FLOATING APPARATUS INCLUDING WATERTIGHT STRUCTURE

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims priority of Taiwan Patent Application No. 113103666, filed on Jan. 31, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to a floating apparatus, especially a floating apparatus with a watertight structure.

Description of the Related Art

With technological development, there are many different types of floating apparatuses that are able to float in open water (including oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, etc.). However, water may enter these floating apparatuses, causing the floating apparatuses to break or become damaged. The present disclosure provides a floating apparatus with a watertight structure.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a floating apparatus. The floating apparatus includes a watertight structure. The watertight structure includes a first layer and a second layer in direct contact with the inner surface of the first layer. The second layer is more absorbent than the first layer.

In some embodiments, the first layer is substantially non-absorbent. In some embodiments, the second layer is made of superabsorbent polymers. In some embodiments, the second layer includes a compressible material. In some embodiments, the second layer substantially completely covers the inner surface of the first layer.

In some embodiments, the watertight structure further includes a third layer, the second layer is disposed between the first layer and the third layer, and the first layer and the third layer are made of the same material. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first layer is different from the thickness of the third layer.

In some embodiments, the floating apparatus further includes a pillar, and the first layer and the second layer constitute at least part of the pillar. In some embodiments, the floating apparatus further includes a base, the base is disposed under the pillar, and the base is connected to the pillar. In some embodiments, the floating apparatus further includes a platform, and the platform is disposed on the pillar, and the platform is connected to the pillar.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a floating apparatus. The floating apparatus includes a base and a pillar. The pillar is disposed on the base. The pillar includes a watertight structure. The watertight structure includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is in contact with water. The second layer disposed on the inner side of the first layer. The second layer is absorbent.

In some embodiments, the density of the base is greater than the density of the pillar. In some embodiments, the diameter of the base is greater than the diameter of the pillar. In some embodiments, the floating apparatus further includes a frame connected to a top portion of the pillar. In some embodiments, the floating apparatus further includes a fluid ejection element, and the flow out of the fluid ejection element flows toward a space inside the floating apparatus for collecting waste.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a floating apparatus. The floating apparatus includes a watertight structure. The watertight structure includes one or more odd layers made of a first material and one or more even layers made of a second material that is different from the first material. The strength of the first material is greater than the strength of the second material.

In some embodiments, the first material is substantially non-absorbent. In some embodiments, the first material includes steel, aluminum, concrete, reinforced concrete (RC), steel reinforced concrete, fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the second material includes superabsorbent polymers. In some embodiments, the floating apparatus further includes a plurality of pillars, and the odd layers and the even layers constitute the pillars.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure can be more fully understood by reading the detailed description and examples with references made to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that various features may be not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of discussion, and the various features may be drawn schematically.

FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 4 schematically show different floating apparatuses each including a watertight structure, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description provides different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the present disclosure. For example, the formation of a first feature “on” or “over” a second feature in the following description may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed between the first feature and the second feature, such that the first feature and the second feature are not in direct contact.

In addition, spatially relative terms such as “on” and “under” may be used to describe the relationship between an element (or a feature) and another element (or another feature). The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the devices in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in figures. The devices may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative terms used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly. For example, if a device of the drawings is flipped upside down, an element that is “above” will become an element that is “below”. Furthermore, ordinal terms such as “first”, “second”, etc., used in the description and claims do not by themselves connote any priority, precedence, or order of one element over another, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one element from another element having the same name.

In the following description, the terms “including”, “comprising”, “having”, and the like should be interpreted as meaning “including but not limited to . . . ”. Therefore, when the terms “including”, “comprising”, “having”, and the like are used, the presence of corresponding features, regions, steps, operations and/or elements is specified, and without excluding the presence of other features, regions, steps, operations and/or elements.

Please refer to FIG. 1 to understand a floating apparatus 100. The floating apparatus 100 may be any apparatus that floats in water (such as bobbing up and down). In some embodiments, the floating apparatus 100 may be used to collect waste. For example, the space inside the floating apparatus 100 may be used to collect and accommodate waste. That is, the floating apparatus 100 may be a waste collection apparatus.

The floating apparatus 100 includes a plurality of bases 110, a plurality of pillars 120, and a platform 130. In some embodiments, to prevent the floating apparatus 100 from capsizing, the water level is designed to be within a certain range of the height of floating apparatus 100, so the center of gravity of the floating apparatus 100 may be under the water level most of the time. To make sure the water level is within a certain range of the height of floating apparatus 100, in some embodiments, the density of the bases 110 is greater than the density of the pillars 120, so the center of gravity of the floating apparatus 100 is relatively low to ensure that the floating apparatus 100 is stable. For example, the center of gravity of the combination of the bases 110 and the pillars 120 may be under the water level most of the time.

