Typhoon-resistant net cage structure and method of use

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of mariculture equipment, and discloses a net cage structure capable of resisting typhoon and a use method thereof. The net cage structure comprises a top beam, a bottom beam, a net top tensioning rope, a net bottom tensioning rope, a lifting rope, a lifting rope buckle and a winch. The top beam and the bottom beam are respectively fixed horizontally at the upper and lower parts of a guide pipe frame. One end of the net top tensioning rope is fixed to the top beam, and the other end of the net top tensioning rope is fixed to a cross beam of the net. The winch is arranged on the top beam. The upper end tensioning rope of the net is firmly connected to the top beam through an anchor, and the lower end tensioning rope of the net is added with tension through the winch on the beam. The winch at the top is synchronously lifted through an operation table, and the same rotating speed is set to ensure the synchronization and efficiency of the lifting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine aquaculture equipment technology, and in particular to a typhoon-resistant net cage structure and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] Integrated marine development, through the combined utilization of multiple resources within the same sea area, such as the integration of offshore wind power and mariculture, can significantly improve the utilization efficiency of the sea area and reduce the cost of individual development. For example, while providing wind power support, the space in the middle of the offshore wind turbine jacket foundation can be used to set up net cages for mariculture, thereby achieving resource sharing and improving overall economic benefits.

[0003] However, during long-term use, marine organisms such as algae and shellfish easily adhere to the mesh. This adhesion not only affects the mesh's permeability but also significantly increases its weight and hydrodynamic load. Under normal circumstances, the mesh can be considered a permeable surface, but after marine organism adhesion, it acts more like a wall, leading to a substantial increase in hydrodynamic load. This increased load, especially under extreme sea conditions such as typhoons, poses a serious threat to the safety of the entire jacket structure.

[0004] Under extreme sea conditions such as typhoons, marine environmental conditions are extremely harsh, and wind and wave loads increase dramatically. For jacket foundations with co-structures, the increased load on the mesh is directly transmitted to the jacket structure, causing the structure to bear loads far exceeding the design values, increasing the risk of structural instability or even collapse. Therefore, how to effectively reduce the load on the mesh under extreme sea conditions has become a key technical issue in co-structure design. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, a simple, liftable, typhoon-resistant guide frame cage structure is proposed. The tension ropes at the upper end of the netting are securely connected to the top crossbeam via anchors, while the tension ropes at the lower end of the netting are tensioned by a winch on the crossbeam. The top winch achieves synchronous lifting via an operating platform, ensuring synchronicity by setting the same rotation speed. This net-collecting method is efficient and easy to implement.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution.

[0007] This invention provides a typhoon-resistant gabion structure, comprising a top crossbeam, a bottom crossbeam, a top tension rope for the gabion, a bottom tension rope for the gabion, a lifting draw rope, a lifting draw rope bolt, and a winch. The top and bottom crossbeams are respectively horizontally fixed to the upper and lower parts of the guide frame. One end of the top tension rope is tied to the top crossbeam, and the other end is tied to the crossbar of the gabion. The winch is mounted on the top crossbeam. One end of the bottom tension rope is tied to the winch shaft, and the other end is tied to the crossbar of the gabion, with the bottom tension rope passing around the bottom crossbeam. One end of the lifting draw rope is tied to the crossbar of the gabion, and the other end is a free end that can be tied to the lifting draw rope bolt.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, it also includes a pulley and an ear plate, the pulley being connected to the bottom crossbeam via the ear plate; the bottom tension rope of the mesh covering the bottom crossbeam is the bottom tension rope of the mesh covering the pulley.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the pulley is made of high-strength organic material and the lug is made of stainless steel.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the number of pulleys is several, and the pulleys are arranged in rows at equal intervals on the bottom crossbeam, with the pulley axles parallel to the plane of the net; the number of the top tension rope, the bottom tension rope and the winch of the net is the same as the number of pulleys.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the axles of the pulleys at both ends of the row are perpendicular to the plane of the mesh.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the length of both the top beam and the bottom beam is 30 meters; the number of pulleys is 10 to 15; and the spacing between the pulleys is 2 to 2.5 meters.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the pulley diameter is greater than or equal to 10cm.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, a rope end anchor is also included, wherein one end of the tension rope at the top of the net is secured to the top crossbeam by the rope end anchor.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, it also includes a flow meter and a control unit; the flow meter and the winch are both electrically connected to the control unit, which is used to automatically control the lifting of the rope under high seawater flow.

