Horizontal Marine Sediment Trap with Venturi Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine sediment traps are ineffective in areas with intense and turbulent currents, leading to sediment loss and compromised sampling accuracy, as they require vertical orientation and are prone to contamination by zooplankton.
Innovation Solution
A horizontal flow marine sediment trap with divergent and convergent sections to manage current flow, utilizing the Venturi effect to slow down currents and facilitate sedimentation, while maintaining a horizontal position to withstand turbulent conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vertical marine sediment traps are used to collect sediments, then sampling capability is provided, but intense currents drag sediments beyond the trap causing quantitative evaluation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional vertical trap design by implementing a horizontal trap configuration. The trap body is oriented horizontally with the inlet opening facing the direction of current flow, allowing sediments to enter along the horizontal axis rather than from above. This inversion enables the trap to effectively capture sediments in high-current environments where vertical traps fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the trap from vertical to horizontal. The trap body is positioned horizontally with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the current direction, and the inlet opening is angled to face the current. This parameter change allows the trap to maintain effectiveness under different hydrodynamic conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vertical sediment traps remain stationary to maintain orientation, then structural simplicity is maintained, but they cannot adapt to changing current directions and depths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic capabilities to the trap system, including depth adjustment mechanisms that allow the trap to move vertically along the mooring line, and rotational capabilities that enable the trap to orient itself according to current direction. The trap can be positioned at different depths and angles to optimize sediment collection under varying hydrodynamic conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the trap with multi-functional capabilities, including depth adjustment, rotational orientation, and deployment at different locations. The trap system can adapt to various current regimes and environmental conditions, making it universally applicable across different marine environments rather than being limited to specific conditions.
3Measurement precision
If vertical traps are used in turbulent currents, then deployment is simple, but sampling accuracy is compromised due to excessive inclination and sediment loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional vertical trap design by implementing a horizontal trap configuration. The trap body is oriented horizontally with the inlet opening facing the direction of current flow, allowing sediments to enter along the horizontal axis rather than from above. This inversion enables the trap to effectively capture sediments in high-current environments where vertical traps fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural characteristics to different parts of the trap. The inlet opening area is designed with specific angular orientation to face the current, while the trap body maintains a horizontal orientation. The outlet opening is positioned to allow efficient sediment discharge. This local differentiation of structural qualities optimizes performance in turbulent currents.
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 trap effectively collects sediments in horizontal currents, reducing turbulence and contamination, and maintains sampling accuracy by ensuring particles settle within the trap, as demonstrated by physical models and field tests.
Implementation Method 1
A horizontal flow marine sediment trap with divergent and convergent sections to manage current flow, utilizing the Venturi effect to slow down currents and facilitate sedimentation
Implementation Method 2
a sedimentation area (13) having a section greater than said end section (122) of the inlet area (12), configured to allow the separation by gravity of the particles present in the marine current
Data Source
AI summary
A trap for horizontal flow marine sediment, useful for collecting and sampling marine sediments where horizontal currents are intense and turbulent; the trap is comprising a first inlet opening and a second outlet opening, configured to allow the inlet and the outlet of a marine current, the path between the two openings comprising: an inlet area with a divergent section, connected to the first inlet opening; a sedimentation area with a greater section with respect to the inlet area, in order to allow gravity separation of particles present in the marine current.The trap also has an outlet area whose section converges in terms of width between the section where the outlet area is connected to the sedimentation area and to the second outlet opening.