Submerged Stabilization Plate for Boathouse Wave Damping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Boathouses are subjected to significant forces from waves and undulating water, causing them to rock, rise, and fall, which damages the structure and stored watercrafts.

Innovation Solution

A submerged stabilization plane is positioned below the wave action plane under the boathouse, connected to the structure by support arms, to dampen wave forces and stabilize the boathouse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a boathouse is positioned directly on the water without stabilization, then it is easily accessible and simple in structure, but it experiences significant rocking and movement from waves that damages the structure and stored watercrafts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of boathouseVSAvoidcomplexity of stabilization system
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A stabilization plane is introduced as an intermediary element between the boathouse and the water. This plane distributes the wave forces across a larger area and prevents direct transmission of rocking motions to the boathouse structure, thereby stabilizing the boathouse without requiring complex active stabilization systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilization system divides the boathouse support function into separate components: the stabilization plane that contacts the water and absorbs wave energy, and the support arms that connect the plane to the boathouse. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If support arms are made rigid to firmly connect the stabilization plane to the boathouse, then the connection is strong and stable, but the support arms themselves may break under significant wave forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrength of support armVSAvoidreliability of support arm
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support arms are designed with flexible joints that allow controlled movement and rotation. This dynamic design enables the support arms to flex and absorb wave forces rather than rigidly resisting them, preventing breakage while maintaining the structural connection between the stabilization plane and the boathouse

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible joint design incorporates cushioning elements that absorb and dissipate wave forces before they can transmit full stress to the support arm structure. This beforehand cushioning prevents the support arms from breaking under significant wave forces while maintaining connection integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 stabilization system effectively reduces or eliminates the movement of the boathouse caused by wave forces, thereby protecting the structure and stored watercrafts from damage.

Implementation Method 1

a wave stabilization system comprises a structure (110) with a positive buoyance that floats on a body of water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS20250178706A1Wave Stabilization System
Publication Date: 2025.06.05 FREDRICKS EQUIPMENT INC
  • US20250178706A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Waves and boat wakes can cause significant damage to floating structures such as docks, boathouses and the like. The present technology provides a stabilization system to minimize the impact of waves and boat wakes on floating structures on a body of water by using a submerged stabilization plate for increased stability.