The bases 110 are disposed under the pillars 120, and the bases 110 are connected to the pillars 120. In some embodiments, the pillars 120 are connected to the top portions of the bases 110. The platform 130 is disposed on the pillars 120, and the platform 130 is connected to the pillars 120. In some embodiments, the platform 130 is connected to the top portions of the pillars 120.

In some embodiments, the bases 110 are solid. In some embodiments, the pillars 120 are hollow. In some embodiments, the bases 110 and the pillars 120 are manufactured in the same processes and formed integrally. In some embodiments, the bases 110 and the pillars 120 are manufactured separately and then be assembled together. In some embodiments, for each base 110 and each pillar 120, the entire base 110 and part of the pillar 120 are under the water level.

In some embodiments, the diameter of the base 110 is about 5.0 m to about 7.0 m, such as 6.0 m. In some embodiments, the diameter of the pillar 120 is about 3.0 m to about 5.0 m, such as 4.0 m. In some embodiments, the sum of the height of the base 110 and the height of the pillar 120 is about 6.0 m to about 9.0 m, such as 7.0 m, or 8.0 m. The aforementioned numbers are merely examples. The sizes of the base 110 and the sizes of the pillar 120 are not limited thereto.

To extend lifespan of the floating apparatus 100, the floating apparatus 100 may include a watertight structure 200. The watertight structure 200 includes a first layer 210 and a second layer 220. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1, the first layer 210 and the second layer 220 constitute at least part of the pillar 120. However, the other parts of the floating apparatus 100 may also include the watertight structure 200. For example, the base 110 may also include the watertight structure 200.

In some embodiments, the first layer 210 is the outermost layer of the pillar 120. The second layer 220 is disposed on the inner side of the first layer 210. In some embodiments, the second layer 220 is in direct contact with the inner surface of the first layer 210. In some embodiments, the second layer 220 substantially completely covers the inner surface of the first layer 210. In some embodiments, the second layer 220 is more absorbent than the first layer 210. In some embodiments, the second layer 220 is made of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) (may also be referred to as superabsorbent resin).

In particular, since the first layer 210 is in direct contact with water, the first layer 210 is usually made of a material with high strength. Such material may be harder or denser and thus be less absorbent. In some embodiments, the first layer 210 may be substantially non-absorbent. In some embodiments, the first layer 210 may include steel, aluminum, concrete, reinforced concrete (RC), steel reinforced concrete, fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), or a combination thereof.

If the floating apparatus 100 does not include the absorbent second layer 220, when a crack appears in the first layer 210, water may enter the interior of the floating apparatus 100 through the crack. The buoyant force of the floating apparatus 100 may be changed, and the floating apparatus 100 may be affected. Due to the absorbent second layer 220, when a crack appears in the first layer 210, the second layer 220 is able to absorb liquid, expand, and compensate the crack in the first layer 210. As a result, the floating apparatus 100 being broken or damaged because water entering its interior may be prevented.

In some embodiments, the second layer 220 includes a compressible material. Therefore, there may not be an excessive increase in the volume or weight of the floating apparatus 100.

In some embodiments, the watertight structure 200 may further include a third layer 230, and the second layer 220 is located between the first layer 210 and the third layer 230. That is, the second layer 220 may be a sandwiched layer. The second layer 220 is disposed on the outer side of the third layer 230. In some embodiments, the second layer 220 is in direct contact with the outer surface of the third layer 230. In some embodiments, the second layer 220 substantially completely covers the outer surface of the third layer 230. In some embodiments, the second layer 220 is more absorbent than the third layer 230.

In some embodiments, the third layer 230 and the first layer 210 are made of the same material. That is, the third layer 230 may include steel, steel, aluminum, concrete, reinforced concrete (RC), steel reinforced concrete, fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), or a combination thereof.

Due to the absorbent second layer 220 between the first layer 210 and the third layer 230, no matter a crack appears in either the first layer 210 or the third layer 230, the second layer 220 is able to absorb liquid, expand, and compensate the crack in either the first layer 210 or the third layer 230.

In some embodiments, the thickness of the first layer 210 may be different from the thickness of the third layer 230. For example, the thickness of the first layer 210 may be less than the thickness of the third layer 230. However, the thickness of the first layer 210 and the thickness of the third layer 230 may be adjusted according to actual needs.

In some embodiments, the watertight structure 200 may include more layers, in which all the odd layers (such as the first layer 210, the third layer 230, the fifth layer, the seventh layer, etc.) are made of the same material (such as a material with high strength), and all the even layers (such as the second layer 220, the fourth layer, the sixth layer, etc.) are made of the same material (such as a material that is absorbent). That is, layers with high strength and absorbent layers may be arranged in an alternating manner, so both the structural strength and watertight performance of the floating apparatus 100 are enhanced.

