Cavitation Bubble Barrier for Selective Fish Exclusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exclusion methods, such as underwater fences, have failed to prevent the spread of Asian carp in waterways, as they are costly, harmful to native species, and disrupt navigation and ecosystems, while also being ineffective in deterring these hardy fish.
Innovation Solution
A cavitation barrier system that uses propellers to create a confined vertical column of cavitation bubbles, which repel target aquatic species like Asian carp without harming humans, wildlife, or infrastructure, and can be controlled to allow non-target species to pass through.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional exclusion structures like underwater fences are used, then carp population spread may be blocked, but they are expensive, harmful to other species, and disrupt navigation and natural environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical exclusion structures (fences, nets, dams) with a cavitation-based acoustic field barrier. Propellers generate cavitation bubbles that create an acoustic environment deterrent to carp, eliminating physical contact and mechanical harm to wildlife while maintaining exclusion effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cavitation bubbles as an intermediary medium between the propeller and the carp. These bubbles create an acoustic field that acts as a mediator to deter carp without requiring direct mechanical interaction, thus avoiding harm to the fish and surrounding environment
2Reliability
If conventional exclusion structures are deployed, then carp may be deterred, but navigation and aquatic infrastructure are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing physical barriers with an acoustic field generated by cavitation bubbles, the system eliminates obstacles to navigation and infrastructure access while maintaining carp exclusion. Ships and equipment can pass through the acoustic barrier without physical obstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The propellers operate periodically to generate cavitation bubbles, creating a dynamic acoustic barrier that maintains exclusion effectiveness while allowing periodic passage when needed, thus balancing carp deterrence with navigation requirements
3Reliability
If strong cavitation is used to deter carp, then exclusion effectiveness increases, but potential harm to non-target species may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cavitation barrier creates localized zones of different cavitation intensity. Strong cavitation is concentrated at the barrier core to effectively deter carp, while peripheral zones have reduced intensity that allows non-target species to pass through unharmed, achieving selective exclusion
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial cavitation action to non-target areas and excessive (strong) cavitation action only where needed at the barrier core for carp deterrence. This selective application of cavitation intensity minimizes harm to non-target species while maintaining effectiveness against carp
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 cavitation barrier effectively deters Asian carp by causing discomfort and disrupting their swimming ability, while being environmentally safe and non-intrusive, allowing for selective exclusion and reducing the risk of by-catch of other fish species.
Implementation Method 1
at least drive unit comprising a motor and a propeller configured for inducing cavitation in water, the cavitation taking the form of a rotationally confined vertical column of cavitation bubbles extending from the propeller
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a novel deterrent barrier based on the phenomenon of fluid cavitation. A drive unit comprising a motor and a propeller are configured for inducing cavitation in water. The cavitation takes the form of a rotationally confined vertical column of cavitation bubbles extending from the propeller, and a one-dimensional series of drive units spanning the width of a waterway may provide an effective, environmentally friendly and non-lethal barrier against entry of target fish species.