Submarine Cable Protection via Segmented Filter Units

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for protecting submarine cables and long tubes on the seabed, such as mattress blocks and rubble mounds, fail to prevent scouring and deformation of the seabed, leading to strain on the cables and tubes, and are not adaptable to changing seabed shapes.

Innovation Solution

The use of bag-shaped filter units containing predetermined block objects, installed using GPS to ensure precise positioning, which cover and stabilize submarine cables and tubes, preventing scouring and deformation by integrating with the seabed and tidal currents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mattress blocks are connected together to protect the submarine cable, then the cable is protected from anchors and fishing gear, but the connected mattress blocks cannot finely follow the shape of the seabed that is gradually deformed by scouring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable protectionVSAvoidadaptability to seabed shape

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The protection system is divided into multiple individual mattress blocks rather than a single connected structure. Each block acts independently, allowing them to adapt to local seabed variations and scouring patterns while collectively providing comprehensive cable protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mattress blocks are designed to be flexible and movable, enabling them to dynamically adjust their positions and conform to the changing seabed shape as scouring progresses, rather than being fixed in rigid connected configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If mattress blocks are placed over the submarine cable, then the cable is protected from physical damage, but excess flow is generated near the ends of the mattress blocks causing scouring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable protectionVSAvoidscouring

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The excess flow that causes scouring at the ends of mattress blocks is redirected and utilized to beneficially deposit sediment in front of the blocks, transforming the harmful scouring effect into a protective sedimentation effect that stabilizes the seabed around the cable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

Sediment acts as an intermediary material that is moved by the excess flow from behind the mattress blocks to the front, creating a protective layer that prevents direct scouring of the seabed and cable while utilizing the kinetic energy of the water flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the distance between joints at ends of mattress blocks is reduced to allow bending, then the blocks can follow seabed deformation, but the structural integrity and protection effectiveness is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to follow seabed shapeVSAvoidprotection effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protection system uses multiple short, independent mattress blocks with small gaps between them, allowing each block to independently follow seabed contours while maintaining adequate structural integrity and protection coverage through the collective arrangement of blocks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 filter units effectively prevent scouring and deformation of the seabed, ensuring long-term protection and stability of submarine cables and tubes by reducing water pressure and adapting to seabed changes, while also providing a stable environment for marine life.

Implementation Method 1

bag-shaped filter units, each containing predetermined block objects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFilter (physical): Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the mattresses placed over the submarine cable serve as resistance to the tidal currents on the seabed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDrag: Drag

Implementation Method 3

containing predetermined block objects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 4

a rubble stone assemblage formed by packing rubble stones into a netted bag is set on the rubblemound to cover the whole surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2341592B1Method for protecting submarine cable and submarine long tube

Publication Date: 2014.03.05 KYOWA LTD

Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C

AI summary

At a location where a submarine cable 20 is to be installed, the condition of a seabed 200 and the condition of tidal currents near the seabed 200 are investigated in advance to examine the number of filter units 50 and the position where the filter units 50 are to be installed. First, the submarine cable 20 is installed on the seabed 200. Then, the filter units 50 are installed so as to cover the submarine cable 20 installed on the seabed 200.