Floating Barrier Net Segmentation for Vessel Strike Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating barrier systems face challenges in effectively controlling the passage of vessels and underwater threats while maintaining structural integrity and preventing disruption from vessel strikes.
Innovation Solution
A floating barrier system comprising connected floating barrier units with horizontal spar members, buoyant supports, flexible connectors, and capture net segments, where net segments are attached to support posts with lanyards that transfer vessel forces to the spar, minimizing disruption and ensuring continuous coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If capture net segments are made to span the entirety of the spar member length, then coverage is maximized, but structural integrity is compromised due to increased force transmission during vessel strikes
Solution Approach 1:
The capture net is divided into multiple discrete segments rather than a single continuous net spanning the entire spar member. Each net segment is independently attached to support post members, allowing localized capture functionality while preventing force transmission across the entire structure during vessel strikes, thus preserving spar member integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Lanyards are introduced as intermediary elements between the capture net segments and the spar member. These lanyards serve as flexible connectors that can accommodate vessel strike forces without directly transmitting them to the spar member, acting as a buffer that protects the structural integrity while maintaining net coverage.
2Stability of the object's composition
If floating barrier units are rigidly connected to prevent movement, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to vessel strikes and water conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector members between floating barrier units are designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing the barrier system to dynamically adapt to vessel strike forces and water conditions. This flexibility enables the units to move relative to each other in response to external forces while maintaining overall barrier functionality, rather than being constrained by rigid connections.
3Force
If net segments are attached directly to the spar member, then force transmission is maximized, but corrosion and rotational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Lanyards serve as intermediary elements between the net segments and the spar member, creating a flexible connection that reduces direct force transmission. This intermediary layer minimizes corrosion by reducing constant contact stress and prevents rotational disruption of the spar member while still allowing sufficient force transmission to maintain barrier effectiveness.
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 captures and redirects vessel kinetic energy, maintains structural integrity, and prevents disruption across the barrier, deterring multiple vessel attacks while minimizing rotation and corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
buoyantly support each floating barrier unit atop the waterbody
Implementation Method 2
Lanyards attach the capture net segments to the horizontal spar; the lanyards ultimately transfer forces imposed on the capture net segments by a vessel striking same, to the horizontal spar
Data Source
AI summary
A floating barrier system has a plurality of connected floating barrier units. Capture net segments are positioned on the floating barrier units by support post members, forming a barrier to vessel passage. Lanyards attach the ends of the capture net segments to the floating barrier units. Upon a vessel striking the capture net segments with sufficient force, the capture nets detach from the support post members and/or pull the support post members over, and the forces from the vessel are transferred via the lanyards to the floating barrier unit. The vessel is prevented from fully passing over the floating barrier unit, thus itself forming a barrier to passage by other vessels.