Biodegradable Viscose Mesh for Erosion Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing environmental control systems for erosion and runoff lack sufficient strength and are not biodegradable, posing challenges in effectively managing soil erosion and pollutant spread during construction and land remediation projects.

Innovation Solution

A biodegradable mesh container filled with a filler material, composed of interlaced viscose fibers, providing a tensile strength of at least 100 pounds per square inch, which can be securely anchored to the earth surface to control erosion and runoff.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional erosion control materials like straw bales and silt fences are used, then they are biodegradable and environmentally friendly, but they lack sufficient strength to effectively control erosion and runoff

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidenvironmental harm from non-biodegradability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure combining biodegradable viscose fibers with a mesh reinforcement pattern. The viscose provides biodegradability while the mesh structure (formed by interlacing yarns) provides the necessary tensile strength. This composite approach allows the material to achieve both strength requirements and environmental compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the biodegradable material by treating viscose fibers to enhance their strength properties. The viscose fibers are processed to achieve specific tensile strength thresholds (at least 100 psi, preferably at least 150 psi or 200 psi) while maintaining their biodegradable nature. This parameter optimization allows natural fibers to meet engineering strength requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If synthetic materials are used to provide sufficient strength for erosion control, then the strength requirement is met, but the materials do not biodegrade and require removal after use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidservice life before removal
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable erosion control system made entirely from biodegradable materials. The mesh container and filler material are designed to provide sufficient strength during the construction period, then naturally biodegrade afterward, eliminating the need for removal and long-term maintenance. This approach trades permanent durability for temporary effectiveness combined with environmental compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The biodegradable mesh container system is designed to self-destruct through natural biodegradation after serving its erosion control function. The viscose fiber materials break down naturally in the environment, providing a self-service end-of-life solution that eliminates manual removal requirements and returns the site to its natural state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-generated harmful factors

If a biodegradable mesh container filled with filler material is used, then environmental compatibility is achieved, but the structure must maintain sufficient strength to anchor securely and control runoff

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental harmVSAvoidanchoring security
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a composite structure where the biodegradable mesh container (made from viscose fibers) works in conjunction with a filler material to achieve both environmental compatibility and anchoring reliability. The mesh provides structural integrity for anchoring while the filler material adds weight and stability, together ensuring secure installation without compromising biodegradability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS20240401296A1Devices, systems and methods for erosion control
Publication Date: 2024.12.05 MATIV CONWED LLC
  • US20240401296A1 patent drawing
  • US20240401296A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A high strength environmental control device comprising a mesh container having at least one interior and one exterior surface is provided. The interior of the mesh container can comprise a filler material. The mesh container can comprise a plurality of yarns, including viscose fibers, interlaced together.