Modular River Cleaning Rotors That Preserve Boat Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing river and waterway cleaning systems are inefficient, disrupt ecosystems, require frequent maintenance, and cannot adapt to water flow, leading to ineffective waste collection and potential damage to aquatic life.
Innovation Solution
A modular system with floating or non-floating modules aligned along a watercourse, using blades to rotate with water flow, collecting waste and adapting to tidal movements while allowing boat passage, with energy harvesting and self-cleaning capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed small draught nets are used to clean rivers, then waste collection is improved, but boat circulation is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs floating modules that can be dynamically positioned and removed from the watercourse. The modules are constrained by beams that can be lifted or repositioned, allowing the system to transition between blocking and non-blocking states. This dynamic configuration enables waste collection during low-traffic periods while maintaining boat circulation during high-traffic periods, resolving the contradiction between productivity and ease of operation.
2Productivity
If floating dams are used to stop waste, then waste collection is improved, but organic materials accumulate and require frequent removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the waste collection system into multiple independent floating modules distributed along the watercourse. Each module collects waste locally rather than concentrating all waste at a single floating dam. This segmentation prevents organic materials from accumulating in large quantities at one location, reducing the frequency and complexity of maintenance operations while maintaining effective waste collection throughout the watercourse.
3Productivity
If individual devices for removing floating oils are used, then oil removal is improved locally, but devices must be moved continuously and are ineffective in flowing water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (waste collection, oil removal, and adaptability to water flow) into integrated floating modules that are distributed along the watercourse. Each module is designed to remain stationary relative to the water flow while effectively capturing floating contaminants. This merging of functions into stationary, flow-adapted modules eliminates the need for continuous device movement and maintains effectiveness in flowing water, reducing overall system complexity.
4Productivity
If cleaning operations are carried out by blocking circulation, then waste collection is improved, but ecosystem disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs floating modules that can be dynamically positioned and removed from the watercourse. The modules are constrained by beams that can be lifted or repositioned, allowing the system to transition between blocking and non-blocking states. This dynamic configuration enables waste collection during low-traffic periods while maintaining boat circulation during high-traffic periods, resolving the contradiction between productivity and ease of operation.
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
Efficient waste collection with minimal ecosystem disruption, adaptable to water flow, and reduced maintenance needs, enabling continuous operation and energy generation.
Implementation Method 1
blades configured so that, when subjected to the thrusting action exerted by the water, they cause the rotation of said module or part of it
Implementation Method 2
A modular system with floating or non-floating modules aligned along a watercourse
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention is a system (100) for cleaning rivers and waterways (F) in general, comprising a plurality of floating or non-floating modules (20) configured to rotate at least due to the effect of the thrusting action (W) exerted by the water, constraining means (10) configured to constrain two or more of said modules (20) so that they are substantially aligned with one another along at least one main direction (X), and wherein said constraining means (10) are configured in such a way as to ensure that a minimum clearance is provided between each of said modules (20) and the adjacent module, so that said modules (20) do not come in contact with each other during their normal operation and that each of said modules (20), through its own rotation, pushes waste towards one of the adjacent modules (20).