, making it suitable for resisting the dynamic loads of the marine environment. At the same time, the spherical shell 11 can mitigate the direct damage of storms or strong tides to the reef, and can also reduce erosion and sediment accumulation. Water flow and gravity can easily cause sediment to slide off, preventing corals from being buried or suffocated. The bottom cylindrical shell 12 can be stably placed on the seabed, maintaining sufficient contact area and stability with the seabed, preventing the reef from moving with the water flow, and improving its stability on the seabed. In addition, the overall height of the flexible shell 1 can be lower than its overall width to further improve stability and reduce the risk of capsizing.

[0028] In one implementation, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the perforated partition 3 near the injection port 7 is a conical partition 31 with its tip pointing downwards. This creates a first filling space between the upper surface of the conical partition 31 and the spherical shell 11. When materials such as coral sand are injected through the injection port 7, they first fall into the first filling space. Due to the gravity of the coral sand itself, it flows on the surface of the conical partition 31, thereby accelerating the passage of the coral sand through the through hole 8 and improving the efficiency of coral sand injection.

[0029] In one implementation, such as Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the perforated partition 3 at the bottom of the conical partition 31 is a circular partition 32. The top and bottom surfaces of the circular partition 32 are parallel. A second filling space is formed between the circular partition 32 and the conical partition 31, between adjacent circular partitions 32, and between the bottom surface of the circular partition 32 and the cylindrical shell 12. Coral sand entering the first filling space passes sequentially through the conical partition 31 and the circular partition 32, gradually filling each of the second filling spaces from bottom to top. Due to the arrangement of the circular partition 32 and the conical partition 31, the coral sand in the second filling space is confined within the second filling space, making it difficult to move or escape from the second filling space. At the same time, after the conical partition 31 and the circular partition 32 are filled with coral sand, multiple "rigid working state" second filling spaces are formed between them and the flexible shell 1, ensuring that the entire reef has high structural strength and stability.

[0030] In one implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, the edge of the conical partition 31 is connected to the inner wall of the spherical shell 11, and the edge of the circular partition 32 is connected to the inner wall of the cylindrical shell 12. Thus, both the spherical shell 11 and the cylindrical shell 12 are provided with perforated partitions 3 as supporting and reinforcing structures to ensure the structural strength of the flexible shell 1 at various locations. Simultaneously, the spherical shell 11 and the conical partition 31 form a saucer-like structure with a convex upper and lower profile. The convex conical partition 31 can form a closer connection with the coral sand in the second filling space, improving the stability of the saucer-like structure and thus ensuring a more stable structure for the spherical shell 11 and the entire flexible shell 1.

[0031] In one implementation, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the spherical shell 11 is provided with turbulence holes 6 distributed in the circumferential direction. The turbulence holes 6 are opened tangentially to the spherical shell 11. When water flows over the reef, some water will enter the interior of the spherical shell 11 through the turbulence holes 6. Due to the tangential arrangement of the turbulence holes 6, the water entering the interior of the spherical shell 11 has a tangential movement tendency, which can guide the water into the spherical shell 11. By forming a vortex, the power of the water flow is gradually consumed, and then it flows out through other turbulence holes 6, ultimately improving the wave-damping and wave-prevention effect. It should be noted that, in order to allow water to have flow space inside the saucer-shaped structure, when filling with coral sand, the coral sand can only be filled to the lower part of the conical partition 31, that is, the second filling space, keeping the first filling space in a seawater state.

[0032] Since the spherical shell 11 and the conical baffle 31 form a saucer-shaped structure, the cross-section of the water flowing into the spherical shell 11 through the turbulence hole 6 increases instantaneously, and then gradually increases again as it enters the middle of the saucer-shaped structure, which can continuously slow down the flow rate. At the same time, under the obstruction of the through hole 8 opened in the conical baffle 31, the flow rate is further reduced and the water flow energy is consumed. When the internal space of the saucer-shaped structure (the first filling space) cannot accommodate the water flow, the water flow will be discharged outside the flexible shell 1 through other through holes 8 under the action of swirling flow. At this time, since the water flow has already undergone energy reduction inside the saucer-shaped structure, the outflowing water flow has lower energy and the flow rate is significantly reduced, which plays a good role in wave damping and wave prevention.

[0033] Due to the high structural strength and stability of the UFO-shaped structure itself, coupled with the tight connection of the coral sand at the bottom, the structural stiffness of the flexible shell 1, especially the spherical shell 11, is improved during the process of using the UFO-shaped structure for wave damping and protection, thus giving it sufficient stability.

