Modular Wave-Energy Absorption System with Flexible Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional coastal defense measures, such as seawalls and revetments, cause environmental impact, are susceptible to damage from storms, and are visually unappealing, necessitating an eco-friendly alternative for wave-energy absorption.
Innovation Solution
A wave-energy absorption system comprising a frame unit with front, rear, and inclined brace structures, energy absorption units with connecting cables and subunits, and adjustable fasteners, which absorb wave energy and dredge sediments, while being adaptable to different coastal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coastal defense measures such as seawalls and revetments are used, then wave energy absorption is achieved, but environmental impact on local ecosystems occurs and visual appeal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the coastal defense function into multiple energy absorption units that can be independently arranged and configured. Each unit contains energy absorption subunits with ribs that segment the wave energy dissipation process, allowing the system to maintain ecological friendliness while achieving reliable wave energy absorption through distributed, modular components.
2Reliability
If traditional coastal defense measures such as seawalls and revetments are used, then wave energy absorption is achieved, but susceptibility to storm damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption units are designed with flexible connecting cables and movable energy absorption subunits that can dynamically adjust to storm conditions. The inclined brace structures provide stable support while allowing the energy absorption components to move and flex during extreme wave events, preventing structural failure while maintaining wave energy absorption capability.
3Reliability
If traditional coastal defense measures such as seawalls and revetments are used, then wave energy absorption is achieved, but visual appeal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption units feature locally optimized structures with energy absorption ribs arranged in specific patterns within each unit. The inclined brace structures create aesthetically pleasing angular forms, and the modular design allows different units to be configured to match various architectural styles and coastal landscapes, maintaining visual appeal while achieving reliable wave energy absorption.
4Reliability
If energy absorption units with multiple subunits and braces are used, then wave energy absorption effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex wave energy absorption function into standardized, modular energy absorption units. Each unit contains pre-configured energy absorption subunits with ribs, connecting cables, and brace structures that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by breaking down the complex absorption mechanism into repeatable, manageable modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorption units are designed as universal modules that can be deployed in various configurations to address different coastal conditions. The same basic unit design with inclined braces, connecting cables, and energy absorption subunits can serve multiple locations and wave conditions, reducing the need for custom-designed complex structures at each site.
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 system effectively reduces wave energy, prevents structural damage, and allows for sediment dredging, maintaining functionality and aesthetic appeal by adjusting to various coastal environments.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the energy absorption subunits has two cable-connecting end portions, a central portion and a plurality of energy absorption ribs. The cable-connecting end portions are connected respectively to the connecting cables. The central portion interconnects the cable-connecting end portions and has opposite lateral ends in the left-right direction. The energy absorption ribs extend from opposite lateral ends of the central portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A wave-energy absorbing system has at least one energy absorption device that includes a frame unit and at least one energy absorption unit. The at least one energy absorption unit includes two spaced-apart connecting cables connected between two inclined, opposite sides of the frame unit, and a plurality of spaced-apart energy absorption subunits connected between the connecting cables. Each of the energy absorption subunits has two cable-connecting end portions connected respectively to the connecting cables, a central portion that interconnects the cable-connecting end portions and has opposite lateral ends, and a plurality of energy absorption ribs that extend from opposite lateral ends of the central portion.