Ocean Cleanup Ship for Onboard Plastic Reef Block Formation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The widespread presence of plastic pollution in oceans poses an environmental tragedy due to the lack of effective technology for removing vast quantities of plastic waste, which threatens marine life and ecological balance.

Innovation Solution

A specially-equipped ship designed to collect floating plastic waste, shred it, melt it, and form it into solidified blocks that can be used to create artificial reefs on the ocean floor, providing a habitat for marine life and potentially recycling the plastic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional plastic waste collection methods are used, then plastic waste can be removed from the ocean surface, but the volume of plastic waste is too large to be effectively handled and transported

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume of plastic wasteVSAvoidcollection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms plastic waste from a bulk volume problem to a concentrated mass problem by changing its physical state. Plastic waste is melted and molded into dense blocks, dramatically reducing its volume and making it manageable for transport and disposal. This parameter change from loose waste to compact blocks resolves the contradiction between large quantity and handling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If plastic waste is collected and stored in large volumes, then more waste can be retained on the ship, but the ship's storage capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidship size

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter change by transforming plastic waste into a condensed solid state through melting and molding. This reduces the volume occupied by plastic waste by orders of magnitude, allowing the ship to store and transport much larger quantities of waste without increasing ship size. The volume reduction enables efficient use of storage space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If plastic waste is merely collected and disposed of, then the collection process is simple, but the environmental benefit is limited as plastic remains a pollutant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidenvironmental harm

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful plastic waste into a beneficial product by molding it into artificial reef blocks. These blocks are deliberately deployed to create underwater habitats that support marine life. The process transforms an environmental pollutant into an environmental restoration tool, converting harm into benefit while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the ship processes and molds plastic waste on board, then waste can be transformed into useful blocks, but the ship requires additional equipment and operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidship configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the ship to perform multiple operations: collection, melting, molding, and deployment of plastic waste. The same ship structure and equipment serve both waste processing and artificial reef creation functions. This universal approach enables the ship to transform waste into beneficial blocks without requiring separate specialized vessels, balancing functional capability with operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 ship effectively addresses the plastic pollution issue by transforming ocean plastics into artificial reefs, supporting marine life and restoring ecological balance, with the potential for energy self-sufficiency and minimal human intervention.

Implementation Method 1

The conveyor belt can be extended below the surface of the ocean where it engages with and draws up plastic waste onto the ship

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical engagement:

Implementation Method 2

A furnace is attached to the ship at a location where it can heat the plastic waste to make molten plastic

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

melt it, and cool it to form a solidified block

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCooling and solidification: Cooling

Data Source

PatentUS11254397B1Ship for removal of plastic for ocean clean up

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 CLEAN OCEAN ASSOC TRUSTEE FOR OCEAN PLASTIC REMOVAL TRUST

AI summary

A specially-equipped ship is configured for environmental cleanup to collect plastic waste floating in the ocean. A method of using the ship is described. The specially-equipped ship can retrieve floating plastic waste in the ocean, shred it, melt it, and cool it to form a solidified block that is usefully employed to form an artificial reef on the ocean floor to house aquatic biota. The ship is outfitted with a conveyor belt fixed to the ship; a furnace to make molten plastic; a davit to drop the solidified block into the ocean to form a reef on the ocean floor. Optionally the ship includes a mold to contain molten plastic; a shredder; a storage compartment to receive plastic particles from the shredder; a fish escape; a vertical wall; a boring machine; photovoltaic cells and/or windmills to produce electric energy.