Underwater Burial Garden System with Fixed Location Markers
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for underwater burials lack a fixed location for loved ones to visit and pay respects, as wave currents disperse remains or ashes, making it difficult to revisit the site, and current solutions involving sinkable objects are cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
An underwater burial garden system where cremated remains are deposited in containers or reef balls on the seabed, marked with identification plates, allowing for return visits and incorporating environmentally friendly materials to promote coral growth, with a memorial center for interactive memorials and GPS location assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cremated remains are deposited directly into the ocean, then the final resting place is in the ocean as desired, but wave currents disperse the remains and no fixed location is established for loved ones to visit
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the burial process into distinct components: a containment structure (container or reef ball) holds the remains, while a separate identification marker (plate or buoy) provides the fixed location. This segmentation allows the remains to be protected in one element while the marker remains visible and accessible for visits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary object (container or reef ball) that mediates between the cremated remains and the ocean environment. This intermediary protects the remains from dispersal by currents while establishing a fixed location, and a second intermediary (identification plate or buoy) mediates between the burial site and loved ones seeking to visit.
2Reliability
If sinkable objects are used to contain ashes, then a fixed location is established, but the objects become large in size making maneuvering and placement difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the containment function from the location-marking function into distinct components of appropriate sizes. The container or reef ball is sized for manageable placement, while the identification plate or buoy provides the visible location marker. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally sized for its specific function rather than requiring one large object to perform both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single large three-dimensional object to a system where the location marker (identification plate or buoy) extends into a different dimension (above water or on surface) rather than relying solely on a large submerged object. This dimensional change allows for precise location identification without requiring large maneuverable objects.
3Ease of operation
If conventional cemetery burial is used, then a fixed location for visits is provided, but the ocean burial desire cannot be fulfilled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal system that fulfills multiple functions: it enables ocean burial (fulfilling the desire for final resting in the ocean) while simultaneously providing a fixed visitable location (matching conventional cemetery benefits). The containment structure and identification marker work together to achieve both ocean burial and visitability in a single integrated solution.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for establishing underwater burial garden comprises drilling one or more holes into an underwater floor surface to a predetermined depth. Each hole in the underwater burial garden may be located at a predetermined location, or plot, respective to any other hole, which may be in an adjacent or nearby plot. A sealed container containing ashes of a cremated individual may be positioned into a hole. The sealed container may be constructed of a material to withstand the underwater environment. A cap may be placed over the hole, thereby containing the sealed container within the hole. The cap may have a plate positioned thereon with text pertaining to the cremated individual, which may be viewable by swimmers and/or boaters.