Combined net cage assembly for mariculture

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a modular net cage assembly for marine aquaculture, comprising a net cage, a fixing device, and an anchor chain. The fixing device includes a suction cylinder and a limiting post. The suction cylinder is detachably connected to the seabed, and the lower end of the limiting post is connected to the suction cylinder. A ballast tank is provided on the net cage, capable of drawing in and discharging seawater and adjusting the buoyancy of the net cage to change its height. A limiting hole extending vertically is provided at the bottom of the net cage, and the upper end of the limiting post can be detachably inserted into the limiting hole, allowing the net cage and fixing device to be in a combined or separate state. Both ends of the anchor chain are detachably connected to the net cage and the fixing device, respectively. The modular net cage assembly provided by this disclosure can be in a combined or separate state, enabling both fixed and floating aquaculture. It can be reused in different sea areas, reducing the construction cost of aquaculture net cages, thereby significantly reducing aquaculture costs and improving convenience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of marine aquaculture equipment technology, and more specifically, to a combined net cage assembly for marine aquaculture. Background Technology

[0002] Marine aquaculture cages are facilities used in the ocean to cultivate marine organisms (such as fish and shellfish) to provide an enclosed environment that facilitates the management of the organisms within the cages. At the same time, they utilize the natural marine environment, allowing the cultured marine organisms to live in a natural environment, which is conducive to their growth and development.

[0003] In related technologies, aquaculture cages are generally divided into cages for nearshore use and cages for deep-sea use. The two cannot be used simultaneously. In order to support the growth of marine organisms, it is often necessary to change the sea area, which leads to the need to build multiple aquaculture cages repeatedly. It may also be necessary to transfer the marine organisms being cultured, which makes the aquaculture cost too high and is not conducive to operation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a modular cage assembly for marine aquaculture to solve the problems existing in related technologies.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this disclosure provides a combined net cage assembly for marine aquaculture, including a net cage, a fixing device, and an anchor chain;

[0006] The fixing device includes a suction cylinder and a limiting post. The suction cylinder is detachably connected to the seabed, and the lower end of the limiting post is connected to the suction cylinder.

[0007] The net cage is equipped with a ballast tank, which can draw in and discharge seawater and adjust the buoyancy of the net cage to change its height.

[0008] The bottom of the cage is provided with a limiting hole extending in the vertical direction, and the upper end of the limiting post can be detachably inserted into the limiting hole so that the cage and the fixing device can be in a combined state or a separate state.

[0009] One end of the anchor chain is detachably connected to the cage, and the other end of the anchor chain is detachably connected to the suction cylinder or the limiting post.

[0010] Optionally, in the vertical direction, the length of the limiting hole is less than the length of the limiting post.

[0011] Optionally, a limiting part is formed on the limiting post, which can cooperate with the wall of the limiting hole to restrict the cage from moving in the horizontal direction.

[0012] Optionally, the limiting hole includes a straight hole section and a tapered hole section, the tapered hole section having a large diameter end and a small diameter end, the small diameter end being connected to the lower end of the straight hole section, and the large diameter end being located on the bottom surface of the cage;

[0013] The limiting part is constructed as a truncated cone surrounding the periphery of the limiting post, and the conical surface of the truncated cone can abut against the wall of the conical hole section.

[0014] Optionally, the limiting part is slidably connected to the limiting post, and the limiting part is provided with a locking mechanism, which can lock the limiting part to adjust the position of the limiting part on the limiting post.

[0015] Optionally, the wall of the limiting hole is provided with a rubber buffer layer, which can abut against the limiting post.

[0016] Optionally, the net cage includes a frame, a net cover, and an installation part. The net cover is detachably connected to the frame, the ballast tank is located on the frame, the net cover encloses the aquaculture space, the installation part is connected to the side wall of the frame, and the limiting hole is formed on the installation part.

[0017] Optionally, a flow-blocking mechanism is detachably connected to the side wall of the frame, and the flow-blocking mechanism covers the mesh located on the side wall of the frame to fix the mesh to the frame.

[0018] Optionally, the cage assembly further includes a connecting frame, and multiple fixing devices are provided, all of which are connected to the connecting frame;

[0019] The number of limiting holes is multiple, and each of the multiple limiting holes corresponds one-to-one with the limiting post of the multiple fixing devices.

[0020] Optionally, the cage assembly further includes a platform deck and a buffer for abutting the hull, the platform deck being disposed on the top of the cage and the buffer being disposed on at least one side of the cage;

[0021] Wherein, the projection of the platform deck in the vertical direction is smaller than the projection of the net cage in the vertical direction.