Please refer to FIG. 2 to understand a floating apparatus 300. The floating apparatus 300 may be any apparatus that floats in water (such as bobbing up and down). In some embodiments, the floating apparatus 300 may be used to collect waste. For example, the space inside the floating apparatus 300 may be used to collect and accommodate waste. That is, the floating apparatus 300 may be a waste collection apparatus. In some embodiments, to prevent the floating apparatus 300 from capsizing, the water level is designed to be within a certain range of the height of floating apparatus 300, so the center of gravity of the floating apparatus 300 may be under the water level most of the time.

The floating apparatus 300 includes a plurality of pillars 320, a frame 340, and two fluid ejection elements 350. In some embodiments, each pillar 320 includes a bottom plate 321. In some embodiments, part of the pillars 320 is under the water level. The frame 340 is disposed on the pillars 320, and the frame 340 is connected to the pillars 320. In some embodiments, the frame 340 is connected to the top portions of the pillars 320.

The fluid ejection elements 350 are coupled to the frame 340. In some embodiments, each fluid ejection element 350 may be a pipe. The flow out of the fluid ejection elements 350 flows toward the space for collecting waste (e.g., the space inside the floating apparatus 300) along a predetermined path. Due to Bernoulli's principle, the flow out of the fluid ejection elements 350 can create a decrease in pressure in the ambient water, so the ambient water near the predetermined path also flows into the floating apparatus 300 along the predetermined path. Therefore, the amount of water that flows into the floating apparatus 300 is increased, and thus the amount of waste that flows into the floating apparatus 300 is also increased.

In some embodiments, the angle of the fluid ejection elements 350 and the rate of the flow out of the fluid ejection elements 350 may be adjusted to improve waste collection efficiency. In embodiments in which a sensing device for sensing the amount of waste to be collected is provided, if the sensing device detects a large amount of waste approaching the floating apparatus 300, a signal may be sent to the fluid ejection elements 350 to increase the flow rate of the flow out of the fluid ejection elements 350. If the sensing device detects only a small amount of waste approaching the floating apparatus 300, a signal may be sent to the fluid ejection elements 350 to decrease the flow rate of the flow out of the fluid ejection elements 350 or to turn off the fluid ejection elements 350 for saving energy.

To extend lifespan of the floating apparatus 300, the floating apparatus 300 may include a watertight structure 400. The watertight structure 400 includes a first layer 410 and a second layer 420. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 2, the first layer 410 and the second layer 420 constitute at least part of the pillars 320. However, the other parts of the floating apparatus 300 may also include the watertight structure 400. For example, the bottom plate 321 may also include the watertight structure 400.

The first layer 410 and the second layer 420 are similar to the first layer 210 and the second layer 220, so the related description is not repeated. In addition, the watertight structure 400 may also include the aforementioned third layer. Furthermore, the watertight structure 400 may include more layers, in which all the odd layers (such as the first layer 410, the third layer, the fifth layer, the seventh layer, etc.) are made of the same material (such as a material with high strength), and all the even layers (such as the second layer 420, the fourth layer, the sixth layer, etc.) are made of the same material (such as a material that is absorbent). That is, layers with high strength and absorbent layers may be arranged in an alternating manner, so both the structural strength and watertight performance of the floating apparatus 300 are enhanced.

Please refer to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B to understand a floating apparatus 500. The floating apparatus 500 may be any apparatus that floats in water (such as bobbing up and down). In some embodiments, the floating apparatus 500 may be used to collect waste. For example, the space inside the floating apparatus 500 may be used to collect and accommodate waste. That is, the floating apparatus 500 may be a waste collection apparatus. In some embodiments, to prevent the floating apparatus 500 from capsizing, the water level is designed to be within a certain range of the height of floating apparatus 500, so the center of gravity of the floating apparatus 500 may be under the water level most of the time.

The floating apparatus 500 includes two bases 510, two pillars 520, a platform 530, two fluid ejection elements 550, a support stand 560, and a waste bag 570. The bases 510 are disposed under the pillars 520, and the bases 510 are connected to the pillars 520. In some embodiments, the pillars 520 are connected to the top surfaces of the bases 510. The platform 530 is disposed on the pillars 520, and the platform 530 is connected to the pillars 520. In some embodiments, the platform 530 is connected to the top surfaces of the pillars 520. In some embodiments, for each base 510 and each pillar 520, the entire base 510 and part of the pillar 520 are under the water level. In these embodiments, the bases 510 and the pillars 520 may block waste, so it is more likely that the collected waste may be accumulated inside the floating apparatus 500.

