Continuous Dual Pontoon Barrier for Waterway Debris and Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing port and waterfront security barriers are vulnerable to high-speed watercraft and environmental conditions, leading to damage and increased maintenance costs, while also failing to effectively block floating debris and subsurface threats.
Innovation Solution
A dual pontoon barrier system with a continuous front elongated pontoon and rear pontoon support structures, featuring a net assembly and bracing structures, which provides stability and protection against watercraft, debris, and subsurface threats without the need for connector assemblies, thus reducing installation and maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multi-sectional floating barriers with connector assemblies are used, then the barrier can be assembled in sections, but the cost increases significantly and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple barrier sections into a single continuous floating barrier structure, eliminating the need for connector assemblies. The barrier is formed as one integrated unit that spans the waterway, combining the functions of multiple sections and their connectors into a unified structure that reduces complexity and maintenance needs.
2Ease of operation
If multi-sectional floating barriers are used, then the barrier can be installed in sections, but the barrier is vulnerable to environmental energies and can tip or twist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a single continuous floating barrier that acts as one unified structure rather than separate sections. This continuous design provides greater stability and resistance to environmental forces such as waves and currents, preventing the tipping and twisting that occur with multi-sectional barriers while still allowing for practical installation.
3Reliability
If traditional floating barriers are used, then the barrier provides surface protection, but floating debris can pass between or under the barrier sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the barrier protection from a single surface level to multiple vertical dimensions. The continuous floating barrier structure creates a comprehensive barrier that blocks debris at various heights and positions, preventing floating debris from passing between or under the barrier by utilizing vertical space more effectively.
4Ease of manufacture
If connector assemblies are used to link barrier sections, then the barrier can be assembled modularly, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates connector assemblies by merging barrier sections into a continuous structure, thereby removing the components that complicate installation and maintenance. This approach reduces the number of parts that need to be assembled and maintained, improving installation efficiency and reducing long-term operational costs.
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 dual pontoon barrier system effectively prevents unauthorized watercraft and debris from entering protected areas, withstands environmental energies, and is adaptable for subsurface protection, offering enhanced stability and reduced maintenance costs compared to traditional multi-sectional floating barriers.
Implementation Method 1
a barrier comprising a front elongated pontoon
Data Source
AI summary
A barrier for protecting a port, waterway, or off-shore structure is provided. The barrier has a front elongated pontoon which extends substantially the length of the barrier. A net assembly, provided either in sections, or as an elongated net, extends vertically upward from the front elongated pontoon and along the length of the front elongated pontoon. The net assembly is affixed to the front elongated pontoon with one or more net support beams. The front elongated pontoon is supported by a rear pontoon support structure, which may be a series of pontoons, each connected to the front elongated pontoon and spaced apart the length of the front elongated pontoon, or an elongated cylindrically shaped rear pontoon which extends substantially the length of the barrier. In some embodiments, a rear net section is attached to the rear pontoon support structure. In another embodiment of the invention, a barrier system for protecting a port, waterway, or off-shore structure is provided. The barrier system comprises two or more contiguous barrier units, one of which is a barrier according to the present invention that form a perimeter to protect the port, waterway, or off-shore structure and can additionally act as a debris barrier. In one embodiment, the barrier system forms a perimeter protecting a port or waterway. In another embodiment, the barrier system protects an off-shore structure.