Floating Wave Attenuator Using Corrugated Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave attenuation systems are inadequate in dissipating wave energy to protect shorelines and marine structures from damage and erosion, as they either rely on costly materials or lack effective buoyancy solutions.
Innovation Solution
A floating wave attenuator composed of elongated corrugated pipes connected in a triangular formation, secured by cables and anchors, with optional double-walled pipes for buoyancy and adjustable elastic cables to maintain depth and stability, dissipates wave energy through a combination of mass and turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If large mass structures like concrete breakwaters are used for wave absorption, then wave energy dissipation is improved, but material cost and construction complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the breakwater by using corrugated pipes with specific dimensional ratios (length-to-diameter ratio between 2:1 and 10:1) and wall thickness ratios (wall thickness to diameter ratio between 0.01:1 and 0.1:1). These parameter optimizations allow the structure to achieve effective wave energy dissipation while using significantly less material compared to traditional concrete breakwaters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin-walled corrugated pipes as the primary structural element. The corrugated configuration provides structural strength while maintaining thin walls, reducing material quantity. The flexible nature of the pipes allows them to interact with waves dynamically, enhancing energy dissipation through deformation and turbulence generation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional floating breakwater materials are used, then buoyancy is achieved, but structural effectiveness in wave attenuation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the curved, corrugated configuration of the pipes to enhance wave interaction. The corrugations create turbulence and eddies as waves pass through, significantly improving energy dissipation. The circular cross-section provides inherent buoyancy stability while the corrugated outer surface increases drag and wave energy absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible corrugated pipes are allowed to move and deform dynamically in response to wave action rather than being rigidly fixed. This dynamic response enables the structure to absorb wave energy through controlled deformation and movement, improving attenuation effectiveness while maintaining buoyancy stability.
3Quantity of substance
If corrugated pipes are used instead of solid concrete structures, then material cost and weight are reduced, but wave energy dissipation capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The corrugated pipe structure creates an effective porous configuration that allows water to flow through while generating turbulence. The corrugations act as flow obstacles that dissipate wave energy through friction and eddy formation, achieving effective wave attenuation with minimal material quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages hydraulic principles by allowing water flow through the corrugated pipes. The wave-induced water movement through the corrugated structure creates drag forces and turbulence that dissipate wave energy, converting mechanical wave energy into turbulent flow and heat.
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 reduces wave energy by creating a substantial cross-sectional area and utilizing buoyancy to maintain stability, protecting shorelines and marine structures while minimizing material costs and external buoyancy requirements.
Implementation Method 1
each corrugated pipe includes a double-wall. The double-wall includes space between the walls to provide buoyancy to the corrugated pipe. The space includes among others, air, or a material that is lighter than water.
Implementation Method 2
A well known turbulence-generating breakwater is the common floating scrap-tire breakwater. It is made by connecting tires together and floating them with cubes of Styrofoam, for example. The floating scrap-tire breakwater attenuates waves through a loss of energy caused by multiple openings and 'traps' that the water must pass through.
Implementation Method 3
The general physical principles that relate to the wave attenuating ability of a specific floating breakwater are reflection, absorption, and turbulence.
Data Source
AI summary
A floating wave attenuator including a plurality of elongated pipes, each including a plurality of corrugated pipes connected end-to-end, wherein the elongated pipes are secured together into a triangular formation oriented substantially between a protected area and anticipated wave activity, to provide a cross section against the wave activity, an opening at each end of the elongated pipes, for providing the elongated pipes to be substantially filled with water due to wave activity, and a plurality of cables for securing a selected corrugated pipe at its desired location within the water.