A buoyancy-balanced stake-type aquaculture cage and its application method

Abstract

This invention provides a buoyancy-balanced, stake-driven aquaculture cage device, comprising a cage body and at least four stakes. At least four sets of stake holes are arranged around the perimeter of the cage body, each set corresponding to a stake. Each stake is inserted into its corresponding set of stake holes from top to bottom. Each stake has a first water storage chamber inside. The outer wall of each stake, from bottom to top, has a lifting pin hole, a second extraction pin hole, a pressing pin hole, and a first extraction pin hole, all not connected to the first water storage chamber. Each cage body has a second water storage chamber. The method includes installation, stake insertion, stake driving, stake pressing, and stake extraction. This device and method utilize the difference between the weight and buoyancy of the cage body and each stake body by injecting and pumping ballast water into and out of the cage body and each stake body, achieving stake insertion and extraction. No additional construction equipment is required, reducing construction costs. The construction method is easy to operate and allows for the reuse of stakes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine aquaculture equipment technology, and in particular to a buoyancy-balanced stake-type aquaculture cage and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards improve, their pursuit of gourmet food is also growing stronger, with an increasing demand for high-value-added deep-sea products (such as fish). Currently, aquaculture platforms in the form of boats or cages used for marine aquaculture are generally fixed with piles. These platforms or cages are mostly secured by driving steel pipe piles or pile legs into the muddy water using external equipment. When the platform or cage needs to be moved, the piles driven into the mud can only be cut off. This directly increases aquaculture costs. Furthermore, due to the variable conditions in the sea, these platforms or cages that require cutting to separate are creating a bottleneck for the development of marine aquaculture. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide a buoyancy-balanced stake-type aquaculture cage device and its usage method.

[0004] An embodiment of the present invention provides a buoyancy-balanced, stake-type aquaculture cage device, comprising a cage body and at least four stakes. The cage body is surrounded by at least four sets of stake holes, and each set of stake holes corresponds one-to-one with each stake. Each stake is inserted into the corresponding set of stake holes from top to bottom. Each stake has a first water storage chamber inside, and the outer wall of each stake has, from bottom to top, a lifting stake hole, a second pulling stake hole, a pressing stake hole, and a first pulling stake hole that are not connected to the first water storage chamber inside. Each cage body has a second water storage chamber inside.

[0005] Furthermore, the lower end of each of the piles is conical.

[0006] Furthermore, the box body has a rectangular shape.

[0007] The aforementioned buoyancy-balanced stake-type aquaculture cage equipment also includes a method of use, comprising the following steps:

[0008] S1. Each of the piles is hoisted into the corresponding pile hole group, and a lifting pin is inserted into the lifting pin hole on each pile to detachably and securely connect it to the main deck of the box. Then the box is moved to the aquaculture area.

[0009] S2. Pile driving: First, inject some ballast water into the second water storage chamber of the box body to allow the lower end of each pile body to be submerged in water, so that the weight of each pile body is equal to its buoyancy, and then pull out the lifting pin from the lifting pin hole; then, inject some ballast water into the first water storage chamber on each pile body to allow each pile body to automatically sink until it penetrates into the mud to a preliminary set depth; then, partially extract the ballast water from the second water storage chamber to allow the box body to float until the driving pin is inserted into the driving pin hole; finally, inject some ballast water into the second water storage chamber until each pile body penetrates into the mud to a predetermined set depth, then partially extract the ballast water from the second water storage chamber to allow the weight of the box body to be equal to its buoyancy, and then pull out the driving pin;

[0010] S3. Pile Removal: First, inject some ballast water into the second water storage chamber to insert the first pile removal pin into the first pile removal pin hole, thereby detachably and fixedly connecting each pile to the main deck of the box hull; then, extract some ballast water from each of the first and second water storage chambers to initially set the pile removal buoyancy, thereby causing the box hull and each pile to float; then, remove the first pile removal pin and inject some ballast water into the second water storage chamber to insert the second pile removal pin into the second pile removal pin hole, thereby detachably and fixedly connecting each pile to the main deck of the box hull; finally, extract some ballast water from the second water storage chamber to completely detach each pile from the mud, then extract some ballast water from each pile to remove the second pile removal pin, and then extract some ballast water from each pile again to re-insert the lifting pin into the lifting pin hole to re-detachably and fixedly connect it to the main deck of the box hull.