[0022] The above technical solution allows the suction cylinder to be connected to the seabed, thus fixing the positioning post to the seabed. In other words, the entire fixing device can be connected and fixed to the seabed mud surface via the suction cylinder. Seawater can be drawn in and discharged by controlling the ballast tanks set on the net cage, adjusting the buoyancy of the net cage and raising or lowering its height. This allows the upper end of the positioning post to be: fully inserted into the positioning hole, partially inserted into the positioning hole, or completely separated from the positioning hole, making the net cage suitable for different usage scenarios. That is, the net cage and the fixing device can be connected and combined, or used separately. For example, in near-shore aquaculture, the fixing device is fixed to the seabed, and then the net cage is connected to the fixing device to achieve fixed aquaculture. When deep-sea aquaculture is required, the fixing device is not suitable for fixing to the seabed. In this case, the net cage and the fixing device can be set up separately. The fixing device remains in near-shore waters, and the net cage is towed to deep sea to serve as a floating structure for aquaculture. Furthermore, the location of the net cage in the sea area can be changed as needed. Thus, this modular cage assembly can achieve both fixed and floating aquaculture, and can be reused in different sea areas, reducing the construction cost of aquaculture cages, thereby greatly reducing aquaculture costs and improving convenience.

[0023] In addition, during daily aquaculture, the height of the net cage can be adjusted so that most of it is below the sea surface, and the upper end of the limiting post is fully inserted into the limiting hole. By limiting the limiting hole with the limiting post, the net cage is fixed relative to the seabed, thereby avoiding the impact of wind and waves on the net cage. This can prevent wind and waves from damaging the structure of the net cage, prevent the net cage from drifting away from the aquaculture area, and ensure that the organisms cultured in the net cage are in a stable living environment.

[0024] The height of the net cages can also be adjusted so that part of them are exposed above the sea surface. This allows sunlight to remove marine organisms attached to the cages, and enables workers to clean or inspect them from the sea surface (e.g., standing on a boat or on top of the cage). It also facilitates the retrieval and release of fish. In this case, the upper part of the limiting post can be inserted into the limiting hole to horizontally limit the cage's movement, making it easier for workers to operate from the top of the cage.

[0025] In addition, the height of the cage can be adjusted so that the upper end of the limiting post is completely separated from the limiting hole, allowing the cage to float on the sea surface, making it convenient for staff to replace the netting.

[0026] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the present disclosure, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a bottom view of the cage of the combined cage assembly provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a front view schematic diagram of a combined cage assembly provided in one embodiment, wherein the cage is located below the sea surface;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a front view schematic diagram of a combined net cage assembly provided in one embodiment, wherein the net cage floats on the sea surface;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a front view schematic diagram of a combined cage assembly provided in one embodiment, wherein the cage portion is exposed above the sea surface;

[0032] Figure 5 Yes Figure 4 A magnified sectional view of point A in the middle;

[0033] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A partially enlarged sectional view at point A, where the limiting post is not shown;

[0034] Figure 7 Yes Figure 4 A magnified sectional view of point B in the middle.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0036] 1-Net cage; 10-Ballast tank; 11-Limiting hole; 111-Straight hole section; 112-Conical hole section; 12-Rubber buffer layer; 13-Frame; 14-Net cover; 15-Installation part; 2-Fixing device; 20-Suction cylinder; 21-Limiting post; 22-Limiting part; 221-Conical truncated cone; 3-Anchor chain; 4-Aquaculture space; 6-Connecting frame; 7-Platform deck; 8-Buffer component. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0038] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper (top)" and "lower (bottom)" are generally defined with respect to the orientation of the corresponding figures in the drawing. See reference for details. Figure 1As shown, "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of the corresponding components. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used to distinguish one element from another and do not have any order or importance.

[0039] In the description of this disclosure, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "connect," "link," and "install" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, this disclosure provides a combined net cage assembly for marine aquaculture, including a net cage 1, a fixing device 2, and an anchor chain 3. The fixing device 2 includes a suction cylinder 20 and a limiting post 21. The suction cylinder 20 is detachably connected to the seabed, and the lower end of the limiting post 21 is connected to the suction cylinder 20. A ballast tank 10 is provided on the net cage 1. The ballast tank 10 can suck in and discharge seawater and adjust the buoyancy of the net cage 1 to change the height of the net cage 1. A limiting hole 11 extending vertically is provided at the bottom of the net cage 1. The upper end of the limiting post 21 can be detachably inserted into the limiting hole 11 so that the net cage 1 and the fixing device 2 can be in a combined state or a separate state. One end of the anchor chain 3 is detachably connected to the net cage 1, and the other end of the anchor chain 3 is detachably connected to the suction cylinder 20 or the limiting post 21.

