A seagrass seed injection device and method

Abstract

The application relates to a seaweed seed injection device and method, and relates to the technical field of marine ecological restoration. The device mainly comprises a driving mechanism, a driving connecting rod, an injection rod, a seed mud bin, an injection screw, an injection nozzle, a spring, a mechanical damping part and the like. In operation, the device is automatically loaded on an operation platform, mud and sand are used as the medium for carrying seaweed seeds, and the seeds are injected into the seabed through the screw feeding injection. The seed mud injected into the seabed can be timely buried and sealed in the seabed substrate. Compared with the traditional pneumatic injection and water pressure injection, the device can accurately control the quantity of seed sowing and ensure the stability of the injection operation. In addition, the device uses the mechanical damping part to feed back the damping signal to control the sowing depth of the seaweed seeds, which is simple and reliable and helps to greatly improve the emergence rate of the seaweed seeds.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine ecological restoration technology, and in particular to a seeding device and method suitable for the ecological restoration of seagrass beds. Background Technology

[0002] Seagrass beds possess water purification and regulation functions, including absorbing nutrients and heavy metals from the water, reducing the concentration of suspended solids in seawater, and releasing oxygen. Seagrass also prevents and slows down beach and coastline erosion, serving as a natural barrier to protect the coast. Furthermore, seagrass provides food and habitat for many animals and fishery resources, is a key carrier of biodiversity, and plays a crucial role in improving and regulating the ecological environment. However, since 1990, global seagrass beds have been decreasing at a rate of 7% per year. The protection and restoration of seagrass beds has attracted significant attention and has become one of the hot topics in current ecological restoration efforts.

[0003] Seed method, transplantation method and habitat restoration method are the main methods of seagrass bed restoration. Among them, the biggest bottleneck of seed method and transplantation method is the lack of automated operation equipment. Most of them rely on manual operation, which is subject to many restrictions, low operation efficiency, high operation cost, low seedling rate and cannot carry out large-scale seagrass bed ecological protection and restoration construction operations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of current seed-based seagrass bed restoration methods, this invention proposes a seagrass seed injection device and method, the specific design of which is as follows:

[0005] A seaweed seed injection and sowing device, characterized in that: the device includes a drive mechanism (1), a drive linkage (2), an injection rod (3), a seed mud bin (4), an injection spiral (5), an injection nozzle (6), a spring (7), and a mechanical damping component (8);

[0006] The drive link (2) is a right-angle structure composed of a vertical rod and a horizontal rod. The drive mechanism (1) is connected to the lower end of the vertical rod of the drive link (2). The horizontal rod of the drive link (2) is rigidly connected to the outer shell of the injection rod (3), so that the drive mechanism (1) drives the injection rod (3) to move up and down reciprocally through the drive link (2).

[0007] The seeding rod (3) is a cylindrical hollow structure; the upper inlet of the seeding rod (3) is welded or flanged to the lower outlet of the seed mud silo (4); the top of the seed mud silo (4) has a cover plate that can be opened and closed and is sealed. The top cover plate of the seed mud silo (4) supports the seeding screw (5). The center of the top cover plate of the seed mud silo (4) is rotatably connected to the upper end of the seeding screw (5). The lower end of the seeding screw (5) passes down through the seed mud silo (4) and reaches the lower outlet of the seeding rod (3). The diameter of the seeding screw shaft (5) in the seed mud silo (4) is larger than the diameter in the seeding rod (3). The two parts are smoothly transitioned into one. The diameter of the seeding screw shaft (5) is adapted to the diameter of the seed mud silo and the seeding rod, so as to smoothly deliver the seed mud to the lower part; the lower outlet of the seeding rod (3) is hinged to the seeding nozzle (6); the seeding nozzle (6) is composed of a two- or three-lobed fan-shaped structure. When the two- or three-lobed fan-shaped structure is closed, it forms a cone-shaped cavity with the tip pointing downwards. The outer edge of the upper edge of each fan-shaped structure is connected to the outer edge of the lower outlet of the injection rod (3) through a hinge structure. At the same time, the outer edge of each fan-shaped structure is welded to one end of a spring (7). The other end of the corresponding spring (7) is welded to the outer edge of the lower outlet of the injection rod (3) through a fixed connecting rod. The spring, the fixed connecting rod, and the fan-shaped structure form a triangular structure. When the injection nozzle (6) is closed, each spring (7) is in a natural or slightly compressed state. When the injection nozzle (6) is open, each spring (7) is in a compressed state. At the same time, a mechanical damping component (8) is welded to the lower outer shell of the injection rod (3) near the outlet. The vertical distance between the bottom surface of the damping structure of the mechanical damping component (8) and the tip of the injection nozzle (6) is the injection depth of the seaweed seeds.

