Polygonal Floating Cover with Inner Air Shell for Evaporation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current floating cover technologies for water storage in industry, mining, and agriculture are ineffective in reducing evaporation, algae formation, and gas emanation due to material limitations, stability issues under strong winds, and inefficient rainwater management, with most designs being complex and prone to manufacturing and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A symmetrical polygonal floating device with an inner air-filled shell for thermal insulation and buoyancy, and an aerodynamic outer shell that captures and directs precipitation, made from polypropylene or polyethylene with UV-resistant additives, allowing stable operation under extreme conditions and effective coverage of water surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If white floats are used to reduce solar radiation absorption, then evaporation is reduced, but radiation passes through the float and stimulates algae formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (UV filter or reflective coating) between the solar radiation and the water to block harmful UV rays while allowing visible light to pass through. This mediator prevents algae formation without compromising the evaporation reduction effect of the white float surface.
2Area of stationary object
If small floats are used for coverage, then surface coverage is improved, but stability under strong winds deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple small floats into modular assemblies that maintain the coverage advantage while achieving greater stability. The floats are connected in groups to form larger stable units that can better resist strong winds while still providing adequate surface coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates ballast weights in the lower part of the float structure to counterbalance the light weight needed for coverage. This ballast system provides the necessary stability under wind loads while allowing the use of smaller, lighter float units for extensive coverage.
3Reliability
If high ballast weight is added to improve stability, then wind resistance is improved, but fracture tendency during collision increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the distribution and composition of ballast weight to optimize both stability and collision resistance. Instead of concentrated heavy ballast, the system uses distributed lighter ballast combined with energy-absorbing materials in the float structure to reduce fracture tendency during collisions while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials in the float construction that combine high strength-to-weight ratio materials with energy-absorbing components. This allows the float to have sufficient stability without excessive ballast weight, and provides collision resistance by dissipating impact energy through the composite structure.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If perforations are made in floats for liquid management, then evaporation protection is improved, but rainwater management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rainwater management function from the float structure itself and implements it through separate dedicated components such as drainage channels and overflow systems. This separation allows simple perforated floats for evaporation protection while complex rainwater management is handled by specialized external structures.
5Productivity
If asymmetric designs are used for functionality, then operational efficiency is improved, but overturning under wind increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully applies asymmetry only where functional benefits are achieved without compromising stability. Asymmetric elements are positioned to create functional advantages while the overall center of gravity and buoyancy distribution maintain symmetric stability characteristics to prevent overturning under wind loads.
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 device significantly reduces evaporation, algae formation, and gas emanation while maintaining stability under strong winds and varying temperatures, efficiently managing rainwater and ensuring compatibility with different water types, enhancing operational efficiency and durability.
Implementation Method 1
an inner shell (10) formed by upper and lower inner covers (12, 13) having an outward convexity and join together at their periphery, defining a closed volume filled of air
Implementation Method 2
an inner shell (10) formed by upper and lower inner covers (12, 13) having an outward convexity and join together at their periphery, defining a closed volume filled of air
Implementation Method 3
its manufacture comprises at least one polymer selected from polypropylene or polyethylene together with additives to resist UV radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A floating device to be used in groups to form a floating cover that floats over volumes of water or liquids used in industry, mining and agriculture, directed to reduce evaporation, algae formation and gas emanation. The device comprising an outer shell consisting of outwardly convex covers and lateral edges that have a polygonal shape in a plan view, vertical wall surfaces extending from the edges of the covers, wherein each vertical wall surface joins at the level of the middle plane of the device with the edges of an inner shell.