Modular Reef Frame with Buoys for Habitat Heterogeneity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial reef technologies face challenges in stability when exposed to water currents and sediment burial, and most deployments are isolated due to lack of controlled positioning, limiting their ability to replicate the habitat heterogeneity of natural coral reefs and requiring extensive diver assistance.
Innovation Solution
A reef frame structure comprising interconnected beams, deployment hooks, and buoys allows for the assembly and deployment of multiple artificial reef units as a collective structure, enabling controlled positioning and increased habitat heterogeneity without diver assistance, using a crane and barge for subsea construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple artificial reef units are deployed separately using traditional methods, then deployment simplicity is maintained, but habitat heterogeneity and reef system effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate artificial reef units into a single integrated modular assembly that can be deployed together as one unit. The frame structure holds multiple reef modules in predetermined positions, allowing them to function as a cohesive system that creates habitat heterogeneity while simplifying the deployment process through single-operation installation.
2Manufacturing precision
If divers are used for deploying artificial reef structures, then precise positioning is achieved, but deployment time and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling multiple reef modules onto a frame structure on the surface before deployment. The modules are positioned and secured in their final configurations beforehand, eliminating the need for complex underwater positioning operations by divers and significantly accelerating the deployment process.
3Volume of stationary object
If traditional single-unit deployment is used, then equipment requirements are minimized, but the ability to create large reef systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments a large reef system into multiple standardized modular units that can be individually manufactured and then combined on a frame structure. This segmentation allows for scalable deployment where modules can be added or removed from the frame, enabling creation of large reef systems while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized components.
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
This solution enhances the stability and habitat creation of artificial reefs, reduces deployment time and costs, and allows for the creation of large, heterogeneous artificial reef systems mimicking natural coral reef structures, while reducing reliance on expensive DP vessels and ROVs.
Implementation Method 1
The frame may include a buoy attached to the frame structure
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments are directed to a reef frame, which may include a frame structure including a plurality of interconnected beams. The reef frame may also include a plurality of deployment hooks connected to the frame structure, and configured to connect to a plurality of articles. The reef frame may further include a plurality of buoys attached to each of the plurality of deployment hooks. According to certain embodiments, each of the plurality of deployment hooks is configured to attach to a respective link of each of the plurality of articles.