[0008] The driving mechanism (1) can be a hydraulic mechanism, an electric mechanism, or a mechanical gear mechanism, etc.; the seed mud hopper (4) can be a conical or square pyramidal structure, and the seed mud hopper (4) is connected to the top cover plate by a flange and supports the injection screw (5); the mechanical damping component (8) can be a symmetrical two-bar, cross-shaped four-bar, fan-shaped or ring-shaped structure, etc.; the upper end of the injection screw shaft (5) can be connected to the driving device.

[0009] The method for sowing seagrass seeds using the aforementioned seagrass seed injection and sowing device includes the following steps:

[0010] The first step is to prepare seaweed seed mud and fill the injection device: First, mix the mud and sand mixture with an appropriate amount of seeds and seawater in a mass ratio of 3:1 to make seaweed seed mud with a moisture content of 60-70%. The mass ratio of seeds is determined according to the density of seaweed sowing. Then, spread the prepared seaweed seed mud into the seed mud hopper (4) and fill it with the injection rod (3) and injection nozzle (6).

[0011] The second step is to sow seaweed seed mud into the seabed: In the area of ​​the seabed to be sown, the drive mechanism (1) first drives the connecting rod (2) to move downward, which in turn drives the sowing rod (3), the sowing auger (5), and the sowing nozzle (6) to move downward together. The sowing nozzle (6) digs into the seabed until the mechanical damping element (8) contacts the seabed and encounters resistance, making it impossible to continue digging. At this point, the depth of the sowing nozzle (6) is the sowing depth required for the seaweed seed mud, which is 2-3 cm. Then, the sowing auger (5) is jogged, and the seed mud is pushed downward under the squeezing force of the sowing auger. The sowing nozzle is squeezed open, and the seed mud is injected into the seabed through the sowing nozzle. The spring (7) is compressed. Then The reverse jog of the seeding spiral creates a slight negative pressure at the seeding nozzle. As the seed mud loses its compressive force, it is siphoned upward under the action of the slight negative pressure, and the seeding nozzle closes under the action of the spring (7). Finally, the drive mechanism (1) drives the connecting rod (2) to move upward, and the seeding rod (3), the seeding spiral (5), and the seeding nozzle (6) are lifted upward together. The seeding nozzle (6) leaves the seabed, and the hole just dug by the seeding nozzle (6) closes under the action of seawater pressure, burying the injected seaweed seed mud, and the seaweed seeds are sown into the seabed. Afterward, the seeding device moves with the walking mechanism (not shown) to the next seeding area and performs the next seeding cycle.

[0012] The above-described method is merely one example of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described method. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0013] This invention has the following advantages:

[0014] 1. This device and sowing method use a mixture of mud and sand as the medium for carrying seeds and employs a screw feeder. Compared with traditional pneumatic sowing and hydraulic sowing methods, it can accurately control the number of seeds sown and ensure the stability of the sowing operation.

[0015] 2. When the seeding operation is carried out using this device, the seed mud is accurately sealed inside the seeding device, and the seed mud injected into the seabed is also promptly buried and sealed in the seabed sediment. There is no backflow of seawater, and the seeds will not be washed away by the water flow, resulting in waste.

[0016] 3. The device uses mechanical damping components to control the sowing depth of seaweed seeds, which is simple and reliable and helps to greatly improve the germination rate of seaweed seeds.

[0017] 4. This device can be mounted on underwater or surface work platforms for automated operation, resulting in high construction efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions and embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings will be briefly described below.

[0019] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a seaweed seed injection device

[0020] In the diagram, 1 is the drive mechanism, 2 is the drive linkage, 3 is the seeding rod, 4 is the seed and mud bin, 5 is the seeding spiral, 6 is the seeding nozzle, 7 is the spring, and 8 is the mechanical damping component. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] As attached Figure 1 The following embodiments provide a seaweed seed injection device and method. The device includes a drive mechanism (1), a drive linkage (2), an injection rod (3), a seed mud bin (4), an injection spiral (5), an injection nozzle (6), a spring (7), a mechanical damping component (8), etc.

