Shark Deterrent Pulse Timing for Low-Power Portable Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shark deterrent devices require high power consumption due to the need for constant electrical currents or closely spaced pulses to effectively deter sharks, making them impractical for small portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A shark deterrent device with a sequence of electrical pulses spaced at least 3 seconds apart, using electrodes on opposite ends of a waterproof housing, powered by a battery source, to create an effective deterrent with lower energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If electrical charges are applied to repel sharks, then sharks are deterred from approaching, but the high voltage power supply requires frequent monitoring and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors voltage output and shark presence, and self-adjusts the electrical charge parameters without human intervention. The microprocessor continuously reads sensor data and modifies the electrical output accordingly, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for frequent manual monitoring and maintenance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the device operates continuously to deter sharks, then shark deterrence is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates periodically rather than continuously by detecting shark presence through sensors and activating electrical charges only when sharks are detected within the protected area. The microprocessor controls the timing and duration of electrical discharges based on real-time sensor input, thereby maintaining effective shark deterrence while significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
3Area of stationary object
If the protected area is enlarged to cover more waterfront property, then more property is protected, but the amount of electrical charge required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different electrical charge parameters to different zones within the protected area based on shark detection location. When a shark is detected in a specific zone, the microprocessor activates electrical charges localized to that zone rather than the entire protected area. This allows enlargement of the protected area while maintaining reasonable electrical charge requirements by treating each location according to its specific needs.
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 effectively deters sharks with significantly reduced power consumption, allowing for a portable and efficient deterrent solution.
Implementation Method 1
a high voltage power supply that generates electrical charges sufficient to repel sharks
Implementation Method 2
sensors that detect the presence of sharks in the protected area
Data Source
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AI summary
Sharks and other sea creatures, including fish such as rays, are known to depredate (i.e. steal) fish from nets and longlines during the human act of fishing (e.g. for tuna or swordfish). It is known to try to use electrical currents passed through seawater to deter sharks from regions of human activity, particularly around divers. However, the power consumption required by such deterrents is very high, and is prohibitive in small portable devices. The present invention provides a sequence of electrical pulses in water, each electrical pulse in the sequence of electrical pulses spaced from each adjacent pulse by at least 3 seconds. In this way, the inventor found that an effective deterrent from depredation may be created with a much lower energy consumption that previously considered possible.