Mutually-embedded coral reef body and coral reef body group

By designing an interlocking coral reef structure and using plug-in blocks and crossbars to enhance the stability of the coral reef community, the problem of coral reefs being easily dispersed by wind and waves in existing technologies has been solved, thus improving the ecological restoration effect of coral reefs.

CN224165467UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-28中交海洋建设开发有限公司
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
中交海洋建设开发有限公司
Filing Date
2025-05-16
Publication Date
2026-04-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing artificial coral reefs are easily broken up by wind and waves in coastal areas, causing coral reef groups to be washed away, damaging coral seedlings and disrupting the reef formation, thus reducing the effectiveness of coral reef ecological restoration.

Method used

An interlocking coral reef structure is designed by setting first and second plug-in block groups on the side wall of the main body of the reef, using dovetail grooves to plug into the dovetail-shaped plug-in blocks, and combining crossbars to fix between the protrusions to form a stable coral reef group structure, which enhances the ability to resist wind and waves, and simulates the natural coral reef ecological environment through caves and cavities.

Benefits of technology

This achieved a strong connection between coral reef communities, enhanced their resistance to wind and waves, provided diverse habitats, created favorable conditions for coral growth, and improved the ecological restoration effect of coral reefs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to a mutually-embedded coral reef body and a coral reef body group. The mutually-embedded coral reef body comprises a reef body main body, a plurality of convex blocks, a plurality of transverse rods, a first inserting block group and a second inserting block group. According to the embedded coral reef body provided by the embodiment, the first inserting block group and the second inserting block group are arranged on the side wall of the reef body main body, and the adjacent embedded coral reef bodies can be connected by inserting the dovetail grooves and the dovetail-shaped inserting blocks. After the dovetail grooves and the dovetail-shaped inserting blocks are connected in an inserted mode, the mutually-embedded coral reef bodies are mutually fixed, and therefore the formed coral reef body group is firm in structure and has the high wind and wave resisting capacity, and a habitat is better created for coral growth. Meanwhile, more coral reef groups can be constructed, high environmental adaptability is achieved, a good habitat is created for growth of coral seedlings and attachment of coral larvae, and the ecological restoration effect of coral reefs can be guaranteed.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of ecological restoration technology, and in particular relates to an interlocking coral reef and coral reef complex. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of coral reef ecological restoration, precast reinforced concrete coral reef structures are frequently used as carriers for coral seedling transplantation. These structures create better habitats for coral growth, enhancing the effectiveness of coral reef ecological restoration.

[0003] Because coastal areas often have large waves, strong currents, and constant undercurrents, especially after typhoons, coral reefs are often scattered and knocked down, damaging transplanted coral seedlings, disrupting the reef's arrangement, and reducing the effectiveness of coral reef ecological restoration. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings of existing artificial coral reefs and provide an interlocking coral reef and coral reef group.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is:

[0006] An interlocking coral reef, comprising:

[0007] The reef body has a regular polygonal outline projected along the vertical direction and has an inner cavity for organisms to inhabit.

[0008] A plurality of protrusions, wherein the plurality of said protrusions are located on the top of the reef body;

[0009] A plurality of crossbars, said crossbars being fixed between at least a portion of said protrusions;

[0010] The first plug block group includes a dovetail plug block;

[0011] The second plug block group includes two dovetail plug blocks and a dovetail groove formed between the two dovetail plug blocks;

[0012] The first plug-in block group is connected to at least two side walls of the reef body, and the second plug-in block group is connected to at least two side walls of the reef body. The dovetail groove allows the dovetail plug-in block to be embedded.

[0013] Preferably, in the interlocking coral reef of this invention, the main body of the reef is rectangular.

[0014] Preferably, in the interlocking coral reef of this invention, the outline of the reef body projected along the vertical direction is square.

[0015] Preferably, in the interlocking coral reef body of this utility model, the axis of symmetry of the projection of the first plug block group and the second plug block group in the vertical direction coincides with the axis of symmetry of the projection of the reef body in the vertical direction.

[0016] Preferably, in the interlocking coral reef structure of this utility model, there are at least two crossbars fixed between the protrusions, and the crossbars are parallel to each other.

[0017] Preferably, in the interlocking coral reef of this invention, each wall of the reef body has a cavity, the cavity being connected to the inner cavity, for allowing organisms to enter the inner cavity through the cavity.

[0018] Preferably, in the interlocking coral reef body of this invention, the inner walls of the cavity and / or the cave have a roughened layer.

[0019] Preferably, in the interlocking coral reef of this utility model, the reef body, the protrusion, the first plug-in block group, and the second plug-in block group are integrally connected.

