Floating Wave Break Structure for Adaptive Wave Energy Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave breaks, such as submerged reefs and offshore structures, face challenges in construction, maintenance, cost, and navigational hazards while providing effective wave energy dissipation and erosion protection.
Innovation Solution
A floating wave break apparatus utilizing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to optimize wave energy dissipation, featuring parallel wall members with varying hole diameters and adjustable positioning, anchored by winches, and modular design for extended spans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If submerged reefs are constructed by placing large boulders or concrete structures on the seabed, then wave energy dissipation is effective, but construction and maintenance difficulty increases and navigational hazards are created
Solution Approach 1:
The wave break structure is divided into multiple modular floating segments that can be independently assembled and deployed. Each segment contains wave-dissipating elements, allowing the system to achieve effective wave energy dissipation while being constructed from manageable, pre-fabricated units rather than requiring placement of large boulders or concrete structures on the seabed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs floating structures that utilize buoyancy and hydrodynamic principles to dissipate wave energy. The floating wave break apparatus uses the movement of water and air pockets within the structure to absorb and dissipate wave energy, eliminating the need for heavy submerged concrete structures while maintaining effectiveness.
2Reliability
If offshore wave breaks are built with concrete, rock, or steel structures, then wave energy reduction is effective, but construction cost increases and navigational hazards are created
Solution Approach 1:
The wave break structure utilizes flexible floating components rather than rigid concrete, rock, or steel structures. These flexible floating elements can bend and move with wave action, effectively dissipating wave energy while requiring significantly less material and reducing construction costs compared to traditional solid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating wave break structure is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to move and adapt with wave conditions. This dynamic behavior enables effective wave energy reduction using lighter, less expensive materials compared to fixed concrete or steel structures that require substantial material quantities.
3Reliability
If fixed wave break structures are installed, then wave protection is provided, but adaptability to changing water conditions and sea level is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The floating wave break structure is designed to dynamically respond to changing wave conditions, water levels, and environmental factors. The floating segments can rise and fall with tides and adjust their position based on wave energy, providing reliable wave protection while automatically adapting to varying conditions without requiring manual intervention or redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular floating design allows the wave break structure to serve multiple functions: wave dissipation, shoreline protection, and potential habitat creation. The same structure can be deployed in different locations and configurations to address varying wave conditions and environmental requirements, enhancing its adaptability and versatility.
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
Reduces wave velocity and erosive power effectively, is cost-effective, and adaptable to changing water conditions, minimizing structural damage and enhancing shoreline protection.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flotation member positioned between each of the spaced apart longitudinally extending wall members
Implementation Method 2
The configuration of the disclosed apparatus has been optimized to reduce the energy of wave action utilizing a field of study known as computational fluid dynamics
Data Source
AI summary
A floating wave break apparatus to dissipate wave action in a body of water, the apparatus including three longitudinally extending wall members each with a plurality of through holes therein. The apparatus also includes a plurality of flotation members disposed between the longitudinally extending wall members. The wave break apparatus also includes at least one restraining member above the at least one flotation member for restraining the flotation member against upward translation as well as an anchor system with at least one winch and rope combination. The winches are mounted to the restraining member and the ropes are adjustable to restrain movement of the wave break apparatus.