Self-Righting Floating Cup Assembly for Water Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for covering liquid surfaces are inefficient in reducing temperature and evaporation, and do not effectively address bird predation in aquaculture or other applications, as they lack self-righting properties and integrated evaporation-condensation cycles.
Innovation Solution
A floating device comprising cup members with openings that allow liquid to enter, providing self-righting and temperature regulation, and featuring a connector with a barrier for assembly into a floating assembly that can collect solar energy and manage evaporation through an integrated evaporation-condensation cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional floating covers are used to cover liquid surfaces, then coverage is provided, but temperature reduction and evaporation control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The floating device utilizes phase transition of water between liquid and vapor states through evaporation and condensation cycles. Water evaporates from the liquid surface through the device structure, absorbing heat and cooling the underlying water. The vapor then condenses on cooler surfaces within the device, releasing latent heat and forming a continuous cooling cycle that effectively reduces water temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The device maintains continuous temperature reduction through sustained evaporation-condensation cycles. The structure enables ongoing phase change processes that continuously remove heat from the water, rather than providing intermittent or static cooling. This continuous action ensures reliable and persistent temperature control.
2Stability of the object's composition
If simple floating covers are used, then coverage is achieved, but self-righting capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a weighted bottom section that acts as a counterweight to maintain upright orientation. The heavier base creates a low center of gravity that automatically rights the device when it tilts or capsizes, providing self-righting capability without complex mechanical systems. This gravitational counterbalance ensures stable vertical positioning on the water surface.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional covering methods are used, then surface coverage is provided, but bird predation prevention is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a mesh or screen-like structure that forms a physical barrier preventing birds from accessing the water surface and underlying organisms. The flexible mesh material allows the device to float and adapt to water conditions while maintaining continuous coverage that blocks bird predation effectively.
4Loss of substance
If evaporation is not controlled, then natural water cycle continues, but water quality deteriorates due to excessive evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The device captures evaporating water vapor through condensation surfaces and returns the condensed liquid to the water body. This phase transition process converts potentially lost evaporated water back into liquid form, preventing water loss and maintaining water quality by preserving the water volume and concentration of dissolved substances.
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 device effectively reduces water temperature, enhances water quality by increasing dissolved air, and reduces bird predation by maintaining a cooler surface temperature and using solar energy, while also managing evaporation efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
liquid enters through the openings into the first cup member to submerge the first cup member and to impart a restorable upright orientation to the device
Implementation Method 2
The device optionally and preferably also features evaporation-condensation cycle within the device itself
Implementation Method 3
The device optionally and preferably also features evaporation-condensation cycle within the device itself
Implementation Method 4
the device functions as a cooling tower. This allows the device to remain cooler than the environmental air for many hours during daytime as well as during the night
Data Source
AI summary
A floating device is disclosed. The device comprises a first cup member and a second cup member, each having a base and an open end, the first cup member being formed with an opening at a center of a respective base. In some embodiments of the present invention the device comprises a connector member having a peripheral wall fittingly connected to the open ends and enclosing a barrier. The peripheral wall is preferably formed with openings arranged between the barrier and the first cup member such that, when the floating device contacts a liquid, the liquid enters through the openings into the first cup member to submerge the first cup member and to impart a restorable upright orientation to the device.