Tideway Anchor System Using Hydrofoils for Socket Depth Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in securely anchoring tidal energy extraction devices on the sea bed during tidal flow while allowing for easy retrieval at tidal null points for maintenance, and in effectively drilling through strong tidal forces to create anchoring points in rocky sea beds.
Innovation Solution
The use of a plug and socket anchoring system with hydrofoils to counteract lateral tidal forces, and a submersible vessel with adjustable hydrofoils to generate drilling force, allowing for reduced socket depth and enhanced anchoring reliability, and reinforcement of sockets in softer materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deep socket is used to anchor the plug against vertical tidal forces, then anchoring reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydrofoils that generate lift forces counteracting the vertical component of tidal forces attempting to pull the plug from the socket. By positioning hydrofoils to face into the tidal current, they produce an upward force that balances the downward pull, effectively creating a counterweight effect that reduces the required socket depth while maintaining anchoring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is engaged beforehand to secure the plug in the socket before tidal forces act on it. The positive locking arrangement pre-establishes the connection, and the hydrofoils then work to maintain this pre-established connection by counteracting forces that might disrupt it, rather than relying solely on the socket depth to prevent disconnection.
2Length of stationary object
If hydrofoils are used to counteract tidal forces, then socket depth is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrofoil system serves multiple functions: it counteracts vertical tidal forces to reduce socket depth, provides a locking mechanism when engaged with the tailplane, and can be used for both anchoring and potential mobility control. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by eliminating the need for separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the anchoring function and the locking function into a single integrated system using the hydrofoil and tailplane. The same hydrofoil assembly that reduces socket depth requirements also provides the positive locking capability when the tailplane engages with the slot, merging what could have been separate systems into one unified mechanism.
3Strength
If a heavy submersible vessel is used for drilling, then drilling capability is improved, but energy consumption and mobility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The submersible vessel uses hydrofoils to generate lift forces that counteract its own weight, allowing it to hover or rest on the sea bed without requiring large ballast tanks. This counterweight effect using hydrodynamic lift eliminates the need to expend energy filling and blowing ballast tanks, while still providing the necessary weight for drilling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical ballast system with a hydrodynamic lift system using foils. Instead of using heavy ballast tanks and pumps to control buoyancy, the vessel uses the tidal current acting on the foils to generate the necessary downward force for drilling, substituting a mechanical system with a hydrodynamic one that consumes less energy.
4Force
If multiple small hydrofoils are used on the vessel, then drilling force is achieved, but risk of foil engagement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the hydrofoil system dynamic by allowing the foils to be extended when tidal flow is present (providing drilling force) and retracted when tidal flow diminishes (preventing engagement). This dynamic configuration adjusts the foil span based on operating conditions, maintaining drilling capability when needed while eliminating the risk of foil-to-foil engagement during tidal transitions.
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 ensures secure anchoring and efficient maintenance of tidal energy devices by reducing socket depth and overcoming drilling difficulties in strong tidal conditions, while minimizing energy expenditure and maintaining equipment mobility.
Implementation Method 1
This invention uses a hydrofoil for this purpose. The depth can be reduced still further by adding a means of positively locking plug and socket together at times of tidal flow
Implementation Method 2
The invention largely eliminates the need to expend such energy by using hydrofoils to generate inverse 'lift' from the tidal flow
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A sea bed anchor of the plug-and-socket type, in which the depth of the socket (2) needed to keep the plug in the socket against tidal force is reduced by downwards force from a hydrofoil (5). The same force is used to lock the plug and socket positively together. The effective area of hydrofoils (5) can be increased when the tide is flowing, and reduced when it is not. Downwards force from hydrofoils is also used to enable submersible vessels. To drill sockets in rock or to embed suction anchors in sediment.