Expandable Wave-Dissipating Block with Coupling Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wave-dissipating blocks and artificial fish reefs face issues with inadequate wave-dissipating performance, structural stability, and ease of expansion, leading to wave overtopping and ecosystem pollution, particularly due to differential settlement and lack of adaptability in submarine environments.
Innovation Solution
An easily-expandable wave-dissipating block with a polygonal, cylindrical, or oval column shape, featuring male and female coupling protrusions and grooves, allowing vertical and horizontal expansion on a seabed, creating habitat spaces for fish and shellfish while absorbing wave energy, and enabling modular repair and increased structural stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional wave-dissipating blocks are used, then wave-dissipating function is provided, but wave-dissipating performance is unsatisfactory compared to the size of the block
Solution Approach 1:
The wave-dissipating block is divided into multiple functional spaces including through-holes, recesses, and protrusions that segment the water flow path. This segmentation allows waves to be dissipated through multiple interfaces and cavities within the block, increasing energy absorption efficiency without increasing overall block volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The block incorporates nested structural elements where protrusions from one block fit into recesses of adjacent blocks, creating interlocking configurations. This nesting arrangement maximizes wave-dissipating surface area and creates complex flow patterns that enhance energy absorption while maintaining compact block dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional artificial fish reef structures are used, then habitat space is provided, but structural complexity increases and manufacturing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wave-dissipating block is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: wave dissipation through its external placement, and artificial fish reef functionality through its internal cavity structures. The through-holes, recesses, and protrusions provide habitat spaces for marine organisms while the same structures perform wave-dissipating functions, eliminating the need for separate artificial reef structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the wave-dissipating block function with the artificial fish reef function into a single integrated structure. The cavity spaces within the block that would traditionally be separate habitat structures are combined with the wave-dissipating geometry, creating a unified element that performs both functions efficiently.
3Ease of operation
If conventional artificial fish reefs are dropped onto the seabed, then initial deployment is achieved, but differential settlement occurs and structures are moved by waves
Solution Approach 1:
The block incorporates flexible or adjustable coupling mechanisms through the protrusions and recesses that allow the structure to adapt to seabed irregularities. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the blocks to self-settle into stable positions without requiring precise placement, while the interlocking geometry prevents subsequent movement by waves.
Solution Approach 2:
The design includes features that anticipate and compensate for settlement and movement issues before they occur. The cavity structures and coupling geometries are designed to accommodate expected seabed variations and wave forces, providing built-in stability mechanisms that prevent differential settlement and structure displacement.
4Force
If breakwater height is increased to prevent wave overtopping, then wave blocking capability is improved, but construction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly increasing breakwater height, the patent applies wave-dissipating blocks with optimized cavity structures at specific locations where wave energy is most intense. The through-holes and recesses are strategically positioned to maximize wave energy dissipation at critical points, providing effective wave blocking without the need for increased overall structure height or weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the wave-dissipating blocks, specifically the size, shape, and distribution of through-holes, recesses, and protrusions, to optimize wave energy absorption. By adjusting these parameters, the blocks achieve enhanced wave blocking capability through improved hydrodynamic interactions rather than increased mass or height.
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 expandable design enhances wave energy absorption, prevents wave overtopping, maintains structural integrity, and creates a rich habitat for marine life, reducing construction costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a body (110) placed in a direction perpendicular to a seabed and having one shape of the shape of a polygonal column, a cylinder, or an oval column
Implementation Method 2
male coupling protrusions (120) formed on a first surface of the body (110) in a height direction thereof and on a surface opposite to the first surface, respectively; female coupling grooves (130) formed in a second surface of the body (110) and in a surface opposite to the second surface
Implementation Method 3
a habitat part (140) configured as space defined at a center portion of the body (110) to allow seawater to pass therethrough and remain therein
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a wave-dissipating block including: a body placed on a seabed perpendicularly thereto and having a shape of a polygonal column, a cylinder, an oval column, or a cross-shaped column; male coupling protrusions formed on a first surface of the body in a height direction thereof and on a surface opposite to the first surface, respectively; female coupling grooves formed in a second surface of the body in the height direction thereof and in a surface opposite to the second surface, respectively; a habitat part configured as a space defined at a center portion of the body or a portion of the body; a dividing plate provided as a plate dividing the habitat part into habitat parts; a through hole formed in the dividing plate; and a space part having a space defined between multiple bodies of wave-dissipating blocks connected adjacently to each other.