[0011] Furthermore, in steps S2 and S3, the pumping or injection of water into each of the first water storage chambers is carried out simultaneously and in equal amounts.

[0012] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention are as follows: The buoyancy-balanced pile-type aquaculture cage equipment and its usage method of the present invention achieve pile insertion and extraction by injecting and extracting ballast water into the cage and each pile, utilizing the difference between the gravity and buoyancy of the cage and each pile. Under normal circumstances, no additional construction equipment is required, significantly reducing construction costs, and the construction method is easy to operate. After the pile is extracted, it can be fixed in place on the cage and moved together with the cage, greatly reducing the workload of subsequent pile positioning, improving the efficiency of pile insertion, and realizing the reuse of piles. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a buoyancy-balanced, stake-type aquaculture cage according to the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2yes Figure 1 Top view;

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the status during the pile driving process;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the status during the pile extraction process.

[0017] In the diagram: 1-box body, 2-pile body, 3-pile lifting pin hole, 4-pile pressing pin hole, 5-first pile pulling pin hole, 6-second pile pulling pin hole. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 An embodiment of the present invention provides a buoyancy-balanced stake-type aquaculture cage device, including a cage body 1 and at least four stakes 2.

[0020] The box 1 is rectangular in shape, and a number of pile hole groups are fixedly arranged around its outer wall. In this embodiment, there are four pile hole groups, and the four pile hole groups are fixedly arranged at the four corners of the box 1. It should be noted that each pile hole group is set along one corner edge of the box 1. In this embodiment, each pile hole group includes two pile holes, one above the other, and both are fixedly connected to the outer wall of the box 1. At the same time, the box 1 is provided with a second water storage chamber. In this embodiment, only the second water storage chamber is shown for ease of description.

[0021] Each pile body 2 corresponds one-to-one with each pile hole group. The lower end of each pile body 2 is conical. In this embodiment, there are four pile bodies 2, and each pile body 2 is inserted into the corresponding pile hole group from top to bottom. Each pile body 2 has a first water storage cavity inside, and the outer wall of each pile body 2 has a lifting pile pin hole 3, a second pulling pile pin hole 6, a pressing pile pin hole 4, and a first pulling pile pin hole 5 arranged sequentially from bottom to top. It should be noted that the distance between the lifting pile pin hole 3, the second pulling pile pin hole 6, the pressing pile pin hole 4, and the first pulling pile pin hole 5 on each pile body 2 can be set according to the actual working conditions and is not limited by the attached drawings of this embodiment. At the same time, the lifting pile pin hole 3, the second pulling pile pin hole 6, the pressing pile pin hole 4, and the first pulling pile pin hole 5 on each pile body 2 are located on the same straight line. More importantly, the lifting pile pin hole 3, the second pulling pile pin hole 6, the pressing pile pin hole 4, and the first pulling pile pin hole 5 on each pile body 2 are not connected to the first water storage cavity inside the pile body 2.

[0022] The buoyancy-balanced stake-type aquaculture cage device in this embodiment also includes a method of use, which includes the following steps:

[0023] S1. Each pile 2 is hoisted into the corresponding pile hole group, and a lifting pin is inserted into the lifting pin hole 3 on each pile 2 to detachably and fix it to the main deck of the box 1. Then the box 1 is moved to the aquaculture sea area.

[0024] Specifically, before moving container 1 to the aquaculture area, each pile 2 is hoisted into its corresponding pile hole group using a crane at the dock. During the hoisting process, the height of each pile 2 is adjusted in real time until the lifting pin hole 3 is aligned with the main deck of container 1. Then, the load-bearing lifting pin is inserted into the lifting pin hole 3. It should be noted that the main deck of container 1 is equipped with corresponding clearance holes. Afterward, the hook is slowly released to complete the lifting operation of container 1. Then, container 1 and each pile 2 are moved as a whole to the installation area.

