Folded seaweed in-situ restoration reef structure and method of production

Abstract

This invention discloses a folded seagrass-based reef structure for restoration and its generation method. The structure comprises a folded unit consisting of a central face, side faces, triangular faces, and a bottom face. During folding, the bottom face drives the central face to generate axial displacement and rotation. When the triangular faces are fully overlapped, a self-locking mechanism is triggered to fix the shape. By adjusting the side face angle parameters to control the height and rotation angle of the individual structure, the folded structure is transformed into a single reef model. This results in a flow guide formed by the triangular faces, with the central and side faces forming a rigid reef frame. By constraining the bottom face width, linear, matrix, or cross-shaped combinations of multiple unit arrays are achieved, thereby determining the reef's current-facing direction. This invention dynamically controls the flow field characteristics through the origami structure, significantly improving seagrass seed attachment efficiency and nutrient transport capacity. It also possesses advantages such as rapid deployment, resistance to ocean current impact, and ecological compatibility, making it suitable for the restoration of complex seabed topography.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of seagrass restoration technology, specifically relating to a method for restoring reef structures based on seagrass folding. Background Technology

[0002] Artificial reefs are currently an important restoration method, supporting seagrass recovery by regulating the flow field (upwells enhance nutrient transport, and wake zones promote seed attachment). However, existing artificial reefs mostly adopt fixed geometric configurations (such as pyramids and cubes), resulting in rigid individual structures and insufficient flexibility in array combinations, making them difficult to adapt to complex seabed environments. Although numerical simulation studies have revealed the influence of parameters such as slope angle, aperture arrangement, and different arrangement methods on hydrodynamics, existing reefs still lack the ability to finely regulate the flow field due to limitations in manufacturing processes, especially in the flexibility and scalability of array combinations.

[0003] In recent years, origami technology has achieved breakthroughs in extreme environment engineering (such as spatially deployable structures and medical microrobots) due to its programmable folding and lightweight expansion capabilities. Its ability to precisely control structural morphology through key origami parameters provides new ideas for artificial reef design: it can construct parametric single-unit models to adapt to differentiated hydrodynamic needs and achieve flexible expansion of modular arrays. However, the application of origami principles in seagrass habitat restoration has not yet formed a systematic research framework, especially lacking analysis of the coupling flow field mechanism between single-unit folding parameters and array arrangement, which restricts the innovative development of highly adaptable reef structures. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a reef technology system based on origami principles to break through the geometric constraints of traditional structures and achieve precise control throughout the entire process, from single-unit morphology to array topology. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies and improve seagrass seed attachment efficiency and nutrient delivery capacity, this invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A method for generating reef structures for remediation based on folded seagrass sites includes the following steps:

[0006] Step 1: Construct a solid planar structure containing a center face, side faces, and a bottom face. Set a set of side faces around the center face, and each side face is equipped with a corresponding bottom face. Folded surfaces are provided between adjacent side faces.

[0007] Step 2: The bottom surface is translated along the plane towards the center surface, driving the side surface to form an angle with the planar structure, lifting the center surface upwards, while the folding surface folds inwards.

[0008] Step 3: When the folded surface is fully folded, the self-locking mechanism is triggered, resulting in a fixed three-dimensional folded shape;

[0009] Step 4: Construct the reef structure based on the folded frame and folded surfaces. The folded surfaces form guide plates, and the center and side surfaces constitute a rigid reef frame. The geometric constraints of the bottom surface determine the direction of the reef facing the current. The reef structure is formed by integral casting with environmentally friendly concrete.

[0010] Furthermore, the center surface and the side surface are polygonal structures. The side surface includes a side edge and a top edge and a bottom edge that are parallel to each other. The top edge coincides with the edge of the center surface, the bottom edge coincides with the edge of the bottom surface, and the side edge coincides with the edge of the folded surface. The perpendicular line from the endpoint of the top edge to the bottom edge forms an angle variable with the side edge corresponding to the endpoint. The folding shape is adjusted by the angle variable to control the shape of the reef structure.

[0011] Furthermore, the side is trapezoidal. By coordinating the angle variable with the side length, the folding state is adjusted to control the height of the reef structure, as shown in the following formula:

[0012]

[0013] Where H represents the height of the reef structure, and h represents the length of its side. Represents the angle variable.

