3D Time Series Vector Sediment Trap for Dynamic Deep-Sea Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sediment collection methods are inefficient and lack real-time monitoring capabilities, resulting in discontinuous data and analysis deviations due to the inability to collect sediments dynamically and accurately in deep-sea environments.
Innovation Solution
A 3D time series vector sediment trap with water flow pipes and sedimentation pipes, equipped with filter screens, current meters, turbidity meters, and altimeters, allowing for real-time sediment collection and calculation of sediment content in any direction and depth, ensuring accurate and reliable sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sampling equipment is released by shipboard geological winches and allowed to go down under gravity, then the equipment can reach deep sea environments, but the sampling process cannot be monitored in real-time and data collection is discontinuous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical gravity-based sampling with an automated water flow-driven system. Water flows through the trap pipes carrying sediments, and the system automatically collects and monitors sediments in real-time, eliminating the need for manual deployment and recovery operations while ensuring continuous data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The trap pipes are designed to continuously capture sediments as water flows through them, rather than collecting discrete samples. The system maintains continuous operation with water constantly flowing through the trap pipes, ensuring uninterrupted sediment collection and real-time monitoring capability throughout the deployment period.
2Productivity
If abyssal vehicles are used for bottom sampling, then sampling efficiency is improved and sampling areas can be selected, but scientists cannot make real-time selection at sampling points or visually obtain samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces transparent observation windows as intermediaries between the sampling system and scientists. These windows allow real-time visual observation of sediment accumulation in the trap pipes, enabling scientists to make informed real-time decisions about sampling points and timing while maintaining high sampling efficiency through the automated water flow system.
3Measurement precision
If filter screens are installed in water flow pipes to intercept sediments, then sediment collection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs filter screens with specific pore sizes installed within the water flow pipes to intercept and retain sediments while allowing water to pass through. This porous material approach achieves accurate sediment collection by physically filtering particles from the water flow, while the modular integration within existing pipe structures minimizes overall system complexity.
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
Enables dynamic and accurate collection of sediments, providing continuous and reliable data for environmental monitoring and targeted sampling for physical and chemical analysis, improving the accuracy and reliability of scientific research.
Implementation Method 1
a filter screen inside it which tilts towards the water inlet... materials larger than the screen pore diameter are intercepted by the filter screen
Implementation Method 2
the open end communicates with the water flow pipe and directly faces the filter screen so that materials larger than the screen pore diameter are intercepted by the filter screen in the water flow pipe and collected in the sedimentation pipe
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a 3D time series vector sediment trap comprising a base disposed with trap pipes (2) which consist of water flow pipes (21) and sedimentation pipes (22), where the water flow pipes (21) have a horizontal water inlet (210) at the front end, a vertical downward water outlet (211) at the back end and a filter screen (212) inside it which tilts towards the water inlet (210). The filter screen (210) is internally tangential to the water flow pipe (21); and the sedimentation pipes (22), vertically fixed underneath the water flow pipes, have an open top end and a closed bottom end, where the open end communicates with the water flow pipe (21) and directly faces the filter screen (212) so that materials larger than the screen pore diameter are intercepted by the filter screen (212) in the water flow pipe and collected in the sedimentation pipe (22). The trap according to the present invention can dynamically collect sedimenting particulate materials in the seawater as the ocean current flows and accurately monitors environmental changes at the sea bottom.