[0025] S2. Pile driving: First, inject some ballast water into the second water storage chamber in the box 1 so that the lower end of each pile 2 is submerged in water, making the weight of each pile 2 equal to its buoyancy, and then pull out the pile lifting pin from the pile lifting pin hole 3; then, inject some ballast water into the first water storage chamber on each pile 2 so that each pile 2 automatically sinks until it penetrates into the mud to the initial set depth; then, extract some ballast water from the second water storage chamber so that the box 1 floats until the pile driving pin is inserted into the pile driving pin hole 4; finally, inject some ballast water into the second water storage chamber until each pile 2 penetrates into the mud to the predetermined set depth, then extract some ballast water from the second water storage chamber so that the weight of the box 1 equals its buoyancy, and then pull out the pile driving pin.

[0026] For details, please refer to Figure 3 When the tank 1 reaches the designated location, some ballast water is injected into the second water storage chamber of the tank 1 to cause the tank 1 to sink until the lower end of each pile 2 is submerged. At this point, the self-weight of each pile 2 is equal to its own buoyancy. Then, the lifting pins in the lifting pin holes 3 are pulled out, separating each pile 2 from the tank 1 (e.g., Figure 3 (as shown in a); subsequently, a portion of ballast water is injected into the first water storage chamber within each pile body 2 to cause each pile body 2 to sink until the lower end of each pile body 2 touches the mud surface (as shown in a diagram); Figure 3 (as shown in b); continue to inject ballast water into the first water storage chamber of each pile body 2, so that the lower end of each pile body 2 penetrates the mud surface to a pre-set depth (as shown in b); Figure 3 (as shown in c); then, the ballast water portion in the second water storage chamber of the tank 1 is extracted to make the tank 1 float until the pile pins can be inserted into the pile pin holes 4, so that the tank 1 and each pile 2 are detachably and fixedly connected (as shown in c). Figure 3 (as shown in d); Finally, inject some ballast water into the second water storage chamber in the box 1 to increase the pressure of each pile 2 on the mud surface, so that the lower end of each pile 2 is further inserted into the mud surface until the predetermined set depth (as shown in d). Figure 3 (As shown in e), then stop filling the second water storage chamber in the tank 1; then, pump out part of the ballast water in the tank 1 until the weight of the tank 1 equals the buoyancy, pull out the pile pin in the pile pin hole 4 to separate the tank 1 from each pile 2, and adjust the tank 1 to the working draft (as shown in e). Figure 3 (as shown in f).

[0027] S3. Pile Removal: First, inject some ballast water into the second water storage chamber to insert the first pile removal pin into the first pile removal pin hole 5, thereby making each pile 2 detachably and fixedly connected to the main deck of the box 1; then, extract some ballast water from each of the first and second water storage chambers to initially set the pile removal buoyancy, thereby making the box 1 and each pile 2 float; then, remove the first pile removal pin and inject some ballast water into the second water storage chamber to insert the second pile removal pin into the second pile removal pin hole 6, thereby making each pile 2 detachably and fixedly connected to the main deck of the box 1; finally, extract some ballast water from the second water storage chamber to completely remove each pile 2 from the mud, then extract some ballast water from each pile 2 to remove the second pile removal pin, and then extract some ballast water from each pile 2 to re-insert the lifting pin into the lifting pin hole 3 to re-detachably and fixedly connect to the main deck of the box 1.

[0028] For details, please refer to Figure 4 Step S2 above involves installing the housing 1. When the housing 1 needs to be removed, the piles need to be pulled out. First, some ballast water is injected into the second water storage chamber in the housing 1 to make the housing 1 sink, thereby facilitating the insertion of the first pile-pulling pin into the first pile-pulling pin hole 5, thus fixing the connection between the housing 1 and each pile 2 (e.g., Figure 4 (as shown in a); then, the ballast water in the first water storage chamber inside each pile body 2 is removed to reduce the weight of each pile body 2 (as shown in a). Figure 4 As shown in b), at the same time, some ballast water in the second water storage chamber inside the box 1 is also extracted to initially set the buoyancy for pile extraction, thereby causing each pile 2 to slowly float up along with the box 1. At this time, the lower end of each pile 2 is still partially inside the mud surface (as shown in b). Figure 4 (as shown in c); then, fine-tune the ballast water in the second water storage chamber inside the tank 1 to pull out the first pile pin, and then inject some ballast water into the second water storage chamber in the tank 1 to insert the second pile pin into the second pile pin hole 6, thereby making each pile 2 detachably and fixedly connected to the main deck of the tank 1 (as shown in c); Figure 4 (as shown in d); Finally, the ballast water portion in the second water storage chamber of box 1 is extracted to completely detach each pile 2 from the mud (as shown in d). Figure 4 (as shown in e); then, the ballast water portion inside each pile body 2 is extracted to allow the second pile-pulling pin to be removed. Afterward, the ballast water portion inside each pile body 2 is extracted again to allow the pile-pulling pin to be re-inserted into the pile-pulling pin hole 3 for re-detachable and fixed connection with the main deck of the box body 1 (as shown in e). Figure 4 (as shown in f).

