Bag-Shaped Filter Units for Seabed Planarization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for planarizing uneven seabeds, such as those affecting submarine cables, are inadequate as they either fail to securely anchor the cables or lead to scouring due to incomplete fitting and resistance to tidal currents.

Innovation Solution

Installation of bag-shaped filter units containing block objects, which are leveled to create a flush surface with the seabed, using GPS for precise positioning and varying sizes of filter units to ensure stability and prevent scouring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If covering material units are positioned only under the submarine cable to deal with unevenness, then the cable can move onto the unevenness due to tidal currents, but the submarine cable gets bent over the unevenness imposing considerable strain and can be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable movement freedomVSAvoidcable integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The covering material is divided into multiple units positioned at different locations along the cable path. These units work together to create a continuous protected surface, allowing the cable to move freely while preventing damage from unevenness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The covering material units serve as an intermediary layer between the cable and the uneven seabed. This intermediate layer absorbs the mechanical stress from tidal currents and unevenness, protecting the cable from direct contact and strain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional methods dump crushed stones to repair unevenness, then the unevenness can be filled, but the dumped crushed stones can be carried away by tidal currents, restoring the unevenness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseabed flatnessVSAvoidstone placement stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The covering material units are flexible structures that can be positioned and secured on the seabed. These units remain in place despite tidal currents, maintaining the planarized surface without being carried away like loose crushed stones

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The covering material units are composed of multiple layers including a base layer and a friction-increasing layer. This composite structure provides both stability against currents and effective friction management for cable protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Manufacturing precision

If wire cylinders or large concrete blocks are installed to repair unevenness, then the unevenness can be filled, but the parts that do not fit in the unevenness serve as resistance to tidal currents causing excess flow and scouring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseabed flatnessVSAvoidscouring

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The covering material units are designed with localized properties - a smooth upper surface that fits precisely into the unevenness and a friction-increasing lower surface for stability. This local differentiation eliminates protrusions that would cause scouring while maintaining effective cable protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adding large blocks that protrude from the seabed, the solution inverts the approach by using material that conforms to and fills the unevenness from below, creating a flush surface that does not resist tidal currents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 method effectively planarizes uneven seabeds, securely anchors submarine cables, and reduces scouring by creating a stable, porous surface that withstands tidal currents and supports marine life.

Implementation Method 1

covering material units are positioned between a friction increasing mat provided on the lower surface of the foundation, and the surface of the seabed in order to deal with the unevenness and to increase frictional resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The plurality of bag-shaped filter units, each containing predetermined block objects, are installed on the unevenness

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPorosity: Porosity

Data Source

PatentUS8657529B2Method for planarizing unevenness of the seabed

Publication Date: 2014.02.25 KYOWA LTD

AI summary

At a location where unevenness 1000 is present, the condition of a seabed 200 is investigated in advance to examine the respective numbers of large filter units 51 and small filter units 52 to be used, and the position where the large filter units 51 and the small filter units 52 are to be installed. Based on the investigation result, the small filter units 52 are installed on the bottom of the unevenness 1000. The large filter units 51 are installed on the upper surface formed by the installed small filter units 52, and are leveled so that the upper surface formed by the installed large filter units 51 becomes flush with the seabed 200.