[0041] Through the above technical solution, the suction cylinder 20 can be connected to the seabed, thereby fixing the limiting post 21 to the seabed. That is, the entire fixing device 2 can be connected and fixed to the seabed mud surface through the suction cylinder 20. By controlling the ballast tank 10 set on the net cage 1 to suck in and discharge seawater, the buoyancy of the net cage 1 can be adjusted, causing the height of the net cage 1 to rise or fall. Thus, the upper end of the limiting post 21 can be: fully inserted into the limiting hole 11 or partially inserted into the limiting hole 11 (i.e., in a combined state), or completely separated from the limiting hole 11 (i.e., in a separate state), so that the net cage 1 can be used in different application scenarios. In other words, the net cage 1 and the fixing device 2 can be connected and combined, or they can be used separately. For example, in near-shore aquaculture, the fixing device 2 can be fixed on the seabed, and then the net cage 1 can be connected to the fixing device 2 to achieve fixed aquaculture. When deep-sea aquaculture is required, the anchoring device 2 is not suitable for securing to the seabed. In this case, the net cage 1 and the anchoring device 2 can be installed separately. The anchoring device 2 is kept near the coast, while the net cage 1 is towed to the deep sea to serve as a floating structure for aquaculture. Furthermore, the location of the net cage 1 can be changed as needed. Thus, this modular net cage assembly can achieve both fixed and floating aquaculture, and can be reused in different sea areas, reducing the construction costs of aquaculture net cages and significantly lowering aquaculture costs while increasing convenience.

[0042] In addition, in the daily breeding process, such as Figure 2 As shown, the height of the net cage 1 can be adjusted so that most of it is below the sea surface, and the upper end of the limiting post 21 is fully inserted into the limiting hole 11. By limiting the limiting hole 11 with the limiting post 21, the net cage 1 is fixed relative to the seabed, thereby avoiding the impact of wind and waves on the net cage 1. This can prevent wind and waves from damaging the structure of the net cage 1, prevent the net cage 1 from drifting away from the aquaculture area, and ensure that the organisms cultured in the net cage 1 are in a stable living environment.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the height of net cage 1 can also be adjusted so that it partially protrudes above the sea surface. This allows sunlight to remove marine organisms attached to net cage 1, and enables workers to clean or inspect net cage 1 from the sea surface (e.g., standing on a boat or on top of net cage 1). Furthermore, it facilitates the collection and release of fish from net cage 1. In this case, the upper part of the limiting post 21 can be inserted into the limiting hole 11. The limiting post 21 horizontally limits the limiting hole 11, reducing the horizontal swaying of net cage 1 and making it easier for workers to operate from the top of net cage 1.

[0044] In addition, such as Figure 3As shown, the height of the net cage 1 can also be adjusted so that the upper end of the limiting post 21 is completely separated from the limiting hole 11, so that the net cage 1 floats on the sea surface, making it convenient for staff to replace the netting 14 of the net cage 1.

[0045] Here, the net cage 1 can be used in combination with the fixing device 2, or the net cage 1 can be used alone in sea areas with small waves to float on the sea surface. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0046] It is understandable that ballast tank 10 can draw in and discharge seawater via water pumps, and personnel can control the water pumps locally or remotely.

[0047] The installation steps of the modular cage assembly can be implemented according to actual conditions, and this disclosure does not limit them. For example, when the tugboat capacity is limited, the fixing device 2 can be installed on the seabed first, and then the cage 1 can be connected to the fixing device 2. Alternatively, the cage 1 can be connected to the fixing device 2 first, and then the cage 1 and the fixing device 2 can be installed together on the seabed, reducing the difficulty of aligning the limiting hole 11 with the limiting post 21.

[0048] The limiting hole 11 and the limiting post 21 can be of any suitable length depending on the actual usage environment. This disclosure does not limit them. As one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, in the vertical direction, the length of the limiting hole 11 can be less than the length of the limiting post 21. This arrangement facilitates the separation of the limiting post 21 and the limiting hole 11, avoiding interference during separation, making operation more convenient, and enabling quick switching between combined and separate use. Alternatively, in the vertical direction, the length of the limiting hole 11 can be greater than the length of the limiting post 21.

[0049] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, a limiting part 22 can be formed on the limiting post 21. The limiting part 22 can cooperate with the wall of the limiting hole 11 to restrict the horizontal movement of the net cage 1. By the cooperation of the limiting part 22 with the wall of the limiting hole 11, the horizontal movement of the net cage 1 is restricted, thereby reducing the horizontal swaying amplitude of the net cage 1.

