Semi-Rigid Mooring Ring for Aquaculture Pen Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mooring systems, such as multi-point taut-line and single-point mooring systems, are complex and expensive, making them infeasible for deep waters and unable to securely orient infrastructure along a single axis into the current, leading to risks of collision and entanglement, which limits the cost-effective deployment of scalable offshore infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A mooring system that uses a semi-rigid outer ring, either adrift or moored to a sea anchor or the sea floor, to tether multiple objects together, preventing collisions and entanglements by maintaining their position and orientation through bridle lines, allowing for scalable and cost-effective deployment in deep waters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multi-point taut-line mooring systems are used to secure infrastructure, then infrastructure can be held in a fixed location with each moored element a fixed distance apart, but the system becomes highly complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple mooring functions into a single integrated ring structure that simultaneously provides positioning, orientation, and collision prevention for multiple objects, eliminating the need for separate multi-point taut-line systems for each object
Solution Approach 2:
The ring structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a mooring system, a collision barrier, an orientation guide, and a depth control mechanism, replacing the need for multiple specialized components in traditional systems
2Reliability
If multi-point taut-line mooring systems are used to hold infrastructure in fixed locations, then collisions and tangling are prevented, but the system is often infeasible for securing infrastructure in deep waters
Solution Approach 1:
The ring structure is designed to be dynamic and adaptable, allowing it to function effectively in both shallow and deep water environments by adjusting the submergence depth of objects while maintaining collision prevention and positional stability
3Device complexity
If single-point mooring systems are used to secure infrastructure in deeper waters, then deployment is simplified, but infrastructure cannot be held in a fixed location as it changes position according to wind and currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the simplicity of single-point mooring with the stability of multi-point systems by using a single ring structure that collectively restrains multiple objects, providing both ease of deployment and position stability
4Productivity
If multiple objects are allowed on single-point or slack-line moorings, then infrastructure deployment is increased, but there is a risk of collision and entanglement that can destroy infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The ring structure acts as an intermediary barrier between multiple objects, physically preventing collision and entanglement while allowing the objects to remain on simplified single-point or slack-line moorings, thus enabling scaled deployment without the harmful effects
Data Source
AI summary
Mooring systems and methods are provided. One system may include at least one object partially or fully submerged in a body of water. The system may also include a semi-rigid outer ring that is adrift or moored to at least one sea anchor or to the sea floor by at least one mooring line. At least one object may be connected or tethered by bridle lines to the semi-rigid outer ring to form an array.