Adjustable Submersible Screen for Shoreline Erosion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoreline protection devices are vulnerable to strong sea currents, requiring additional means for deployment and redeployment, which are impractical in heavy seas, and disrupt sedimentation processes, reducing their effectiveness in preventing erosion.
Innovation Solution
A submersible device system with adjustable screen height and additional screens to allow partial folding, using buoyancy means and an anchor chain for dynamic adjustment and enhanced sedimentation, allowing continued sedimentation and increased filtering power during storms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the screen is deployed in maximum configuration to protect against erosion, then the shoreline protection effectiveness is improved, but the device becomes vulnerable to strong sea currents that may tear the screen from the ground holding means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic height adjustment mechanism that allows the screen to transition between a first height (maximum deployment for erosion protection) and a second reduced height (partial folding for storm conditions). This dynamic reconfiguration enables the device to adapt its structural characteristics in response to varying sea conditions, reducing vulnerability to strong currents while maintaining protection effectiveness when conditions are favorable
2Ease of repair
If additional means such as weights or float reinflation systems are added to the device to enable screen redeployment, then the device can be reset after storm damage, but the device complexity increases and these means cannot be used in heavy seas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the screen into multiple segments or sections that can be independently adjusted in height. By segmenting the screen structure and implementing independent height control for different sections, the system achieves redeployment capability without requiring complex additional means such as weights or float reinflation systems. The segmented approach allows partial folding and reconfiguration using simpler mechanical adjustment mechanisms
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the screen is completely collapsed against the ground to reduce current resistance, then the device vulnerability to strong currents is reduced, but the sedimentation process is interrupted and previously accumulated accretions are carried away by the current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial folding of the screen rather than complete collapse. By maintaining a reduced but non-zero height (second height greater than zero), the screen continues to provide sedimentation functionality while presenting reduced resistance to strong currents. This partial action approach allows the device to maintain sufficient structural presence to promote sedimentation while minimizing harmful current forces, avoiding the complete loss of sedimentation effect that would occur with total collapse
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces vulnerability to strong currents, maintains operational integrity, accelerates sedimentation, and allows easy deployment and removal, enhancing shoreline protection and ecosystem development.
Implementation Method 1
The system includes buoyancy means and an anchor chain for dynamic adjustment
Implementation Method 2
accelerates sedimentation, and allows easy deployment and removal, enhancing shoreline protection
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a submersible device DSP comprising a screen SCR having a plurality of openings, an anchor means AM for anchoring a first end of said screen SCR, here a bottom end, to the ground and means (FM, C1, C2, C3) for holding a second end of said screen SCR, here a top end, up. According to the invention, the holding-up means (FM, C1, C2, C3) include means for adjusting the height of said second end between a minimum height h and a maximum height H. The invention allows the screen SCR to be configured in such a way that it is partially folded, rather than completely collapsed against the ground. This allows the surface area presented to the current to be reduced temporarily particularly with a view to safeguarding the physical integrity of the device in the event of a storm, it being easy for the screen to be redeployed once the storm has passed.