[0020] Preferably, in the interlocking coral reef of this utility model, the reef body, the protrusions, the first plug-in block group and the second plug-in block group are made of concrete or reinforced concrete; the two ends of the crossbar extend into the interior of two adjacent protrusions for fixation.

[0021] This utility model provides a coral reef system, including the interlocking coral reef bodies, wherein adjacent interlocking coral reef bodies are connected by the dovetail-shaped plug-in block and the dovetail groove.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By setting a first and a second set of connecting blocks on the sidewall of the main reef body, and using dovetail grooves and dovetail-shaped connecting blocks for connection, adjacent interlocking coral reef bodies can be connected. The crossbars are fixed between the protrusions, forming support points for crane suspension, allowing for the connection of dovetail grooves and dovetail-shaped connecting blocks after the interlocking coral reef bodies are submerged. After the dovetail grooves and dovetail-shaped connecting blocks are connected, the interlocking coral reef bodies are mutually fixed, resulting in a robust coral reef structure with strong resistance to wind and waves, better creating a habitat for coral growth. Simultaneously, the layout of setting the first set of connecting blocks on at least two sides of the main reef body sidewall, and the second set of connecting blocks on at least two sides, allows for the construction of a wider variety of coral reef bodies with strong environmental adaptability, thus contributing to the effectiveness of coral reef ecological restoration. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The technical solution of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the interlocking coral reef structure of Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a top view of the interlocking coral reef structure of Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the linear distribution of the coral reef system in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the triangular distribution of the coral reef system in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the herringbone distribution of coral reef groups in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the V-shaped distribution of the coral reef group in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the I-shaped distribution of the coral reef group in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the radial distribution of coral reef groups in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0032] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the ring-shaped distribution of coral reef groups in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0033] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the grid-like distribution of coral reef groups in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0034] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the interlocking coral reef structure of Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0035] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the linear distribution of the coral reef system in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0036] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the broken line distribution of the coral reef system in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0037] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the oblique distribution of the coral reef system in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0038] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the I-shaped distribution of coral reef groups in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0039] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the grid-like distribution of coral reef groups in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0040] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0041] 1. Main body of the reef; 11. Internal cavity; 12. Cave;

[0042] 2. Bumps;

[0043] 3. Crossbar;

[0044] 4. First plug-in block group; 41. Dovetail plug-in block; 42. Dovetail groove;

[0045] 5. Second plug-in block group;

[0046] 100. Interlocking coral reefs. Detailed Implementation

[0047] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0048] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0049] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0050] The technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Example

[0051] This embodiment provides an interlocking coral reef body 100, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, it includes: a reef body 1, several protrusions 2, several crossbars 3, a first plug-in block group and a second plug-in block group 5.

[0052] The reef body 1 has a regular polygonal outline projected vertically. The reef body 1 has an inner cavity 11 for biological habitat. Several protrusions 2 are located on the top of the reef body 1. A crossbar 3 is fixed between at least some of the protrusions 2. Due to the elevation effect of the protrusions 2, a certain gap is formed between the crossbar 3 and the top surface of the reef body 1, allowing a crane tool to be inserted. The first plug-in block group 4 includes a dovetail-shaped plug-in block 41, and the second plug-in block group 5 includes two dovetail-shaped plug-in blocks 41 and a dovetail groove 42 formed between the two dovetail-shaped plug-in blocks 41.

[0053] A first plug-in block group 4 is connected to at least two sides of the wall surface of the reef body 1, and a second plug-in block group 5 is connected to at least two sides of the wall surface of the reef body 1. The dovetail groove 42 allows the dovetail plug-in block 41 to be embedded. Through this structure, the plug-in between two adjacent interlocking coral reef bodies 100 can be realized.

[0054] The interlocking coral reef 100 provided in this embodiment is connected by the following method: First, a crane is used to place the first interlocking coral reef 100 at the target position. Then, the crane is used to suspend the second interlocking coral reef 100. When the two interlocking coral reefs 100 are vertically offset, the dovetail grooves 42 and dovetail-shaped insertion blocks 41 are aligned in the vertical direction. Then, the crane is controlled to lower the second interlocking coral reef 100 until it lands on the ground, at which point the connection is complete. This process is repeated to arrange the third, fourth, and subsequent interlocking coral reefs 100.

[0055] This embodiment also provides a coral reef system, such as Figures 3-10 As shown, the structure includes several interlocking coral reef bodies 100 as described in this embodiment, and adjacent interlocking coral reef bodies 100 are connected by dovetail-shaped plug blocks and dovetail grooves 42.