[0029] This embodiment describes a buoyancy-balanced, stake-driven aquaculture cage device and its usage method. By injecting and pumping ballast water into the cage and each stake, the stakes are inserted and removed using the difference between the weight and buoyancy of the cage and each stake. Generally, no additional construction equipment is required, significantly reducing construction costs. The method is easy to operate. After being removed, the stakes can be fixed in place to the cage and moved with it, greatly reducing the workload of subsequent stake positioning, improving stake insertion efficiency, and enabling stake reuse.

[0030] In this document, the directional terms such as front, back, top, and bottom are defined based on the location of the components in the accompanying drawings and their relative positions to each other, solely for the purpose of clarity and convenience in expressing the technical solution. It should be understood that the use of these directional terms should not limit the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0031] Where there is no conflict, the above embodiments and features described herein can be combined with each other.

[0032] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for using a buoyancy-balanced, stake-type aquaculture cage, characterized in that: The aquaculture cage equipment includes a cage body and at least four pile bodies. The cage body is surrounded by at least four pile hole groups, and each pile hole group corresponds to each pile body. Each pile body is inserted into the corresponding pile hole group from top to bottom. Each pile body has a first water storage cavity inside. The outer wall of each pile body has a lifting pin hole, a second pulling pin hole, a pressing pin hole, and a first pulling pin hole that are not connected to the first water storage cavity inside. Each cage body has a second water storage cavity inside. The method of using the aquaculture cage equipment includes the following steps: S1. Each of the piles is hoisted into the corresponding pile hole group, and a lifting pin is inserted into the lifting pin hole on each pile to detachably and securely connect it to the main deck of the box. Then the box is moved to the aquaculture area. S2. Pile driving: First, inject some ballast water into the second water storage chamber of the box body to allow the lower end of each pile body to be submerged in water, so that the weight of each pile body is equal to its buoyancy, and then pull out the lifting pin from the lifting pin hole; then, inject some ballast water into the first water storage chamber on each pile body to allow each pile body to automatically sink until it penetrates into the mud to a preliminary set depth; then, partially extract the ballast water from the second water storage chamber to allow the box body to float until the driving pin is inserted into the driving pin hole; finally, inject some ballast water into the second water storage chamber until each pile body penetrates into the mud to a predetermined set depth, then partially extract the ballast water from the second water storage chamber to allow the weight of the box body to be equal to its buoyancy, and then pull out the driving pin; S3. Pile Removal: First, inject some ballast water into the second water storage chamber to insert the first pile removal pin into the first pile removal pin hole, thereby detachably and fixedly connecting each pile to the main deck of the box body; then, extract some ballast water from each of the first and second water storage chambers to initially set the pile removal buoyancy, thereby causing the box body and each pile to float; then, remove the first pile removal pin and inject some ballast water into the second water storage chamber to insert the second pile removal pin into the second pile removal pin hole, thereby detachably and fixedly connecting each pile to the main deck of the box body; finally, extract some ballast water from the second water storage chamber to completely detach each pile from the mud, then extract some ballast water from each pile to remove the second pile removal pin, and then extract some ballast water from each pile again to re-insert the lifting pin into the lifting pin hole to re-detachably and fixedly connect it to the main deck of the box body.

2. The method of using the buoyancy-balanced stake-type aquaculture cage equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the piles has a conical lower end.

3. The method of using the buoyancy-balanced stake-type aquaculture cage equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The box has a rectangular shape.

4. The method of using the buoyancy-balanced stake-type aquaculture cage equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that: In steps S2 and S3, the pumping or injection of water into each of the first water storage chambers is carried out simultaneously and in equal amounts.

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