Collapsible Frame Resonator Array for Underwater Noise Abatement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater noise abatement systems are bulky and cumbersome, making their installation, deployment, and packaging challenging due to their large size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A deployable noise reduction system comprising a collapsible frame with gas-filled resonators that can be configured into a stowed position for compact storage and transportation, and extended for deployment, allowing for efficient noise absorption when submerged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If underwater noise abatement systems use gas-filled resonators to absorb sound, then noise reduction effectiveness is improved, but the system becomes bulky and cumbersome for storage and deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The resonator system employs a collapsible frame structure that can dynamically transition between an extended deployed configuration for noise absorption and a contracted stowed configuration for compact storage. This dynamic transformation allows the same structure to fulfill both functional and storage requirements efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonators are arranged within a collapsible frame that allows them to be nested or compacted together when not in use, similar to nested dolls. This nesting principle enables the resonators to occupy minimal space during storage while maintaining their full operational volume when deployed for noise abatement.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If resonators are spaced further apart to enhance noise absorption, then noise reduction effectiveness is improved, but the system becomes more difficult to store and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible frame provides a dynamic deployment mechanism that automatically adjusts the spacing between resonators. When deployed, the frame extends to space resonators optimally for noise absorption; when stowed, it contracts to bring resonators close together for easy storage, eliminating manual deployment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the resonator array into modular sections connected by the collapsible frame. This segmentation allows each module to be independently managed and stored, while maintaining the ability to expand the overall structure for effective noise absorption when deployed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the frame is extended to space resonators apart for noise absorption, then noise reduction effectiveness is improved, but the system becomes more complex to package and store
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible frame transforms from a static complex structure into a dynamic one that can change its configuration. This dynamic capability allows the frame to simplify into a compact form for storage while maintaining the extended configuration needed for noise absorption, effectively managing structural complexity through state transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure utilizes parameter changes in its physical state between extended and contracted configurations. By changing parameters such as frame length, resonator spacing, and overall volume, the system achieves both effective noise absorption and compact storability without permanent structural complexity.
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
Enables compact storage and easy deployment of noise reduction apparatus, effectively reducing underwater noise emissions from sources like sea vessels and drilling operations by spacing resonators further apart when deployed, thereby enhancing noise absorption capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of noise abating resonators, each resonator holding a gas therein and being responsive to acoustic energy in a vicinity of the resonator
Data Source
AI summary
A deployable underwater noise abatement system allowing packing and deploying an organized set of grouped resonators is disclosed. The system allows relatively compact storage and transportation of the noise abatement apparatus when not in use, then, when deployed, the apparatus can be lowered into the water and extended.