Rectangular Coir Fiber Block for Erosion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional circular wattles and logs for perimeter sediment control and slope length shortening lack sufficient contact and downward pressure, leading to performance issues such as water flow between the ground and the structure, and require additional installation steps that can compromise effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A fiber block system with a rectangular cross-section, comprising compressed natural fibers, a natural fiber mesh sleeve, and ties that extend through the block to connect to the sleeve, providing improved contact and stability, and an apron for enhanced anchoring, all made from coir fibers for ecological friendliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional circular wattles and logs are used for perimeter sediment control, then they can be constructed using a tube of netting stuffed with filler, but they lack sufficient contact and downward pressure with the ground resulting in water flow between the ground and the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the cross-sectional shape from circular to rectangular. This asymmetric modification allows all four sides of the log to contact the ground surface, maximizing the contact area and ensuring adequate downward pressure along the entire length of the log, thereby preventing water flow between the ground and the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a circular cross-section (one-dimensional symmetry) to a rectangular cross-section (two-dimensional asymmetry). This dimensional change enables the log to engage with the ground on multiple sides simultaneously, creating a more effective barrier that prevents water from bypassing the structure.
2Ease of operation
If additional installation steps such as digging trenches and using ropes to anchor conventional wattles and logs are taken, then anchoring is improved, but water flows between the circular log and the rope undercutting the log and defeating the purpose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for external anchoring ropes by incorporating anchoring functionality directly into the log structure itself. The rectangular design with its four ground-contacting sides provides inherent anchoring capability, eliminating the separate anchoring system that caused water to flow between the log and rope.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the barrier function and anchoring function into a single integrated structure. The rectangular log simultaneously provides the sediment barrier and its own anchoring through direct ground contact on all four sides, merging what were previously separate functions into one unified system.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional circular logs are used, then they can be constructed with netting and filler, but the performance efficiency per unit of weight is not optimal due to the log being wider in diameter than the diameter of the portion that actually contacts the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The rectangular cross-section creates a shape where the width equals the contact width with the ground, eliminating the wasted material in the circular design that extended beyond the contact point. This asymmetric geometry ensures that 100% of the log's width contributes to ground contact and performance efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber block system suitable for controlling erosion and stabilizing soil is described that comprises a fiber block formed of a densely packed natural fibers and having an apron extending therefrom, wherein the apron is formed of the same natural fibers. The fiber block and apron are enclosed in a sleeve of fiber mesh and ties are disposed in the fiber block and connect to the sleeve. The fiber block, mesh, and ties can be made of coir fibers.