Multi-Layer Anti-Fouling Coating for Submerged Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current anti-fouling technologies are ineffective in preventing biofouling on submerged surfaces, leading to increased drag, corrosion, and environmental impact, as they either fail to prevent attachment or are toxic to both invasive species and beneficial aquatic organisms.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer anti-fouling coating system comprising a biostatic outer layer that inhibits biofouling organisms from attaching and a biocidal inner layer that kills organisms that penetrate, using environmentally safe biocides like ivermectin and capsaicin, which are insoluble in water to minimize environmental impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional anti-fouling coatings are used, then biofouling prevention is attempted, but the coatings are toxic to both invasive species and beneficial aquatic organisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiofouling prevention effectivenessVSAvoidtoxicity to aquatic organisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-fouling coating is divided into two distinct functional layers: an outer biostatic layer that prevents attachment of biofouling organisms, and an inner biocidal layer that kills organisms that penetrate the outer layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally while reducing overall toxicity to beneficial aquatic life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the coating system have different functional properties - the outer layer provides biostatic protection with lower toxicity, while the inner layer provides biocidal action with higher concentration of active substances. This local differentiation of quality allows effective biofouling prevention while minimizing harm to aquatic organisms through controlled exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If anti-fouling coatings are applied to prevent biofouling, then drag and corrosion are reduced, but the coatings fail to completely prevent attachment of biofouling organisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshipping efficiencyVSAvoidbiofouling prevention completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The outer biostatic layer performs preliminary action by preventing attachment of biofouling organisms before they can penetrate to the inner layer. This preliminary prevention reduces the burden on the inner biocidal layer and minimizes contact with toxic substances, while still providing complete protection through the secondary biocidal action if penetration occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If biocidal substances are used to kill biofouling organisms, then invasive species are eliminated, but beneficial aquatic organisms are also harmed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinvasive species eliminationVSAvoidenvironmental pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The outer biostatic layer acts as an intermediary barrier between the biocidal inner layer and the aquatic environment. It prevents direct contact between the biocidal substances and beneficial aquatic organisms, while still allowing the system to effectively eliminate invasive biofouling species through the combined biostatic and biocidal actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 coating effectively prevents biofouling by inhibiting attachment and killing invasive organisms while being safe for beneficial aquatic life, reducing drag and corrosion, and extending the lifespan of submerged structures.

Implementation Method 1

The first biostatic layer includes at least one biostatic biocide that inhibits a biofouling organism from attaching to the first bio static layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiostatic biocide inhibition:

Implementation Method 2

The first biocidal layer includes at least one biocidal biocide that kills a biofouling organism on contact with the first biocidal layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiocidal biocide toxicity:

Implementation Method 3

using environmentally safe biocides like ivermectin and capsaicin, which are insoluble in water to minimize environmental impact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater solubility limitation:

Data Source

PatentUS10689527B2Methods and coatings for protecting surfaces from bio-fouling species

Publication Date: 2020.06.23 REDJAK LLC

AI summary

Multi-layer anti-fouling coatings and methods of forming the same include a first biocidal layer formed on a surface. The first biocidal layer includes at least one biocidal biocide that kills a biofouling organism on contact with the first biocidal layer. A first biostatic layer is formed between the first biocidal layer and an external environment. The first biostatic layer includes at least one biostatic biocide that inhibits a biofouling organism from attaching to the first biostatic layer.