[0023] The drive mechanism (1) drives the drive link (2) to move up and down reciprocally. The drive link (2) is rigidly connected to the outer shell of the injection rod (3). The up and down reciprocating motion of the drive link (2) drives the injection rod (3) to move up and down reciprocally. The drive mechanism (1) can be a hydraulic mechanism, an electric mechanism, or a mechanical gear mechanism, etc.

[0024] The seeding rod (3) is a cylindrical hollow structure; the upper inlet of the seeding rod (3) is welded or flanged to the outlet of the seed mud silo (4); the seed mud silo (4) can be a conical or square pyramidal structure, with a cover plate on top that can be opened and sealed. The top cover plate of the seed mud silo (4) is connected to and supports the seeding screw (5) by a flange. The screw of the seeding screw (5) passes through the seed mud silo (4) and reaches the lower outlet of the seeding rod (3). The screw of the seeding screw (5) is a large diameter screw in the seed mud silo (4) and a small diameter screw in the seeding rod (3). The two screws are smoothly connected as a whole and are adapted to the size of the seed mud silo and the seeding rod, so as to smoothly deliver the seed mud to the lower part; the lower outlet of the seeding rod (3) is hinged to the seeding nozzle (6); the seeding nozzle (6) consists of two or three lobes. The structure is composed of a cone shape, and the outer edge of the upper edge of each segment is connected to the outer edge of the lower outlet of the injection rod (3) through a hinge structure. At the same time, one end of a spring (7) is welded to the outer side of each segment, and the other end of each spring (7) is welded to the outer edge of the lower outlet of the injection rod (3). When the injection nozzle (6) is closed, each spring (7) is in a natural or slightly compressed state. When the injection nozzle (6) is open, each spring (7) is in a compressed state. At the same time, a mechanical damping component (8) is welded to the lower outer shell of the injection rod (3) near the outlet. This component can be a symmetrical two-bar, cross-shaped four-bar, fan-shaped or ring-shaped structure. The vertical distance between the bottom surface of the damping structure of the mechanical damping component (8) and the tip of the injection nozzle (6) is the injection depth of the seaweed seeds.

[0025] The method for sowing seagrass seeds using the aforementioned seagrass seed injection and sowing device includes the following steps:

[0026] The first step is to prepare seaweed seed mud and fill the injection device: First, mix the mud and sand mixture with an appropriate amount of seeds and seawater in a mass ratio of 3:1 to make seaweed seed mud with a moisture content of 75-80%. The mass ratio of seeds is determined according to the density of seaweed sowing. Then, the prepared seaweed seed mud is placed into the seed mud hopper (4) and fills the injection rod (3) and injection nozzle (6).

[0027] The second step is to inject seaweed seed mud into the seabed: In the area of ​​the seabed to be sown, the drive mechanism (1) first drives the connecting rod (2) to move downward, which in turn drives the injection rod (3), the injection auger (5) and the injection nozzle (6) to move downward together. The injection nozzle (6) digs into the seabed until the mechanical damping component (8) contacts the seabed and provides a damping signal. At this time, the depth of the injection nozzle (6) is the required injection depth of 2-3 cm for the seaweed seed mud. Then, the injection auger (5) is jogged. The seed mud is squeezed downward under the pressure of the injection auger, and the injection nozzle is squeezed open. The seed mud is injected into the seabed through the injection nozzle, and the spring (7) is compressed. Then, the process is reversed. The injection screw is jogged, generating a slight negative pressure at the injection nozzle. As the seed mud loses its compressive force, it is siphoned upward under the action of the slight negative pressure, and the injection nozzle closes under the action of the spring (7). Finally, the drive mechanism (1) drives the connecting rod (2) to move upward, and the injection rod (3), injection screw (5) and injection nozzle (6) are lifted upward together. The injection nozzle (6) leaves the seabed, and the hole just dug by the injection nozzle (6) closes under the action of seawater pressure, burying the injected seaweed seed mud, and the seaweed seeds are sown into the seabed. Afterward, the injection device moves with the walking mechanism (not shown) to the next sowing area and performs the next injection cycle.

