Diagonally Assembled Modular Floating Blocks for Adaptive Boom Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular floating block structures require a large number of blocks to cover a given length and are inflexible in adapting to varying water topologies, limiting their efficiency and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A floating structure composed of rectangular parallelepiped blocks assembled diagonally with reduced assembly systems, allowing each block to connect with only one adjacent block, enabling variable inclination and reduced block count, and incorporating protective equipment with ballasts and waterproof tarpaulins or nets for stability and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If blocks are assembled with four assembly lugs fixed rigidly (prior art), then structural stability is improved, but the number of blocks required to cover a given length increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the floating structure adaptable and flexible through movable connections between blocks. The assembly lugs are designed to allow relative movement between adjacent blocks, enabling the structure to adjust its configuration dynamically. This flexibility allows the same number of blocks to cover greater lengths by varying the spacing and orientation between blocks, thereby reducing the total number of blocks needed while maintaining structural stability.
2Ease of operation
If blocks are assembled rigidly in fixed configurations (prior art), then assembly simplicity is improved, but adaptability to varying water topologies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by designing assembly lugs that permit relative movement between blocks, transforming the structure from rigid to adaptable. Each block can adjust its position and orientation relative to neighbors, allowing the entire structure to conform to varying water topologies, curved paths, and irregular layouts while maintaining simple assembly procedures through standardized lug interfaces.
3Strength
If assembly lugs are fixed rigidly between blocks (prior art), then connection strength is improved, but the ability to form curved shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the connection between assembly lugs dynamic rather than rigid. The lugs are designed to maintain strong connections while allowing rotational and positional adjustments. This enables blocks to be arranged in curved configurations and complex shapes while preserving connection strength, as the lugs can accommodate the geometric variations required for curved layouts without compromising structural integrity.
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
This configuration significantly reduces the number of blocks needed to achieve a given length, enhances adaptability to curved shapes, and maintains balance under external conditions like wind and currents, while preventing algae passage and pollution.
Implementation Method 1
the substantially vertical side being provided with ballast
Implementation Method 2
each adjoining side comprising a waterproof tarpaulin and/or a net
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A floating structure (1) comprises at least one row of floating rectangular parallelepipedal modular blocks (3), one block (3) comprising four vertical peripheral faces that meet at four vertical edges, each vertical edge bearing an assembly lug in which an assembly system can be received in order to join the block (3) to one or more adjacent blocks (3), the or each row comprising a plurality of blocks (3) joined to one another by joining systems arranged in two diagonally opposite lugs of each block (3), with the exception of two end blocks (3). The floating structure also comprises a protective device (16) attached to a plurality of blocks of the structure and formed by three contiguous sections forming a 'Y', two oblique sections in the top portion and one substantially vertical section in the bottom portion, the vertical section being provided with weights.