[0014] Due to angle variables The presence of the reef structure results in a structure with a large bottom and a small top, creating a three-dimensional structure with a large bottom, a small top, and sloping sides. The sloping side design effectively guides the water flow, while the wide bottom structure generates an upwelling that carries nutrients from the bottom to the top, promoting seagrass photosynthesis. The narrow top structure accelerates the water flow, forming a wake zone and increasing the intensity of turbulence, thereby improving the attachment efficiency of seagrass seeds.

[0015] Furthermore, the side surface is a parallelogram, with a perpendicular line dividing the base into segments b and c. By adjusting the angle variable in conjunction with the lengths of segments b and c and the side surface, the rotation angle of the center plane during folding can be controlled. To control the orientation of the reef structure, thereby changing the direction and shape of the flow field, the endpoints on both sides of the bottom edge are movably connected to the bottom surface, and the edge of the bottom edge is cut to coincide with the edge of the bottom surface so that the side can be folded along the dividing line during the folding process.

[0016] Furthermore, the side is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom, and a dividing line is set between the vertical line and the side to divide the angular variable into angular variables. and angle variables The dividing line divides the bottom edge into segment b, parallel to the top edge, and segment c, at a certain angle to the top edge, using the angle variable... Angular variables Adjust the folding state according to the side length h to control the height H and rotation angle of the reef structure. The formula is as follows:

[0017]

[0018]

[0019]

[0020] The endpoints on both sides of the bottom edge are movably connected to the bottom surface. The edges of the bottom edge and the bottom surface are cut to coincide so that the sides can be folded along the dividing line during the folding process.

[0021] Furthermore, the bottom surface is provided with two parallel fold lines perpendicular to the bottom edge. During the folding process, one fold line folds upward as a valley line and the other fold line folds downward as a mountain line to close the bottom surface, which is in conjunction with the folding of the side along the dividing line.

[0022] The geometric relationship between the distance d between the mountain mark and the valley mark and the segments b and c is as follows:

[0023]

[0024] in, Represents the angle variable.

[0025] Furthermore, the width e of the bottom surface is constrained by the following formula:

[0026] or

[0027] To constrain the distance between the two planar structures connected by the bottom surface during folding, so as to avoid possible spatial interference between adjacent units, prevent kinematic conflicts, and ensure that adjacent units have no risk of collision during the entire folding stroke.

[0028] Furthermore, the folded surface is a pair of mating triangular surfaces, with the long side of the triangular surface coinciding with the side edge, and one short side of the triangular surface coinciding with the short side of the corresponding triangular surface. During folding, the triangular surface is folded inward and self-locked based on the coinciding short side. After the reef structure is generated, it forms a flow guide as part of the reef structure, generating micro-eddies in the ocean current, providing shelter for juvenile seagrass and reducing the risk of being washed away.

[0029] The reef structure is generated based on the folded seagrass site restoration method.

[0030] The advantages and beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0031] This invention, through the coordinated control of angle variables in the origami prototype, can precisely optimize the nutrient transport capacity in the upwelling zone and the turbulence characteristics in the wake zone of the reef, significantly improving the attachment efficiency of seagrass seeds. The constraint design of the bottom connecting surface width, combined with the self-locking folding mechanism, enables the array combination to have rapid deployment and stability against ocean current impacts, greatly reducing the transport volume and improving adaptability in deep water areas. The micro-vortex flow field induced by the hollow guide structure provides ecological shelter for juvenile seagrass, enhancing biological carrying capacity. The parametric model is compatible with environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, significantly reducing the cost of complex seabed topography restoration. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a comparison diagram of different quadrilateral single-unit folding structure prototypes in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a comparison diagram of different quadrilateral array folding structure prototypes in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the method in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a comparison diagram of different quadrilateral single reef structure models in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a comparison diagram of different quadrilateral array reef structure models in the embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, this study utilizes a folded seagrass-based reef structure restoration method, inspired by origami. Parametric folding is used to control the pyramidal reef's morphology and flow field characteristics. The prototype of its individual structure consists mainly of eight triangular facets, one central facet, four lateral facets, and four base facets. Upon completion, it forms a truncated pyramid with overlapping triangular facets on its four sides. During the folding process, the four base facets are limited to translational motion within parallel planes. This kinematic constraint results in the central facet's motion being axial displacement and rotation. When all eight triangular facets are fully paired and overlapped, self-locking occurs, achieving the final folded state.

