Sluice Gate Swing Pivot Mechanism for Tidal Energy Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing torsion structure-based sluice gates face challenges with gate leaf stability during mounting on a water bottom, restricted motion during opening and closing, lateral inclination, impact energy management, and reaction forces on the bottom support seat, particularly in tidal flow conditions.
Innovation Solution
A swing center support mechanism with friction shoes and a flexible, high-strength bottom support seat is implemented, allowing rotation-free movement in three axes directions and dissipating tidal energy through friction forces to maintain stability and reduce impact forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a torsion structure gate leaf is fixed on the foundation ground via axle type supports, then the gate can rotate smoothly for opening and closing operations, but the gate leaf becomes unstable and may overturn when mounted on the water bottom
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions the gate leaf from a static fixed-axis rotation system to a dynamic swing motion system. The gate leaf swings freely on the water bottom during operation and only becomes fixed when completely closed, allowing it to adapt its stability characteristics based on operational state. This resolves the contradiction by making the support system dynamic rather than statically fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention divides the gate operation into distinct phases: swing phase (when open) and closed phase (when shut). During the swing phase, the gate operates independently on the water bottom without fixed axial constraints. During the closed phase, the gate is secured. This segmentation allows the gate to have different stability characteristics appropriate for each operational phase.
2Ease of operation
If the gate leaf is constrained by a swing center mechanism, then the gate can be controlled during opening and closing, but the gate leaf experiences restricted motion and periodic constraint forces that are unfavorable for structural strength
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies partial constraint - the swing center mechanism provides guidance and control during swing operations but deliberately allows excessive motion freedom during the swing phase. The gate is only fully constrained when completely closed. This partial application of constraint forces resolves the contradiction by providing control when needed while minimizing restrictive forces during operation.
3Shape
If the gate leaf mounts on the water bottom after exhausting buoyancy, then the gate can be positioned stably, but the gate leaf may turn over due to loss of stability function
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses the water bottom itself as a counterweight support surface. When the gate leaf exhausts its buoyancy and mounts on the water bottom, the friction and normal force from the bottom surface provide the stabilizing effect that replaces the lost buoyancy stability. The gate leaf's weight, which would cause overturning without buoyancy, is counterbalanced by the reaction forces from the water bottom mounting surface.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If friction forces are used to dissipate tidal energy, then impact damage is reduced, but the gate operation requires more energy and time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful tidal forces and impact energies into beneficial frictional dissipation. The friction shoes are designed to allow controlled sliding during gate operations, converting kinetic energy from tidal currents and gate motion into heat through friction. This dissipates harmful impact energies while the gate is in motion, reducing damage when the gate closes. The energy cost is minimal since friction only acts during the relatively brief operation phases rather than continuously.
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
This solution enhances the structural integrity and operational efficiency of tidal gates by preventing overturning, minimizing damage from impact and tidal forces, and ensuring safe and controlled gate operation across varying tidal conditions.
Implementation Method 1
dissipating tidal energy through friction forces
Implementation Method 2
The gate leaf is in the state of floating on water during swing movement
Data Source
AI summary
In order to achieve a swing motion type retractable floodgate using a cost-effective torsion structure, the present invention is provided with a swing pivot support mechanism, a friction shoe, a door bottom support seat, and an operation step during a tidal flow. The support mechanism allows free rotation about three axes and restricts motion in the three axis directions, and a pulling force acts on the support mechanism. The friction shoe dissipates tidal energy during closing operations in a tidal flow to a level that prevents damage to the door. Reactive forces are endured by reducing impact forces with the flexibility and strength of the door bottom support seat. Suitable tidal energy dissipation is performed by selecting friction force strength in the operation step.