[0016] The present invention also provides a method for using a typhoon-resistant cage structure, characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0017] During the aquaculture process, a winch is used to provide tension to the tension ropes at the top and bottom of the net, causing the net to be pulled open from top to bottom and tightened to both sides.

[0018] In typhoon-resistant conditions, loosen the winch shaft, and keep the tension ropes at the top and bottom of the net slack; pull the lifting rope upwards to lift the net using the tension rope at the bottom of the net; when the net is gathered at the tension rope at the top of the net, maintain tension on the lifting rope and secure it to the lifting rope bolt.

[0019] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] This invention provides a stable support system by fixing the crossbeams to the jacket truss structure, distributing horizontal loads and enhancing overall stability during typhoons. Simultaneously, the jacket is anchored to the seabed to prevent structural overturning, making it suitable for deep-sea aquaculture environments. The top / bottom crossbeams provide horizontal fixation, creating two layers of anchor points and a uniform stress plane for netting tension, preventing deformation. The crossbeam length (30 meters) is suitable for large net cages, increasing aquaculture capacity. The winch integrated into the top crossbeam allows for centralized control of tension, facilitating daily adjustment of netting tightness and improving aquaculture efficiency. Tension can be quickly released during typhoons, reducing operational complexity.

[0021] Optionally, by adding pulleys, the friction of the tensioning rope at the lower end of the netting when it crosses the crossbeam is greatly reduced, thereby increasing the tensioning speed and reducing the energy consumption of the tensioning process.

[0022] Optionally, high-strength organic material pulleys combined with stainless steel lugs offer both wear resistance and corrosion resistance, extending service life and preventing pulleys and lugs from losing their function due to long-term seawater immersion.

[0023] Optionally, multiple pulleys are provided with their axles parallel to the plane of the netting. This allows the lateral width of the netting to be simultaneously subjected to tension, and the direction of the axles ensures that the tensioning process does not generate additional forces in other directions, thus maintaining the force balance of the netting's crossbars.

[0024] Optionally, the pulley axles at both ends are perpendicular to the plane of the mesh, which tensions the mesh on both sides in addition to the vertical tension, thereby increasing the lateral tension and improving the structural stability.

[0025] Optionally, 10 to 15 pulleys are arranged at equal intervals of 2 to 2.5 meters to ensure that the netting is evenly stressed and to avoid local overload.

[0026] Optionally, the pulley diameter (≥10cm) is matched with the beam length (30m) and the pulley spacing (2~2.5m) to balance the pulley torque, rope bending fatigue, net size, and the overall compactness of the net cage structure.

[0027] Optionally, a rope end anchor can enhance the reliability of the connection between the top tension rope and the crossbeam, preventing de-anchoring under extreme loads.

[0028] Preferably, the addition of a flow meter and an automated control unit can monitor seawater flow in real time and automatically trigger the winch to lift and pull the rope, enabling unmanned operation of typhoon warning response; avoiding delays caused by manual operation and reducing the risk of netting damage.

[0029] The operating method is clear and easy to follow. In the aquaculture mode, the winch provides continuous tension, causing the netting to unfold in a three-dimensional manner, with the top and bottom ropes pulled open and the sides tightened, maximizing the effective aquaculture space. During typhoon resistance, the top and bottom tension ropes are released simultaneously to prevent the netting from tearing due to unilateral stress; the netting is concentrated at the top to reduce the area exposed to wind / flow and mitigate wave impact; the tension of the pull ropes is maintained and secured to prevent secondary unfolding of the netting, improving typhoon resistance reliability. This design achieves a balance between aquaculture functionality and typhoon resistance through optimized structural stability, improved stress uniformity, and the introduction of an intelligent response mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Furthermore, the shapes and proportions of the components in the drawings are merely schematic to aid in understanding the invention and are not intended to specifically limit the shapes and proportions of the components. In the drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a typhoon-resistant wire mesh cage structure as described in Example 1;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the co-structure of the guide frame and the wire mesh cage in Example 1;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the aquaculture state in Example 1;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the typhoon-resistant structure in Example 1;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom rope connection method in Example 1;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the top rope connection method in Example 1;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the typhoon season usage principle of a typhoon-resistant gabion structure.