Claims

1. A method for seagrass seed sowing, characterized in that: The device used includes a drive mechanism (1), a drive linkage (2), a seeding rod (3), a seed mud bin (4), a seeding spiral (5), a seeding nozzle (6), a spring (7), and a mechanical damping component (8). The drive link (2) is a right-angle structure composed of a vertical rod and a horizontal rod. The drive mechanism (1) is connected to the lower end of the vertical rod of the drive link (2). The horizontal rod of the drive link (2) is rigidly connected to the outer shell of the injection rod (3), so that the drive mechanism (1) drives the injection rod (3) to move up and down reciprocally through the drive link (2). The seeding rod (3) is a cylindrical hollow structure; the upper inlet of the seeding rod (3) is welded or flanged to the lower outlet of the seed mud silo (4); the top of the seed mud silo (4) has a cover plate that can be opened and closed and is sealed, and the top cover plate of the seed mud silo (4) is connected to the end flange of the seeding auger (5) through a flange, and the seeding auger (5) is seated and supported on the top cover plate of the seed mud silo (4) through this flange connection, with the lower end of the seeding auger (5) pointing downwards. The seed mud hopper (4) passes directly to the lower outlet of the seeding rod (3). The diameter of the seeding spiral (5) inside the seed mud hopper (4) is larger than that inside the seeding rod (3), and the two parts are smoothly integrated. The seeding spiral (5) is adapted to the diameter of the seed mud hopper and the seeding rod to smoothly deliver the seed mud to the lower part. The lower outlet of the seeding rod (3) is hinged to the seeding nozzle (6). The seeding nozzle (6) is composed of a two- or three-lobed fan-shaped structure. When the two- or three-lobed fan-shaped structure is closed, it forms a cone-shaped cavity with the tip pointing downwards. The outer edge of the upper edge of each fan-shaped structure is connected to the outer edge of the lower outlet of the injection rod (3) through a hinge structure. At the same time, the outer edge of each fan-shaped structure is welded to one end of a spring (7). The other end of the corresponding spring (7) is welded to the outer edge of the lower outlet of the injection rod (3) through a fixed connecting rod. The spring, the fixed connecting rod, and the fan-shaped structure form a triangular structure. When the injection nozzle (6) is closed, each spring (7) is in a natural or slightly compressed state. When the injection nozzle (6) is open, each spring (7) is in a compressed state. At the same time, a mechanical damping component (8) is welded to the lower outer shell of the injection rod (3) near the outlet. The vertical distance between the bottom surface of the damping structure of the mechanical damping component (8) and the tip of the injection nozzle (6) is the injection depth of the seaweed seeds. The seed mud bin (4) is a cone or square pyramid structure. The top cover of the seed mud bin (4) is connected to and supports the injection auger (5) via a flange; Includes the following steps: The first step is to prepare seaweed seed mud and fill the injection device: First, mix the mud and sand mixture with an appropriate amount of seeds and seawater in a mass ratio of 3:1 to make seaweed seed mud with a moisture content of 60-70%. The mass ratio of seeds is determined according to the density of seaweed being sown. Then, the prepared seaweed seed mud is placed into the seed mud hopper (4) and fills the injection rod (3) and injection nozzle (6). The second step is to inject seaweed seed mud into the seabed: In the seabed area to be sown, the drive mechanism (1) first drives the connecting rod (2) to move downward, which in turn drives the injection rod (3), the injection auger (5) and the injection nozzle (6) to move downward together. The injection nozzle (6) digs into the seabed until the mechanical damping element (8) contacts the seabed and is unable to continue digging. At this time, the depth of the injection nozzle (6) is the required injection depth of seaweed seed mud, which is 2-3 cm. Then, the injection auger (5) is jogged. The seed mud is squeezed downward under the squeezing force of the injection auger. The injection nozzle is squeezed open and the seed mud is injected into the seabed through the injection nozzle. The spring (7) is compressed. Then, the injection spiral is reversed, generating a slight negative pressure at the injection nozzle. As the seed mud loses its compressive force, it is siphoned upward under the action of the slight negative pressure, and the injection nozzle closes under the action of the spring (7). Finally, the drive mechanism (1) drives the connecting rod (2) to move upward, and the injection rod (3), injection spiral (5) and injection nozzle (6) are lifted upward together. The injection nozzle (6) leaves the seabed, and the hole just dug by the injection nozzle (6) closes under the action of seawater pressure, burying the injected seaweed seed mud, and the seaweed seeds are sown into the seabed. After that, the injection device moves to the next sowing area with the walking mechanism and performs the next injection cycle.

2. The seagrass seed sowing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive mechanism (1) is a hydraulic mechanism, an electric mechanism, or a mechanical gear mechanism.

3. A seagrass seed sowing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mechanical damping component (8) is a symmetrical two-bar, cross-shaped four-bar, fan-shaped or ring-shaped structure.

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