[0050] The aforementioned limiting part 22 can be constructed in any suitable structure, and this disclosure does not limit it. As one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the limiting hole 11 includes a straight hole section 111 and a tapered hole section 112. The tapered hole section 112 has a large diameter end and a small diameter end. The small diameter end is connected to the lower end of the straight hole section 111, and the large diameter end is located on the bottom surface of the cage 1. The limiting part 22 can be constructed as a truncated cone 221 surrounding the periphery of the limiting post 21. The conical surface of the truncated cone 221 can abut against the hole wall of the tapered hole section 112.

[0051] By adjusting the buoyancy of the net cage 1, the height of the net cage 1 can be reduced, so that the conical surface of the frustum 221 abuts against the wall of the conical hole section 112. On the one hand, this can limit the horizontal movement of the net cage 1 and reduce the horizontal swaying amplitude of the net cage 1. On the other hand, the downward pressure of the net cage 1 on the fixing device 2 can be transmitted entirely through the frustum 221. This allows the workers to improve the fixing device 2's ability to withstand the downward pressure of the net cage 1 by making local reinforcement designs at the frustum 221, such as using high-strength materials at the frustum 221, thereby helping to reduce the cost of the fixing device 2.

[0052] As another implementation, the limiting part 22 can be constructed as a frustum surrounding the periphery of the limiting post 21, and the outer peripheral surface of the frustum can abut against the hole wall of the tapered hole section 112.

[0053] Optionally, the limiting part 22 is slidably connected to the limiting post 21. A locking mechanism is provided on the limiting part 22 to lock it, thereby adjusting its position on the limiting post 21. Workers can adjust the position of the limiting part 22 on the limiting post 21 according to the seabed depth and the suitable ocean depth for the cultured organisms, ensuring the limiting part 22 is at a suitable height. This allows the net cage 1 to be set at an appropriate height (i.e., a height suitable for the cultured organisms) in different sea areas. In some examples, the locking mechanism can be a bolt threaded onto the limiting part 22. The limiting post 21 has multiple connecting holes spaced vertically. Screwing the bolt into one of these connecting holes locks the limiting part 22.

[0054] To extend the service life of modular gabion assemblies, one implementation method is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the wall of the limiting hole 11 is provided with a rubber buffer layer 12, which can abut against the limiting post 21. During the shaking of the cage 1, the rubber buffer layer 12 can effectively absorb the impact of the limiting post 21 on the wall of the limiting hole 11, and can also reduce the friction between the limiting post 21 and the wall of the limiting hole 11, which is beneficial to improving the service life of the combined cage assembly.

[0055] The aforementioned net cage 1 can be constructed in any suitable form, and this disclosure does not limit it. As one implementation method, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the net cage 1 includes a frame 13, a net 14, and a mounting part 15. The net 14 is detachably connected to the frame 13, and the ballast tank 10 is located on the frame 13. The net 14 encloses a breeding space 4. The mounting part 15 is connected to the side wall of the frame 13, and a limiting hole 11 is formed on the mounting part 15 to accommodate the cultured organisms within the breeding space 4. Optionally, the mounting part 15 can be connected to the bottom wall of the frame 13.

[0056] Optionally, the ballast tank 10 can be located inside or outside the frame 13; this disclosure does not limit this. For example, in Figure 7 In the manner shown, the internal structure of the frame 13 is a cavity, which can be a compartment of the ballast tank 10.

[0057] To adapt the seawater flow rate within the aquaculture space 4 to the survival of the cultured organisms, optionally, a flow-blocking mechanism is detachably connected to the side wall of the frame 13. This flow-blocking mechanism covers the netting 14 located on the side wall of the frame 13, thus securing the netting 14 to the frame 13. The flow-blocking mechanism connected to the side wall of the frame 13 can impede water flow, thereby adapting the seawater flow rate within the aquaculture space 4 to the survival of the cultured organisms. In other words, the flow-blocking mechanism serves two purposes: impeding water flow and securing the netting 14 to the frame 13, thereby saving costs.

[0058] As one implementation, the bracket located on the side wall of the frame 13 for fixing the mesh 14 can be used as a flow-blocking mechanism.

[0059] To improve the capacity of modular cage assemblies to hold cultured organisms, one implementation method is as follows: Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the cage assembly also includes a connecting frame 6, multiple fixing devices 2 are provided, all of which are connected to the connecting frame 6, and multiple limiting holes 11 are provided, with each of the multiple limiting holes 11 corresponding to a limiting post 21 of the multiple fixing devices 2.

