Single Net Marine Barrier With Modular Buoyancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine barriers are cumbersome, costly, and not adaptable for temporary or low-performance applications, with previous solutions either being overly complex and heavy or unstable in large wave events.
Innovation Solution
A marine security barrier system comprising center column modules with an impact net and buoyant flotation modules, allowing for easy deployment and retraction, and featuring a lifting cage for storage, which is simpler, more stable, and cost-effective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a double-net capture mechanism with continuous pleated rows of buoyant panels is used, then the barrier's effectiveness and reliability in arresting vessel motion is improved, but the device complexity, weight, and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes one of the two continuous pleated rows of panels and impact nets, reducing the system from a double-net capture mechanism to a single-net capture mechanism. This extraction maintains the essential barrier function while eliminating redundant components, thereby reducing device complexity, weight, and cost for applications where maximum reliability is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the barrier into modular column modules spaced apart from each other, where each module contains a portion of the impact net and flotation devices. This segmentation allows for easier deployment, reduced material requirements compared to continuous structures, and simplified maintenance, effectively reducing device complexity while maintaining functional reliability.
2Device complexity
If a single net capture mechanism with central columns and frames is used, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the stability in large wave events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes flotation devices laterally across multiple dimensions rather than concentrating them at single points. By spacing column modules apart and attaching flotation devices to multiple columns, the barrier achieves broader lateral stability without requiring complex bracing structures, thus maintaining simplicity while improving stability in wave conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent attaches flotation devices to specific local positions on multiple column modules rather than using a uniform continuous structure. This local placement of buoyancy elements provides targeted stability support at critical points along the barrier, enhancing overall stability in waves while keeping the overall structure simple and modular.
3Reliability
If permanent marine barriers are deployed, then the barrier effectiveness is maximized, but the adaptability to different needs and conditions and ease of deployment are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the barrier with modular column modules that can be dynamically deployed and removed based on specific application needs. The spaced-apart configuration and individual module design allow the barrier to be adapted for temporary or permanent installation, enabling flexibility across different scenarios from port security to event management, rather than being fixed for permanent use only.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal barrier system where the same modular column module design can serve multiple functions and applications. The standardized modules with impact nets and flotation devices can be deployed for various purposes including vessel interception, security barriers, and temporary waterway management, making the system adaptable to different needs and conditions while maintaining effectiveness.
4Reliability
If heavy and large permanent structures are used, then the barrier reliability is improved, but the ease of deployment and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the barrier into separate modular column modules that can be individually handled and deployed. This segmentation reduces the size and weight of individual components compared to a single large permanent structure, allowing for easier transport and deployment by smaller vessels or equipment while maintaining overall barrier effectiveness through the collective action of multiple modules.
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 system effectively arrests vessel motion with improved stability and ease of use, being more portable and adaptable to various conditions while maintaining effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A first plurality of buoyant panels are elastically connected to one another and to a second plurality of buoyant panels via a plurality of hinges. When the barrier is floating in water and a moving vessel impacts the first or second plurality of impact cables, those impact cables deflect to transfer a force of the impact to one or more of the panels, which in turn engage the water to transfer the force of the impact to the water, to arrest the motion of the vessel.
Implementation Method 2
When the barrier is floating in water and a moving vessel impacts the first or second plurality of impact cables, those impact cables deflect to transfer a force of the impact to one or more of the panels
Implementation Method 3
A first plurality of buoyant panels are elastically connected to one another and to a second plurality of buoyant panels via a plurality of hinges
Data Source
AI summary
A marine barrier has a line of buoyant column modules, and an impact net attached to and extending between the column modules. First and second lines of buoyant flotation modules are respectively disposed parallel to and on opposing sides of the line of column modules, and are connected to the column modules by legs such that each of the flotation modules is retained between two adjacent ones of the center column modules. When the barrier is floating in a body of water and a moving vessel impacts the impact net, the impact net deflects to transfer a force of the impact to one or more of the column modules and flotation modules, which in turn engage the water to transfer the force of the impact to the water, to arrest the motion of the vessel.