[0056] The interlocking coral reef 100 provided in this embodiment utilizes a first plug-in block group 4 and a second plug-in block group 5 set on the side wall of the reef body 1, such as... Figure 3 As shown, by using the dovetail groove 42 and the dovetail-shaped plug-in block 41 for insertion, the connection of adjacent interlocking coral reef bodies can be realized, such as... Figure 1As shown, the crossbar 3 is fixed between the protrusions 2, forming a support point for the crane to suspend the reef, enabling the insertion of the dovetail groove 42 and the dovetail-shaped connector 41 after the interlocking coral reef is submerged. After the dovetail groove 42 and the dovetail-shaped connector 41 are inserted, the interlocking coral reefs are fixed to each other, thus forming a strong coral reef structure with a strong ability to resist wind and waves, better creating a habitat for coral growth; at the same time, by setting the first connector group 4 on at least two sides of the sidewall of the reef body 1, and the second connector group 5 on at least two sides, as shown... Figures 3-10 As shown, this allows for the construction of a wide variety of coral reef systems with strong environmental adaptability, creating a favorable habitat for the growth of coral seedlings and the attachment of coral larvae, which is conducive to ensuring the effectiveness of coral reef ecological restoration.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the main body of the reef 1 is rectangular in shape. The rectangular shape makes it easy to arrange in both longitudinal and lateral directions, which is more convenient for design when constructing coral reef groups.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the outline of the reef body 1 projected vertically is square. The square shape ensures that when the interlocking coral reefs 100 provided in this embodiment are arranged, the distances of one interlocking coral reef 100 arranged horizontally and one interlocking coral reef 100 arranged vertically are consistent. When arranged randomly, the problem of interlocking coral reefs 100 failing to connect is less likely to occur. The square shape is also easy to prefabricate and transport, and can be combined to form complex reef groups.

[0059] In an alternative embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the axis of symmetry of the projections of the first interlocking block group 4 and the second interlocking block group 5 along the vertical direction coincides with the axis of symmetry of the projection of the main reef body 1 along the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the interlocking coral reef body 100 has an axisymmetric shape, which facilitates better structural symmetry when constructing a coral reef system.

[0060] In an alternative embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, there are at least two crossbars 3 fixed between the protrusions 2, and the crossbars 3 are parallel to each other. In this embodiment, the crossbars 3 can provide more attachment substrate and habitat space for marine algae, shellfish, and corals. When transplanting the interlocking coral reef body 100, the crossbars 3 make it easier to bind and fix the corals. The two crossbars 3 arranged side by side can increase the attachment area and provide more space for binding and fixing the interlocking coral reef body 100. Optionally, the crossbars 3 are made of steel to ensure their strength.

[0061] In an optional embodiment, each wall of the reef body 1 has a cavity 12, which communicates with the inner cavity 11, allowing organisms to enter the inner cavity 11 through the cavity 12. The size design of the cavity 12 needs to take into account environmental adaptability. In areas with strong currents, the aperture needs to be reduced and the aperture edge thickened to prevent edge breakage; in areas with weak currents, the aperture can be increased to prevent the formation of oxygen-deficient zones.

[0062] Cave 12 can attract fish and invertebrates to enter and exit the inner cavity 11, better simulating the ecological environment of a natural coral reef, including the following aspects:

[0063] 1. Ecological Principles: Mimicking Natural Structures and Biological Needs. Natural coral reefs have complex pores, fissures, and caves; artificial coral reefs must mimic these structures. Furthermore, adding caves and uneven surfaces increases the surface area for coral attachment.

[0064] 2. Hydrodynamic Principles: Turbulence and Nutrient Transport. The surface caves 12 and the inner cavity 11 can guide water flow to form turbulence, promoting oxygen exchange and plankton aggregation.

[0065] 3. Environmental Adaptability: Morphological adjustments tailored to local conditions. Coral reefs can flexibly combine to form different shapes to suit various underwater environments. For example, in areas with strong ocean currents, interlocking coral reefs can be combined into triangular shapes to achieve greater stability.

[0066] In an optional embodiment, the inner walls of the cavity 11 and / or cave 12 have a roughened layer. The roughening treatment mimics the coral skeleton, improving the attachment rate of coral larvae. This embodiment provides a method for forming the roughened layer: an interlocking coral reef 100 is manufactured using a mold, several pipes are embedded in the mold, the ends of the pipes extending to the wall of the cavity 11 and / or cave 12, and after concrete is poured into the mold, a small amount of air is introduced through the pipes to form the molded interlocking coral reef 100, wherein the inner walls of the cavity 11 and / or cave 12 form a roughened layer.

[0067] In an alternative embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the reef body 1, protrusion 2, first plug-in block group 4 and second plug-in block group 5 are integrally connected, which is convenient for direct molding using molds and has low manufacturing cost.