[0060] By using multiple fixing devices 2 to limit the position of the net cage 1, the net cage 1 can have a larger volume, which helps to improve the capacity of the combined net cage assembly to accommodate cultured organisms. In addition, since multiple fixing devices 2 are all connected to the connecting frame 6, the limiting posts 21 of the multiple fixing devices 2 can be kept parallel to each other, reducing the difficulty of inserting and mating the multiple limiting holes 11 with the multiple limiting posts 21 of the multiple fixing devices 2.

[0061] Optionally, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the cage assembly also includes a platform deck 7 and a buffer 8 for abutting the hull. The platform deck 7 is located on the top of the cage 1, and the buffer 8 is located on at least one side of the cage 1. The projection of the platform deck 7 in the vertical direction is smaller than the projection of the cage 1 in the vertical direction.

[0062] As the vessel approaches the net cage 1, it will first come into contact with the buffer 8 to prevent damage to the net cage 1. Since the platform deck 7 is located on top of the net cage 1, the platform deck 7 can be above the sea surface while the net cage 1 is below the sea surface. Workers can stand on the platform deck 7 to carry out their work, and living areas and aquaculture equipment can also be set up on the platform deck 7.

[0063] In addition, since the projection of the platform deck in the vertical direction is smaller than that of the net cage 1 in the vertical direction, workers can put organisms into the net cage 1 or collect organisms in the net cage 1 through the part of the top of the net cage 1 that is not covered by the platform deck 7. For example, a fish suction pump can be inserted into the net cage 1 from the part of the top of the net cage 1 that is not covered by the platform deck 7 to suck out the fish in the net cage 1.

[0064] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of this disclosure, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0065] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, this disclosure will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

[0066] Furthermore, various different embodiments of this disclosure can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this disclosure, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A modular cage assembly for marine aquaculture, characterized in that, This includes cages, fixing devices, and anchor chains; The fixing device includes a suction cylinder and a limiting post. The suction cylinder is detachably connected to the seabed, and the lower end of the limiting post is connected to the suction cylinder. The net cage is equipped with a ballast tank, which can draw in and discharge seawater and adjust the buoyancy of the net cage to change its height. The bottom of the cage is provided with a limiting hole extending in the vertical direction, and the upper end of the limiting post can be detachably inserted into the limiting hole so that the cage and the fixing device can be in a combined state or a separate state. One end of the anchor chain is detachably connected to the cage, and the other end of the anchor chain is detachably connected to the suction cylinder or the limiting post. A limiting part is formed on the limiting post, and the limiting part can cooperate with the wall of the limiting hole to restrict the cage from moving in the horizontal direction; The limiting hole includes a straight hole section and a tapered hole section. The tapered hole section has a large diameter end and a small diameter end. The small diameter end is connected to the lower end of the straight hole section, and the large diameter end is located on the bottom surface of the cage. The limiting part is constructed as a truncated cone surrounding the periphery of the limiting post, and the conical surface of the truncated cone can abut against the wall of the conical hole section. The limiting part is slidably connected to the limiting post, and the limiting part is provided with a locking mechanism, which can lock the limiting part to adjust the position of the limiting part on the limiting post. The net cage includes a frame, a net, and an installation part. The net is detachably connected to the frame, the ballast tank is located on the frame, the net encloses the aquaculture space, the installation part is connected to the side wall of the frame, and the limiting hole is formed on the installation part.

2. The combined net cage assembly for marine aquaculture according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the vertical direction, the length of the limiting hole is less than the length of the limiting post.

3. The combined net cage assembly for marine aquaculture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wall of the limiting hole is provided with a rubber buffer layer, which can abut against the limiting post.

4. The combined net cage assembly for marine aquaculture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side wall of the frame is detachably connected to a flow-blocking mechanism, which covers the mesh covering the side wall of the frame to fix the mesh covering to the frame.

5. The combined net cage assembly for marine aquaculture according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The cage assembly also includes a connecting frame, and multiple fixing devices are provided, all of which are connected to the connecting frame; The number of limiting holes is multiple, and each of the multiple limiting holes corresponds one-to-one with the limiting post of the multiple fixing devices.

6. The combined net cage assembly for marine aquaculture according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The cage assembly also includes a platform deck and a buffer for abutting the hull, the platform deck being disposed on the top of the cage and the buffer being disposed on at least one side of the cage; Wherein, the projection of the platform deck in the vertical direction is smaller than the projection of the net cage in the vertical direction.

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