[0039] The geometric relationships describing the fold are defined by the following parameters: the side length 'a' of the center face, the length 'h' of the side face, and the angle variable of the side face. and The width e of the bottom surface, and the angle between the side surface and the yoz plane. And the vertical displacement H of the center face between its initial and final states. b and c represent the characteristic parameters of the two sub-surfaces spatially divided by the crease AG on the side, which will become part of the adjacent faces of the frustum after folding. d represents the distance between the two creases at the folding position on the bottom face.

[0040] Based on geometric relationships, the angular variable of the side face. and The feasible domain and the structural height H and rotation angle of the self-locking folding state Determined by the following formula

[0041]

[0042]

[0043]

[0044] The structural height H and rotation angle of the single unit Equal to the angle variable from the side and Through joint regulation, a series of different monomers can evolve when the angle variable changes. Figure 1 , Figure 2 In the image, the yellow dashed lines represent the creases of the quadrilateral unit formed after folding. Figure 1 In the diagram, the four points at the top of the quadrilateral are A, B, C, and D, and the four points at the bottom are A1, B1, C1, and D1. The angle variable is only... hour, The corresponding angle EAF, when the angle variable is only hour, The corresponding angle EAG, in the angle variable includes and hour, Corresponding angle GAF, The corresponding angle is EAG.

[0045] Each independent unit has four base surfaces, which are interconnected to ensure the stable fixation of adjacent units, thus enabling the formation of large-area array structures, such as... Figure 2 As shown. Since the width of the bottom surface of adjacent single-unit structures after folding is e, the width of the connected bottom surface formed in the array structure is 2e. When e is too small, spatial interference may occur between adjacent units during the folding motion. To prevent this kinematic conflict and ensure that adjacent units have no risk of collision during the entire folding stroke, the width 2e of the connecting surface must satisfy the following constraint:

[0046]

[0047] Once the above conditions are met, a single unit can expand to form various arrangements, such as linear, matrix, and cross-shaped multi-unit combination arrays, by connecting the bottom pairs.

[0048] The geometric relationship between the distance d between the two creases and the characteristic parameters b and c of the sub-surface is as follows:

[0049]

[0050] f is the perpendicular distance between the endpoint of the base in segment c and the extension of segment b.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the method for generating reef structures for remediation based on folded seagrass sites includes the following steps:

[0052] Step 1: Construct a solid planar structure containing a center face, side faces, and a bottom face. Set a set of side faces around the center face, and each side face is equipped with a corresponding bottom face. Folded surfaces are provided between adjacent side faces.

[0053] In this embodiment of the invention, the center surface is a quadrilateral, corresponding to four side surfaces and four bottom surfaces, and the folded surface is a pair of symmetrically arranged triangular surfaces.

[0054] Step 2: The bottom surface is translated along the plane towards the center surface, driving the side surface to form an angle with the planar structure, lifting the center surface upwards, while the folding surface folds inwards.

[0055] Step 3: When the folded surface is fully folded, the self-locking mechanism is triggered, resulting in a fixed three-dimensional folded shape;

[0056] Step 4: Construct the reef structure based on the folded frame and folded surfaces.

[0057] During the side folding process, by setting the angle variable α, the side is folded to form a trapezoidal structure (i.e., a truncated pyramid) that is wide at the bottom and narrow at the top. This inclined side design can effectively guide the water flow. The wide bottom structure generates an upwelling, bringing nutrients from the bottom to the top and promoting seagrass photosynthesis. The narrow top structure accelerates the water flow, forming a wake zone and increasing the intensity of turbulence, thereby improving the attachment efficiency of seagrass seeds. During the side folding process, by setting the angle variable β, the center surface moves upward while rotating around the z-axis. The side folds along the crease line AG to both sides, forming two adjacent faces of a three-dimensional structure. The crease line AG is determined by the angle variable β. During the side folding process, if the angle variables α and β are set simultaneously, the crease line AG is determined by the angle variables α and β on the side. The angle variables α and β control the degree of inclination of the side and the degree of rotation of the center surface, respectively. In addition, the triangular facets fold inward along the crease line AI. The overlapping and self-locking of the triangular facets form a guide plate that generates micro-eddies in the ocean current, providing shelter for juvenile seagrass and reducing the risk of being washed away.

