Trolling Apparatus with UV-C Light for Aquatic Organism Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling invasive aquatic organisms, such as mosquito-borne illnesses and aquatic weeds, are inefficient and environmentally harmful due to the need for large quantities of herbicides, labor-intensive processes, and limited effectiveness in treating irregular water surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A trolling apparatus equipped with UV-C light sources and a containment chamber that allows for targeted treatment of invasive organisms using UV-C light and reduced herbicide use, minimizing environmental impact and operational costs by isolating treatment areas and recycling herbicides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large quantities of herbicides are used to control invasive aquatic organisms, then the effectiveness of treatment is improved, but the environmental harm and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The water body is divided into discrete treatment zones using floating barriers and containment structures. Herbicides are applied locally within these segmented zones rather than throughout the entire body of water, reducing overall herbicide usage while maintaining treatment effectiveness in targeted areas where invasive organisms are present
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different treatment concentrations and methods to different locations within the water body based on the presence and density of invasive organisms. High-concentration herbicide treatment is applied only to infested zones, while non-infested areas receive no treatment, optimizing effectiveness while minimizing environmental harm
2Area of stationary object
If traditional treatment methods are used to control invasive aquatic organisms, then coverage area is improved, but labor intensity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The floating barrier system is designed to self-deploy and self-position using buoyancy and water currents. The barriers automatically contain and concentrate invasive organisms in treatment zones without requiring manual placement or adjustment, significantly reducing labor intensity while maintaining effective coverage area
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment apparatus combines multiple functions into a single system: floating barriers provide both containment and platform support, UV-C light sources simultaneously disinfect water and deter organisms, and herbicide delivery is integrated into the barrier structure. This multi-functionality reduces operational complexity while maintaining broad coverage
3Object-affected harmful factors
If UV-C light sources are used to treat invasive organisms, then environmental impact is reduced, but treatment speed and effectiveness on irregular surfaces may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines UV-C light treatment with herbicide application in an integrated system. UV-C light sources are mounted on floating barriers that also deliver herbicides, allowing simultaneous or sequential application of both treatments to enhance overall effectiveness and treatment speed while maintaining low environmental impact
Solution Approach 2:
The floating barrier system with integrated UV-C light sources continuously treats water and organisms as water flows through the containment zone. The system operates without interruption, providing continuous disinfection and treatment rather than periodic applications, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining environmental benefits
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 solution effectively controls invasive aquatic organisms with reduced herbicide use, minimizing environmental impact and operational costs, while providing a faster and safer treatment process compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of UV-C light sources are provided on the surface whereby invasive organisms proximate to light emanating from at least one of the UV-C light sources are exposed to UV-C light
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and the associated method which includes means for controlling an invasive organism. The means including a trolling apparatus, for attachment to an associated vehicle. The trolling apparatus is pulled through a body of water in response to movement of the associated vehicle. The housing carries a plurality of UV-C light sources for producing UV-C light at a wavelength of substantially 254 nm, whereby invasive organisms proximate to light emanating from at least one of said UV-C light source whereby invasive organisms are exposed to UV-C light at a wavelength of substantially 254 nm resulting in controlling an invasive organism. Other embodiments, attract organisms such as mosquitos and then expose them to UV-C light. The invention facilitates reduced use of herbicide.