Removable Coil Reef Structure for Wave Energy Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coastal erosion and wave energy dissipation solutions are often permanent, costly, and can have unintended environmental and recreational impacts, lacking predictability and effectiveness in long-term results.
Innovation Solution
A removable artificial reef and barricade system utilizing a coil-shaped structure with spaced dissipater barrier legs that harness and dissipate wave and current energy through Dynamic Destructive Interference, allowing for temporary or low-cost installation and removal, and integration with marine aquaculture and power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent erosion control structures (rock barriers, riprap, jetty installations) are used to dissipate wave energy, then wave energy dissipation effectiveness is improved, but the permanent nature of installation causes unintended environmental impacts and loss of recreational assets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by using flexible, movable components that can adapt to changing environmental conditions. The erosion control structure incorporates movable panels and flexible connections that allow the system to dynamically respond to wave forces, tidal changes, and sediment movement, rather than being a rigid permanent structure. This dynamic behavior reduces unintended environmental impacts while maintaining wave energy dissipation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by using materials and structural configurations that can change their physical properties in response to environmental conditions. The flexible panels can change their stiffness, permeability, and orientation based on wave forces and water level, allowing the structure to optimize its wave dissipation performance while minimizing environmental disruption compared to fixed rigid structures.
2Reliability
If permanent barricade structures (fences, walls) are installed to restrict access to specific areas, then access control effectiveness is improved, but permanent installation creates similar unintended affects and human social affects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle to barricade structures by making them movable and adjustable rather than permanent. The flexible barrier system can be deployed, repositioned, and removed as needed, allowing access control to adapt to changing social needs and conditions. This reduces the negative human social affects associated with permanent barricades while maintaining effective access control when required.
3Reliability
If traditional erosion control designs are implemented, then wave energy dissipation is achieved, but cost and environmental concerns limit acceptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the flexible shells and thin films principle by using flexible panels and thin-walled structures instead of massive rigid materials like rock or concrete. These flexible components are lighter, easier to manufacture and install, and can be made from environmentally friendly materials. The flexible nature allows for easier deployment and removal, reducing installation costs and environmental impact while maintaining wave energy dissipation effectiveness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If artificial reef structures are built to enhance marine life growth, then biological enhancement is improved, but permanent installation and material choices may have negative environmental impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using materials and structural designs that can change their characteristics to promote marine life growth while minimizing environmental impact. The flexible structures can change their permeability, surface area, and configuration to create optimal habitats for different marine organisms. The materials used are environmentally friendly and can degrade or be removed without harming the ecosystem, unlike permanent concrete or steel structures.
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 effectively mitigates coastal erosion, enhances marine growth, improves recreational surf conditions, and provides a cost-effective, environmentally friendly solution for wave energy dissipation and power generation while being removable and adaptable.
Implementation Method 1
the geometry of the coil is designed to cause destructive interference to the rotational or direct wave and current energy (later referred to as Dynamic Destructive Interference, or DDI), thereby mitigating erosion or detrimental effects of the wave and current energy
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a removable artificial reef and barrier system capable of mitigating detrimental wave and current energy and erosion problems, enhancing biological growth and marine aquaculture, increasing carbon sequestration, providing power generation, and enhancing favorable surf conditions for recreational use.