[0038] The components include: 1. Guide frame; 2. Top crossbeam; 3. Bottom crossbeam; 4. Top tension rope of the netting; 5. Bottom tension rope of the netting; 6. Lifting draw rope; 7. Lifting draw rope bolt; 8. Winch; 9. Rope end anchor; 10. Pulley; 11. Ear plate. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this invention, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0040] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only embodiments.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] Figure 1 This demonstrates a typhoon-resistant cage structure.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, a typhoon-resistant gabion structure includes a top crossbeam 2 and a bottom crossbeam 3 fixed to the guide frame 1, as well as a top tension rope 4, a bottom tension rope 5, a lifting draw rope 6, a lifting draw rope bolt 7, and a winch 8. Figure 2 As shown, the cage structure is anchored to the seabed via the jacket truss structure, providing a stable support system, distributing horizontal loads, and enhancing overall stability during typhoons. Simultaneously, anchoring to the seabed prevents structural overturning, making it suitable for deep-sea aquaculture environments.

[0045] like Figure 2As shown, the jacket 1 is a truss structure, with its bottom anchored to the seabed via foundations. Optionally, the bottom anchoring foundations of the truss structure utilize gravity caissons, each with a volume of 200 m³, coupled with eight precast piles with a diameter of 2.5 meters to ensure structural safety even under a category 12 typhoon. By laterally fixing the top beam 2 and bottom beam 3 to the jacket 1, two layers of anchor points are formed, providing a uniform stress plane for the tensioning of the netting and preventing deformation. Optionally, both the top beam 2 and bottom beam 3 are made of Q355B low-alloy high-strength steel, with a deflection control value ≤ L / 400 over a 30-meter span, and are coated with a zinc-aluminum alloy coating, providing a corrosion resistance life exceeding 15 years. The lengths of the top beam 2 and bottom beam 3 can be 30 meters to accommodate the needs of large net cages and increase aquaculture capacity.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, the top crossbeam 2 and bottom crossbeam 3 are respectively horizontally fixed to the upper and lower parts of the guide frame 1; one end of the top tension rope 4 of the netting is tied to the top crossbeam 2, and the other end is tied to the crossbar of the netting; the winch 8 is installed on the top crossbeam 2; one end of the bottom tension rope 5 of the netting is tied to the shaft of the winch 8, and the other end is tied to the crossbar of the netting, and the bottom tension rope 5 passes around the bottom crossbeam 3; one end of the lifting rope 6 is tied to the crossbar of the netting, and the other end of the lifting rope 6 is a free end, which can be tied to the lifting rope bolt 7. When there is no typhoon, the shaft of the winch 8 provides tension to the top tension rope 4 and the bottom tension rope 5 of the netting, as... Figure 3 As shown; when a typhoon arrives, the shaft of winch 8 reverses, slackening the tension ropes 4 at the top and 5 at the bottom of the netting; the lifting rope 6, tied to the bottom crossbar of the netting, rises, and the bottom crossbar pulls the bottom of the netting upwards, while the bottom tension rope 5 is released, as... Figure 4 As shown. After the lifting rope 6 rolls up the entire netting, the hydrodynamic force on the foundation of the jacket support 1 can be reduced, with a reduction of more than 85% based on the projected area.

[0047] Optionally, multiple winches 8 are electrically connected to the control console to ensure unified operation of all winches 8, with synchronized lifting and lowering at the same speed. The control console can centrally control the tension, facilitating daily adjustment of the netting tightness and improving aquaculture efficiency. During typhoons, the tension is quickly released, reducing operational complexity. Optionally, the winches 8 are driven by dual-speed motors; in normal mode, the speed is 12 r / min to provide continuous tension, while in typhoon mode, the speed increases to 30 r / min for rapid winding and unwinding. The control console or module integrates a PLC control system, achieving multi-machine linkage via the 485 communication protocol with a synchronization accuracy of ±0.5 mm.

[0048] Preferably, the maximum tension provided by the shaft of the winch 8 is 10% of the upper limit design value of the breaking force of the top tension rope 4 and the bottom tension rope 5 of the net.

[0049] like Figure 5 As shown, this cage structure also includes pulleys 10 and ear plates 11. The bottom tension rope 5 of the netting passes over the bottom crossbeam 3 via pulleys 10 to reduce friction. Pulleys 10 are connected to the bottom crossbeam 3 via ear plates 11. By adding pulleys 10, the friction of the tension rope at the lower end of the netting when crossing the crossbeam is greatly reduced, the tensioning speed is increased, and the energy consumption of the tensioning process is reduced.

