Floating Oil Containment Boom Sealing Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oil containment booms in deep water drilling environments fail to effectively manage sea state-induced movement while maintaining a seal, leading to inefficiencies in blocking oil flow and protecting delicate ecosystems.

Innovation Solution

A floating oil containment boom constructed of hollow pipe sections connected with a specially configured sealing connector that allows for relative movement between sections, utilizing diagonal braces and elastomeric members for flexibility and a fluid seal, along with various connection arrangements to ensure structural integrity and sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid connections are used between boom sections to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but the ability to accommodate sea state movements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidaccommodation of sea state movements

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between boom sections is made dynamic through the use of a sealing connector that includes an elastomeric member capable of relative movement. The elastomeric member can deform and flex to accommodate wave-induced movements while maintaining the seal, transforming the rigid connection into a dynamic one that adapts to environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric member in the sealing connector acts as a flexible element that allows relative movement between boom sections. This flexible component can stretch and deform to accommodate sea state movements while maintaining the watertight seal, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible connections are used between boom sections to accommodate sea state movements, then adaptability is improved, but sealing effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of sea state movementsVSAvoidsealing effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric member serves as a flexible sealing element that can deform under wave-induced movements while maintaining contact between adjacent boom sections. This flexible material property allows the seal to accommodate relative movement without compromising sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing connector combines the rigid tubular member structure with the flexible elastomeric member to create a composite connection system. This composite design integrates both the structural integrity of rigid materials and the flexibility of elastomeric materials, achieving both reliable sealing and movement accommodation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If complex sealing mechanisms are used to maintain watertight seals during movement, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidconnection mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of complex mechanical sealing mechanisms, the invention uses a simple elastomeric member that naturally provides sealing through its material properties. The elastomeric member's flexibility and elasticity inherently maintain the watertight seal during relative movement, avoiding the need for complex sealing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric member automatically adjusts and maintains the seal through its own elastic properties during wave-induced movements. The material self-regulates the sealing pressure and contact between sections without requiring external control mechanisms, simplifying the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution effectively contains oil spills by accommodating sea state movements while maintaining a watertight seal, allowing for efficient deployment and recovery of oil, and can be used for coastal restoration by confining fill materials.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing diagonal braces and elastomeric members for flexibility and a fluid seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9938681B1Floating oil containment boom

Publication Date: 2018.04.10 TAQUINO WELDON

AI summary

A floating oil containment boom is comprised of boom sections connected end to end. Each boom section is of a tubular member or pipe section. The pipe or tubular member is buoyant, either closed at its ends and/or filled with foam or other buoyant material. Plates extend above and below the tubular member or pipe section for each section of boom. A specially configured connecter joins each boom section to the other, the connecter extending above and below the pipe or tubular member. An elastomeric block forms an interface between connectors on each boom section while simultaneously sealing the area between boom sections to flow of oil.