[0034] In one implementation, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, it also includes a petal 5, which is arranged in a ring array inside the spherical shell 11, located in the space between the conical partition 31 and the spherical shell 11 (i.e., inside the saucer-shaped structure, within the first filling space). One end of the petal 5 is connected to the inner wall of the spherical shell 11, and the other end of the petal 5 extends along the axial direction of the turbulence hole 6. The petal 5 can guide the flow of the corresponding turbulence hole 6, so that the water flow initially entering the saucer-shaped structure is forced to flow tangentially and swirlingly inside, thereby converting the external water flow into the internal vortex, realizing a change in the fluid state. Then, under the water pressure inside the saucer-shaped structure, it also has the tendency to flow outward. At this time, the water flow tendency is opposite to the direction of the vortex, so they can impact and cancel each other out, further reducing the flow velocity and achieving a better energy dissipation effect. At the same time, the petal 5 is equivalent to the reinforcing ribs set inside the flexible shell 1, which can improve the structural stiffness of the flexible shell 1, especially the spherical shell 11, and make it have sufficient stability.

[0035] In one implementation, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, it also includes protrusions 4, which can be annular or circular. Annular protrusions can be arranged in a complete circle around the circumference of the flexible shell 1, while circular protrusions can be spaced apart on the surface of the flexible shell 1. The protrusions 4 are positioned in the gaps between the disturbance holes 6, allowing the water flow to be disturbed by the protrusions 4 before entering the disturbance holes 6, thus achieving initial energy dissipation. Furthermore, microporous structures can be implanted into the surface of the protrusions 4, pre-loaded with coral larvae spores. After being placed on the seabed, this can accelerate ecological formation. Simultaneously, the spherical or arc-shaped top surface of the protrusions 4 can reduce the interference and impact of water flow impact on the coral larvae spores within the microporous structure.

[0036] Refer again Figures 1-6 This invention provides a method for constructing an artificial reef structure, using the artificial reef structure described above, including the following: After the flexible shell 1 is compressed, it is transported to the designated location. During compression, the appropriate compression direction is selected according to the material and state of the hollow partition 3 inside the flexible shell 1. After the flexible shell 1 is compressed, the space occupied can be significantly reduced, thereby significantly reducing the transportation cost.

[0037] At the designated location, open the cover 2 and inject materials such as coral sand into the injection port 7 of the flexible shell 1. Seawater can be injected at the same time. The coral sand passes through the perforated partition 3 and sinks into the internal space of the flexible shell 1, so that the flexible shell 1 can change from a "flexible compressed state" to a "rigid working state". Then, the cover 2 is used to seal the injection port 7 again.

[0038] A flexible shell 1 filled with coral sand is placed on the seabed to obtain a stable reef.

[0039] Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

Claims

1. An artificial reef structure, characterized in that, include: A flexible shell, wherein an injection port is provided at the top of the flexible shell, and the flexible shell can be compressed, thereby reducing the overall volume of the flexible shell after compression; A perforated partition is horizontally disposed inside the flexible shell, with the edge of the perforated partition connected to the inner wall of the flexible shell, and different perforated partitions are spaced apart in the height direction; and a cover, the cover being used to seal the injection port.

2. The artificial reef structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The perforated partition has through holes, which are evenly distributed across its surface.

3. The artificial reef structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible shell includes an upper spherical shell and a lower cylindrical shell, which are combined and connected to form the flexible shell.

4. The artificial reef structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The perforated partition near the injection port is a conical partition with the tip of the conical partition pointing downwards, and a first filling space is formed between the upper surface of the conical partition and the spherical shell.

5. The artificial reef structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The perforated partition at the lower part of the conical partition is a circular partition with its top and bottom surfaces parallel. A second filling space is formed between the circular partition and the conical partition, between adjacent circular partitions, and between the bottom surface of the circular partition and the cylindrical shell.

6. The artificial reef structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The edge of the conical partition is connected to the inner wall of the spherical shell, and the edge of the circular partition is connected to the inner wall of the cylindrical shell.

7. The artificial reef structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The spherical shell has turbulence holes distributed in the circumferential direction. The turbulence holes are opened along the tangential direction of the spherical shell to make the water flowing into the interior of the spherical shell have a tangential movement tendency.

8. The artificial reef structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a valve body, which is arranged in a ring array inside the spherical shell, located in the space between the conical partition and the spherical shell. One end of the valve body is connected to the inner wall of the spherical shell, and the other end of the valve body extends along the axial direction of the turbulence hole.

9. The artificial reef structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes protrusions, which are annular or circular protrusions, and are disposed in the gaps between the turbulence holes. The surface of the protrusions is implanted with microporous structures and preloaded with coral larvae spores.

10. A method for constructing an artificial reef structure, characterized in that, The application of the artificial reef structure as described in any one of claims 1-9 includes the following: The flexible shell is compressed and then transported to the designated location. Open the cover and inject coral sand into the inlet of the flexible shell. The coral sand passes through the perforated partition and sinks into the internal space of the flexible shell. Then, reseal the inlet with the cover. The flexible shell filled with coral sand was placed on the seabed.

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