[0050] Optionally, multiple pulleys 10 are provided, and the axles of the pulleys 10 are parallel to the plane on which the netting is located. This allows the lateral width of the netting to be simultaneously subjected to tension, and the direction of the axles ensures that the tensioning process does not generate additional forces in other directions, thus maintaining the force balance of the netting's crossbars.

[0051] Optionally, the pulleys 10 at both ends of the row are perpendicular to the plane of the mesh, which tensions the mesh on both sides in addition to the vertical tension, thereby increasing the lateral tension and improving the structural stability.

[0052] The pulley 10 is made of high-strength organic materials, such as a composite of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin and carbon fiber, with a surface hardness of Shore D85 and seawater corrosion resistance three times better than traditional metal pulleys. Optionally, the ear plate 11 is made of duplex stainless steel 2205 with a yield strength ≥450MPa and an annual corrosion rate <0.05mm in 3% sodium chloride solution. The combination of the high-strength organic material pulley 10 and the stainless steel ear plate provides both wear resistance and corrosion resistance, extending service life and preventing the pulley 10 and ear plate 11 from losing their function due to long-term seawater immersion.

[0053] The number of pulleys 10 is several, and the pulleys 10 are arranged in rows at equal intervals on the bottom crossbeam 3. The axle of the pulley 10 is parallel to the plane of the net. The number of the top tension rope 4, the bottom tension rope 5 and the winch 8 of the net is the same as the number of pulleys 10.

[0054] Optionally, the length of both the top crossbeam 2 and the bottom crossbeam 3 is 30 meters, and the number of pulleys 10 is 10 to 15; the spacing between the pulleys 10 is 2 to 2.5 meters. The diameter of each pulley 10 is greater than or equal to 10 cm. The uniform arrangement of the pulleys 10 can balance the torque of the pulleys 10, the bending fatigue of the rope, and the size of the net and the compactness of the entire net cage structure; it can also make the net uniformly stressed and avoid local overload. Optionally, the pulley group 10 adopts a "12+2.5" layout, with 12 main pulleys evenly distributed at a spacing of 2.5 meters, and the two outermost end pulleys 10 arranged vertically to provide lateral restraint.

[0055] The mesh size of the netting, i.e., the maximum space when fully opened, is preferably 7cm or more to reduce the attachment and habitat growth of marine life. Optionally, the netting ropes are made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) material with a breaking strength ≥50kN. With a safety factor of 10, the maximum working load is 5kN, and the net is pre-tensioned to 3kN using a hydraulic tensioner to ensure the net shape.

[0056] like Figure 6 As shown, this cage structure also includes a rope end anchor 9. One end of the tension rope 4 at the top of the netting is secured to the top crossbeam 2 via the rope end anchor 9. The rope end anchor 9 enhances the reliability of the connection between the top tension rope and the crossbeam, preventing unanchoring under extreme loads. Figure 6 As shown, the top beam 2 can be a rectangular thin plate, made of stainless steel or high-strength organic material. Five rope end anchors 9 are arranged on the top beam 2 to secure the corresponding top tension ropes 4 of the netting. Each of the five rope end anchors 9 corresponds to one of the five winches 8, and the corresponding bottom tension ropes 5 of the netting are wound around the shaft of the winches 8.

[0057] This embodiment also includes a method for using a typhoon-resistant cage structure, comprising the following steps:

[0058] During the breeding process, the winch 8 provides tension to the tension ropes at the top and bottom of the net, and the net is pulled open from top to bottom and tightened to both sides.

[0059] In typhoon-resistant conditions, loosen the shaft of winch 8, and keep the tension ropes at the upper and lower ends of the net slack; pull the lifting rope 6 upward to lift the net using the tension rope at the lower end of the net; when the net is gathered at the tension rope at the upper end of the net, keep the lifting rope 6 under tension and tie it to the lifting rope bolt 7.

[0060] Example 2

[0061] The difference between Example 2 and Example 1 is:

[0062] The cage structure also includes a flow meter and a control unit; the flow meter and the winch 8 are electrically connected to the control unit, which is used to automatically control the lifting and pulling of the rope 6 under high seawater flow.