The fluid ejection elements 550 are coupled to the platform 530. The flow out of the fluid ejection elements 550 may flow toward the space inside the floating apparatus 500 along a predetermined path, and thus bring waste into the waste bag 570. The fluid ejection elements 550 are similar to fluid ejection elements 350, and the related description is not repeated.

The support stand 560 is coupled to the platform 530. The two pillars 520 define a flow path, and the support stand 560 is located on one end of the fluid path. The opening of the waste bag 570 may toward a direction that is opposite to the water flow to collect and accommodate waste.

To extend lifespan of the floating apparatus 500, the floating apparatus 500 may include a watertight structure 600. The watertight structure 600 includes a first layer 610 and a second layer 620. In these embodiments, the first layer 610 and the third layer 630 may be connected to each other, completely covering the second layer 620. That is, in a cross-section view, the combination of the first layer 610 and the third layer 630 is in contact with the periphery of the second layer 620, and the combination of the first layer 610 and the third layer 630 surrounds the periphery of the second layer 620. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the first layer 610, the second layer 620, and the third layer 630 constitute at least part of the pillars 520. However, the other parts of the floating apparatus 500 may also include the watertight structure 600. For example, the bases 510 may also include the watertight structure 600.

The first layer 610, the second layer 620, and the third layer 630 are similar to the first layer 210, the second layer 220, and the third layer 230, so the related description is not repeated. In addition, the watertight structure 600 may include more layers, in which all the odd layers (such as the first layer 610, the third layer 630, the fifth layer, the seventh layer, etc.) are made of the same material (such as a material with high strength), and all the even layers (such as the second layer 620, the fourth layer, the sixth layer, etc.) are made of the same material (such as a material that is absorbent). That is, layers with high strength and absorbent layers may be arranged in an alternating manner, so both the structural strength and watertight performance of the floating apparatus 500 are enhanced.

Please refer to FIG. 4 to understand a floating apparatus 700. The floating apparatus 700 may be any apparatus that floats in water (such as bobbing up and down). In some embodiments, to prevent the floating apparatus 700 from capsizing, the water level is designed to be within a certain range of the height of floating apparatus 700, so the center of gravity of the floating apparatus 700 may be under the water level most of the time.

The floating apparatus 700 includes a plurality of bases 710, a plurality of pillars 720, a platform 730, a support column 780, and a construction 790. The bases 710 are disposed under the pillars 720, and the bases 710 are connected to the pillars 720. In some embodiments, the pillars 720 are connected to the top portions of the bases 710. The platform 730 is disposed between the pillars 720. The platform 730 may include a plurality of branching elements 731, and the platform 730 may be connected to the pillars 720 via the branching elements 731. In some embodiments, the platform 730 is connected to the upper portions of the pillars 720 via the branching elements 731. In some embodiments, for each pillar 720, part of the pillar 720 is under the water level.

The construction 790 is located on the support column 780. In some embodiments, the construction 790 may be a recreational facility, a gym, etc. In some embodiments, the support column 780 and the construction 790 may not be included in the floating apparatus 700, and a wind turbine may be installed on the platform 730. That is, the floating apparatus 700 may be a wind power equipment.

To extend lifespan of the floating apparatus 700, the floating apparatus 700 may include a watertight structure 800. The watertight structure 800 includes a first layer 810 and a second layer 820. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 4, the first layer 810 and the second layer 820 constitute at least part of the pillars 720 and at least part of the support column 780. However, the other parts of the floating apparatus 700 may also include the watertight structure 800. For example, the platform 730 may also include the watertight structure 800.

The first layer 810 and the second layer 820 are similar to the first layer 210 and the second layer 220, so the related description is not repeated. In addition, the watertight structure 800 may also include the aforementioned third layer. Furthermore, the watertight structure 800 may include more layers, in which all the odd layers (such as the first layer 810, the third layer, the fifth layer, the seventh layer, etc.) are made of the same material (such as a material with high strength), and all the even layers (such as the second layer 820, the fourth layer, the sixth layer, etc.) are made of the same material (such as a material that is absorbent). That is, layers with high strength and absorbent layers may be arranged in an alternating manner, so both the structural strength and watertight performance of the floating apparatus 700 are enhanced.

As described above, a watertight structure is provided. The watertight structure includes a first layer and a second layer. The second layer is disposed on the inner side of the first layer. In addition, the second layer is absorbent, when a crack appears in the first layer, the second layer is able to absorb liquid, expand, and compensate the crack in the first layer. In some embodiments, the watertight structure may include one or more layers, in which layers with high strength and absorbent layers may be arranged in an alternating manner, so both the structural strength and watertight performance of the floating apparatus are enhanced.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments, so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments, and the combination of various claims and embodiments is within the scope of the present disclosure.