[0068] In an optional embodiment, the reef body 1, the protrusion 2, the first plug-in block group 4 and the second plug-in block group 5 are made of concrete or reinforced concrete; the two ends of the crossbar 3 extend into the interior of two adjacent protrusions 2 for fixation. The crossbar 3 can be pre-embedded during the pouring of the reef body 1, the protrusion 2, the first plug-in block group 4 and the second plug-in block group 5. After the concrete is fixed, the crossbar 3 is naturally fixed.

[0069] The size of the interlocking coral reef 100 needs to take into account the habitat requirements of organisms. Larger coral reefs can provide more microhabitats (such as crevices and caves), attracting organisms with different ecological niches such as fish and crustaceans. However, the feasibility of the deployment depth, coral reef prefabrication, hoisting, and placement processes must also be considered. If the interlocking coral reef 100 is too large, it will cause difficulties in the prefabrication, hoisting, and underwater placement processes; if the interlocking coral reef 100 is too small, it will not provide enough attachment surface for the corals.

[0070] In an optional embodiment, each of the interlocking coral reef bodies 100 has dimensions of 1m (length) × 1m (width) × 0.6m (height).

[0071] Combining several typical types of artificial coral reefs: 1. A hemispherical reef with a diameter of 0.7 meters and a height of 0.55 meters; 2. A dodecagonal reef with a length of 1.26 meters, a width of 0.8 meters, and a height of 0.6 meters; 3. A triangular reef with a diameter of 0.8 meters and a height of 0.6 meters. The interlocking coral reef 100 in this embodiment is designed with dimensions of 1m (length) × 1m (width) × 0.6m (height). This allows multiple interlocking coral reefs 100 to be combined and placed together to make them more stable on the seabed to resist the effects of ocean currents and waves, while also being easy for divers to place underwater. Example

[0072] This embodiment provides an interlocking coral reef body 100, such as Figure 11 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and the interlocking coral reef 100 provided in Example 1 is that in this embodiment, the two sets of first interlocking block groups 4 are arranged on adjacent sides, and the two sets of second interlocking block groups 5 are arranged on adjacent sides; while in Example 1, the two sets of first interlocking block groups 4 are arranged on opposite sides, and the two sets of second interlocking block groups 5 are arranged on opposite sides. Therefore, as Figures 12-16 As shown, the coral reef system constructed using the interlocking coral reef body 100 of this embodiment is partially similar to, but partially different from, the coral reef system that can be constructed using the interlocking coral reef body 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0073] Based on the above-described preferred embodiments according to this application, and through the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the technical concept of this application. The technical scope of this application is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An interlocking coral reef, characterized in that, include: The reef body (1) has a regular polygonal outline projected along the vertical direction. The reef body (1) has an inner cavity (11) for organisms to inhabit. A plurality of protrusions (2), wherein the plurality of the protrusions (2) are located on the top of the reef body (1); A plurality of crossbars (3), said crossbars (3) being fixed between at least a portion of said protrusions (2); The first plug block group (4) includes a dovetail plug block (41). The second plug block group (5) includes two dovetail plug blocks (41) and a dovetail groove (42) formed between the two dovetail plug blocks (41). The first plug-in block group (4) is connected to at least two sides of the wall surface of the reef body (1), and the second plug-in block group (5) is connected to at least two sides of the wall surface of the reef body (1). The dovetail groove (42) allows the dovetail plug-in block (41) to be embedded.

2. The interlocking coral reef structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body of the reef (1) is rectangular in shape.

3. The interlocking coral reef structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outline of the reef body (1) projected vertically is a square.

4. The interlocking coral reef structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The axis of symmetry of the projection of the first plug block group (4) and the second plug block group (5) in the vertical direction coincides with the axis of symmetry of the projection of the reef body (1) in the vertical direction.

5. The interlocking coral reef according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, There are at least two crossbars (3) fixed between the protrusions (2), and the crossbars (3) are parallel to each other.

6. The interlocking coral reef according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The reef body (1) has caves (12) on each wall, which are connected to the inner cavity (11) for organisms to enter the inner cavity (11) through the caves (12).

7. The interlocking coral reef structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The inner walls of the cavity (11) and / or the cave (12) have a roughened layer.

8. The interlocking coral reef according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The reef body (1), the protrusion (2), the first plug-in block group (4) and the second plug-in block group (5) are integrally connected.

9. The interlocking coral reef body according to claim 8, characterized in that, The main body of the reef (1), the protrusion (2), the first plug-in block group (4) and the second plug-in block group (5) are made of concrete or reinforced concrete; the two ends of the crossbar (3) extend into the interior of the two adjacent protrusions (2) for fixation.

10. A coral reef system, characterized in that, It includes several interlocking coral reef bodies (100) as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein adjacent interlocking coral reef bodies (100) are connected by the dovetail-shaped plug-in block and the dovetail groove (42).