[0058] Overlapping triangular faces form guide vanes, while the center and side faces form the framework of a single reef. Although the four base faces are physically omitted in the 3D model, their geometric constraints still exist: the edge of width e must remain parallel to the direction of the inflow velocity, thus affecting the spatial orientation of the reef structure; for example... Figure 4 As shown, four variables with different angles are illustrated. and A 3D model of a representative origami pyramid artificial reef, in which the reef frame is 0.338 meters thick, the central face length 'a' is 3 meters, and the side length 'h' is 3 meters; the guide plate formed by eight pairs of overlapping triangular faces is 0.1 meters thick, and its side length AI ( Figure 1 The length is 1.5 meters.

[0059] Based on the established array geometry of the reef unit model and origami prototype, a planar array of units can be achieved through the width 'e' of the connected base surfaces. This planar array can take various shapes, such as linear, matrix, or cross-shaped arrays, etc. Figure 5 As shown, four sets of different angle variables are given for a connected base with a width of 2e and a height of 3 meters. and A three-dimensional model of a representative origami pyramid artificial reef array. This modular design allows for flexible layout according to seabed topography, and the anti-interference constraint of the base width e ensures that the array is collision-free during folding and deployment, improving the reliability of large-scale deployment.

[0060] This invention achieves dynamic control of the structure through origami folding steps, enabling the reef to not only possess the flow field optimization function of traditional artificial reefs but also add scalability. In seagrass bed restoration and recovery, this structure can precisely control the local flow field, improve nutrient transport efficiency and seed attachment rate, while providing ecological shelter through micro-eddies and enhancing biological carrying capacity. The modular array adapts to complex seabed topography, reduces restoration costs, and supports rapid deployment, showing broad application prospects in marine ecological restoration.

[0061] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for generating reef structures for remediation based on folded marine grassland sites, characterized in that... Includes the following steps: Step 1: Construct a solid planar structure including a center face, side faces, and a bottom face. Set up a set of side faces around the center face, and each side face has a corresponding bottom face around its perimeter. Folded surfaces are provided between adjacent side faces. The center face and side faces are polygonal structures. The side faces include side edges and parallel top and bottom edges. The top edge coincides with the edge of the center face, the bottom edge coincides with the edge of the bottom face, and the side edge coincides with the edge of the folded surface. The perpendicular line from the endpoint of the top edge to the bottom edge forms an angle variable with the side edge corresponding to the endpoint of the bottom edge. The folding shape is adjusted by the angle variable to control the shape of the reef structure. Due to the existence of the angle variable, the side faces are a structure with a large bottom and a small top. The constructed reef structure is also a three-dimensional structure with a large bottom, a small top, and sloping sides. Step 2: The bottom surface is translated along the plane towards the center surface, driving the side surface to form an angle with the planar structure, lifting the center surface upwards, and at the same time, the folding surface is folded inwards; the folding surface is a pair of matching triangular surfaces, the long side of the triangular surface coincides with the side surface, and one short side of the triangular surface coincides with the short side of the corresponding triangular surface. When folding, the triangular surface is folded inwards based on the coinciding short side. Step 3: When the triangular faces overlap, the self-locking mechanism is triggered, resulting in a relatively fixed three-dimensional folded shape; Step 4: Based on the folded shape, the frame and folded surfaces are cast in one piece of concrete to construct the reef structure. The overlapping triangular faces, after the reef structure is generated, form a flow guide plate as part of the reef structure. The center face and the side face constitute a rigid reef frame, and the geometric constraints of the bottom face determine the direction of the reef facing the current.

2. The method for generating reef structures based on folded marine grassland site restoration according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side is trapezoidal. By coordinating the angle variable with the side length, the folding state is adjusted to control the height of the reef structure. The height is obtained by subtracting the square of the tangent of the angle variable from 1, taking the square root of the difference, and multiplying the square root by the side length. The angle variable ranges within... Within.

3. The method for generating reef structures based on folded marine grassland site restoration according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side surface is a parallelogram, and a perpendicular line divides the base into segments b and c. This is achieved through the aforementioned angular variable. The rotation angle of the center plane during folding is adjusted in conjunction with the lengths of segments b, c, and the side edges. This is to control the orientation of the reef structure.

4. A method for restoring reef structures based on folded seagrass sites, characterized by: The method for generating reef structures based on folded marine habitat restoration, as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, generates the reef structure.

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