Floating Breakwater With Elastic Anchors And Modular Tires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current floating wave attenuation systems are expensive, labor-intensive to install, and lack a usable above-water surface for additional purposes such as docking or maintenance, while existing plastic systems are limited in wave energy dissipation and lack a surface for marine craft usage.
Innovation Solution
A floating wave attenuation system comprising a buoyant floating member with a flat top surface, interconnected wave attenuation members, and elastic members that connect to anchor members below the waterline, utilizing recycled truck tires for both elasticity and wave energy dissipation, providing a usable surface and efficient wave attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If concrete floating breakwaters are used, then wave energy reflection is effective, but cost and construction complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The breakwater is divided into multiple modular plastic units that can be independently manufactured and then assembled together. Each module is a self-contained unit with connection features, allowing for easy assembly without requiring complex construction equipment or labor, thus reducing construction complexity while maintaining effective wave energy reflection through the modular structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive plastic materials instead of expensive concrete to construct the floating breakwater modules. The plastic units are cost-effective to manufacture and can be easily replaced or adjusted, providing an economical solution that reduces both material costs and construction complexity while still achieving the required wave attenuation function
2Ease of manufacture
If plastic wave attenuation systems are used, then installation cost is reduced, but wave energy dissipation effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic modules are designed with specific geometric features including angled surfaces and interconnected structures that create localized zones for wave energy dissipation. The modules are configured to work together in a layered arrangement where each layer contributes to the overall wave attenuation, achieving effective energy dissipation through the collective action of the modular structure
Solution Approach 2:
The floating plastic modules are designed to move and adjust their positions dynamically in response to wave forces. The modules can tilt, rotate, and reconfigure themselves during wave encounters, allowing the system to adapt to varying wave conditions and maintain effective wave energy dissipation across different environmental conditions
3Reliability
If floating breakwaters are designed for wave attenuation only, then wave energy reduction is achieved, but usability for docking and mooring is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The floating breakwater system is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The modular plastic units are configured to provide both wave attenuation and a stable platform for docking and mooring operations. The interconnected modules create a unified structure that can support vessels while maintaining wave energy reduction capabilities, making the system versatile for both protective and operational purposes
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 offers a cost-effective, easily maintained, and environmentally friendly solution that effectively dissipates wave energy, maintains a natural ambiance, and provides a safe, stable above-water surface for docking and maintenance, while promoting underwater habitat growth.
Implementation Method 1
The anchor member is disposed below the water line and is interconnected with the floating member through at least one elastic member
Implementation Method 2
The floating member has a generally flat top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface is configured to be disposed above a waterline and the bottom surface is configured to be disposed below the waterline
Implementation Method 3
these systems typically work by making the water beneath the surface change direction and move through the maze like spaces between the modules, which disrupts and dissipates the wave energy
Data Source
AI summary
A wave attenuation system having a floating member, at least one anchor member, and a plurality of interconnected wave attenuation members. The floating member has a generally flat top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface is configured to be disposed above a waterline and the bottom surface is configured to be disposed below the waterline. The anchor member is disposed below the water line and is interconnected with the floating member through at least one elastic member. The wave attenuation members are connected to the floating member and disposed below the bottom surface of the floating member.