Modular Buoy with Detachable Flotation Collar

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional navigational buoys face challenges such as high manufacturing costs, complex assembly processes, and increased maintenance needs due to their large size and metallic components, which are heavy, expensive, and prone to corrosion.

Innovation Solution

A buoy design featuring a plastic buoyant core with detachable flotation components that can be easily assembled and disassembled for transport, reducing the need for large shipping containers and simplifying the assembly process. The design includes engagement formations for secure attachment of the flotation components and tie bar assemblies for mooring and lifting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If large buoys are equipped with more functional components such as mooring post and tower, then the buoy can fulfill multiple functions, but the buoy needs a wider base to avoid tipping over and requires larger transport dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional componentsVSAvoidtransport dimensions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The buoy is divided into modular components including a core, multiple detachable flotation components, mooring posts, and towers. These segments can be assembled in various configurations to create different functional buoys, and can be disassembled for transport within standard shipping containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The buoy system transitions from a static fixed design to a dynamic reconfigurable system. Components such as flotation collars, mooring posts, and towers can be attached or detached based on operational requirements, allowing the buoy to adapt its functionality and dimensions as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If metallic components are used in larger buoys, then the structure provides strength, but the components are heavier, more expensive, and prone to corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidcorrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The buoy employs composite construction combining plastic flotation components with metallic structural elements. The plastic core and collar provide buoyancy and corrosion resistance, while steel components provide structural strength where needed. This composite approach optimizes both strength and corrosion resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The design uses replaceable metallic components such as mooring posts and towers that can be easily removed and replaced if corroded or damaged, rather than requiring replacement of the entire buoy structure. This reduces long-term maintenance costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex structures are used in navigational buoys, then the buoy provides multiple functions, but the manufacturing cost increases and assembly becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple functionsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The buoy system is segmented into standardized modular components that can be manufactured independently using common processes. This allows for economies of scale in manufacturing individual components while maintaining the ability to create complex multi-functional assemblies through simple attachment of pre-manufactured modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Manufacturing precision

If large buoys are assembled on land or vessel, then the buoy can be constructed with precise alignment, but the assembly process is labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Components such as the core, flotation collars, and mounting structures are pre-assembled into sub-assemblies with precise alignment before being transported to the deployment location. This preliminary assembly reduces the complexity and time required for final field assembly while maintaining alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 design reduces manufacturing and transport costs, simplifies assembly, and enhances maintenance efficiency by allowing for easier replacement of damaged components, while also providing improved stability and buoyancy through the use of multiple detachable flotation components.

Implementation Method 1

a steel superstructure, surrounded by large plastic flotation components to provide buoyancy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS20250153813A1Buoy with buoyant core and collar having multiple flotation components

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 SEALITE

AI summary

A buoy is provided. The buoy includes a buoyant core component having a plurality of cavities positioned therein. The buoy additionally includes at least two detachable flotation components surrounding and supporting the core component, and a pair of tic bar assemblies. The pair of tie bar assemblies are mounted to the plurality of cavities of the core component.