Buoyant Pond Debris Collector Screen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies are inadequate for effectively removing floating debris from the surface of ponds and shallow bodies of water, as they are either too heavy or not designed to handle the large amounts of debris commonly found in these areas.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, portable device featuring a rectangular screen attached to a floating bar and a heavier-than-water bar, with a harness and rope for easy operation, allowing for the accumulation and removal of debris by one person, which can be thrown into the water, dragged behind a boat, or pushed ahead of a power boat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heavy equipment is used to remove debris from ponds, then the debris removal capability is improved, but the device becomes too heavy and complex for small bodies of water where heavy equipment is not justified
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a floating bar for buoyancy, a collection screen for debris accumulation, and a handle for operation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving effective debris removal without requiring heavy equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating bar acts as an intermediary between the user and the debris collection process. It provides buoyancy to support the collection screen and transfers the user's pulling force to move the device through water, enabling one-person operation without heavy equipment.
2Quantity of substance
If a large screen is used to accumulate debris, then the debris accumulation capacity is improved, but the device becomes harder to maneuver and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The floating bar provides upward buoyant force that counteracts the downward weight of the collection screen and accumulated debris. This balance allows the screen to be large enough for effective debris accumulation while maintaining ease of maneuverability during operation.
3Ease of operation
If the device is designed for one-person operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the debris removal efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The floating bar automatically adjusts its position and provides the necessary buoyancy based on the weight of the collection screen and accumulated debris. This self-adjusting mechanism allows one-person operation while maintaining effective debris removal efficiency without requiring complex control systems.
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 efficiently collects and removes floating debris from ponds, accommodating larger quantities than previous solutions, and can be easily operated by one person, making it suitable for small bodies of water where heavy equipment is not justified.
Implementation Method 1
a floating bar and the opposite edge attached to a heavier than water bar
Implementation Method 2
a floating bar and the opposite edge attached to a heavier than water bar
Data Source
AI summary
A buoyant device for use by one or two persons to skim from the surface of bodies of water the vegetative matter that accumulates thereon so as to facilitate its disposal. The device consists of a cylindrical screen formed to the configuration of the letter C with the top lip being held at the water's surface by a buoyant bar and the lower lip being positioned below the upper lip by a weighted bar; a harness attached to the buoyant bar is used to pull the device across the water's surface.