Underwater Sound Bar Mounting for Asian Carp Deterrence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deterrent systems for invasive Asian carp are inadequate, and there is a need for long-term, non-structural acoustic deterrents that effectively repel Asian carp while minimizing impact on native species and avoiding environmental disruption.
Innovation Solution
An engineered acoustic signal system, including a sound bar with speakers, ADCP, and hydrophone, is deployed in a specific configuration to produce sound frequencies and pressure levels that deter Asian carp, while being resistant to navigation hazards and minimizing sound transmission into the air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric barriers are used to deter Asian carp, then the effectiveness in preventing carp movement is improved, but the device complexity and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electric barrier system with an acoustic field-based deterrent system. The sound bar generates acoustic signals that create a virtual barrier without physical or electrical components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining deterrence effectiveness against Asian carp.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic signals as an intermediary between the deterrent system and the Asian carp. Instead of direct electrical shock or physical blockage, the system uses sound waves as a mediator to influence carp behavior and prevent their movement upstream.
2Reliability
If acoustic deterrent signals are increased in intensity to improve deterrence effectiveness, then the behavioral response of Asian carp is enhanced, but the sound transmission into air and environmental disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing acoustic energy specifically into the water column where Asian carp are present, rather than omnidirectional sound propagation. The sound bar is positioned and oriented to concentrate acoustic deterrent signals in the underwater environment, minimizing air transmission and localized environmental disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses natural acoustic signals (such as boat engine sounds or water flow noises) that Asian carp already associate with safe environments, copying familiar sounds to create deterrent effects without introducing foreign or disruptive noise patterns into the ecosystem.
3Productivity
If the sound bar is positioned closer to the water surface to improve acoustic coverage, then the sound transmission efficiency is improved, but the navigation safety risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the sound bar positioning from a two-dimensional surface-level placement to a three-dimensional underwater suspension. The sound bar is hung vertically in the water column, allowing acoustic coverage throughout the water depth while maintaining a safe distance from the water surface, thus resolving the conflict between coverage efficiency and navigation safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the water column itself as an intermediary medium between the sound bar and the air environment. By suspending the sound bar underwater, the water acts as a buffer that prevents direct interaction with aircraft or vessels, eliminating navigation safety risks while maintaining acoustic effectiveness through water propagation.
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 system effectively deters Asian carp with a behavioral response distance of 20,000 cm or less, reducing their spread while maintaining minimal impact on native species and avoiding navigation disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
Asian carp and other members of the superorder Ostariophysi possess a calcified connection between the inner ear and swim bladder, known as a Weberian apparatus, which enhances their hearing ability. Asian carp have a broader hearing range for freshwater fish, detecting frequencies above 3 kHz at relatively high sound intensities (greater than 80 dB re 1 μPa).
Implementation Method 2
The weldment top is positioned below a top surface of the discharge lateral, and the rear weldment side is positioned adjacent a front side of the discharge lateral, to minimize sound transmission into the air.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment is directed to a sound bar for producing engineered acoustic signals for keeping an animal away from one or more specific areas. The sound bar includes: a weldment having a weldment top, a weldment bottom, a front weldment side, and a rear weldment side; a plurality of speakers disposed inside the weldment and spaced from each other; at least one acoustic doppler current profilers (ADCP) disposed inside the weldment; at least one hydrophone disposed inside the weldment; and a mounting mechanism configured to be attached to a discharge lateral, the mounting mechanism including a plurality of bottom supports spaced from each other to support the weldment bottom at a plurality of locations and position the weldment top below a top surface of the discharge lateral and position the rear weldment side adjacent a front side of the discharge lateral.