[0063] Adding a flow meter and an automated control unit allows for real-time monitoring of seawater flow and automatic triggering of the lifting rope winch 6, enabling unmanned operation for typhoon warning response; avoiding delays caused by manual operation and reducing the risk of netting damage.

[0064] Specific operating principle:

[0065] When there is no typhoon, install the cage structure; fix the top beam 2 and bottom beam 3 horizontally to the upper and lower parts of the guide frame 1 respectively; tie one end of the top tension rope 4 of the netting to the top beam 2, and tie the other end of the top tension rope 4 of the netting to the crossbar of the netting; weld the winch 8 to the top beam 2; wind and fix one end of the bottom tension rope 5 of the netting to the shaft of the winch 8, and tie the other end of the bottom tension rope 5 of the netting to the crossbar of the netting, ensuring that the bottom tension rope 5 of the netting passes around the pulley 10 installed on the bottom beam 3; weld a lifting rope bolt 7 to the upper part of the guide frame 1;

[0066] The control console operates the winch 8 manually or via the control unit to provide tension to the tension ropes at the top and bottom of the netting, pulling the netting open from top to bottom and tightening it to both sides; the lifting rope 6 can be fixed to the lifting rope bolt 7.

[0067] like Figure 7 As shown, before the typhoon season arrives, the fish in the net cages should be removed to prevent them from escaping. Loosen the shaft of winch 8, keeping the tension ropes at the top and bottom of the net slack. Then, the lower end pull rope can be released from the lifting pull rope bolt 7, and the bottom of the net can be lifted using the lifting pull rope 6. When the net is gathered at the upper tension rope, maintain tension on the lifting pull rope 6 and secure it to the lifting pull rope bolt 7.

[0068] The above embodiments are merely one of the implementation methods for achieving the technical solution of the present invention. The scope of protection claimed by the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, but also includes any variations, substitutions, and other implementation methods that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention. Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A typhoon-resistant wire mesh cage structure, characterized in that, The system includes a top crossbeam (2), a bottom crossbeam (3), a top tension rope (4) for the mesh, a bottom tension rope (5) for the mesh, a lifting draw rope (6), a lifting draw rope tether (7), a winch (8), a pulley (10), an ear plate (11), a flow meter, and a control unit; the top crossbeam (2) and the bottom crossbeam (3) are respectively horizontally fixed at the top and bottom of the guide frame (1); one end of the top tension rope (4) for the mesh is tied to the top crossbeam (2), and the top of the mesh... The other end of the tension rope (4) is tied to the crossbar of the netting; the winch (8) is mounted on the top crossbeam (2); one end of the bottom tension rope (5) is tied to the shaft of the winch (8), and the other end of the bottom tension rope (5) is tied to the crossbar of the netting, and the bottom tension rope (5) passes around the bottom crossbeam (3); one end of the lifting draw rope (6) is tied to the crossbar of the netting, and the other end of the lifting draw rope (6) is a free end. It can be fixed to the lifting draw rope bolt (7); the pulley (10) is connected to the bottom crossbeam (3) through the ear plate (11); the bottom tension rope (5) of the net goes around the bottom crossbeam (3) and goes around the pulley (10); there are several pulleys (10), and the pulleys (10) are arranged in rows at equal intervals on the bottom crossbeam (3). The axle of the pulley (10) is parallel to the plane of the net, and the pulleys (10) at both ends of the row are arranged in rows. The axle of the wheel (0) is perpendicular to the plane of the net; the current meter and the winch (8) are electrically connected to the control unit, which is used to automatically control the lifting of the pull rope (6) under high seawater flow; the number of the top tension rope (4), the bottom tension rope (5), and the winch (8) of the net is the same as the number of pulleys (10); the winch (8) is driven by a dual-speed motor, the speed in normal mode provides continuous tension, and the speed in typhoon-resistant mode increases to achieve rapid winding and unwinding.

2. The typhoon-resistant cage structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pulley (10) is made of high-strength organic material, and the ear plate (11) is made of stainless steel.

3. The typhoon-resistant cage structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the top beam (2) and the bottom beam (3) is 30 meters; the number of pulleys (10) is 10 to 15; the arrangement spacing of the pulleys (10) is 2 to 2.5 meters.

4. The typhoon-resistant cage structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the pulley (10) is greater than or equal to 10cm.

5. The typhoon-resistant cage structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a rope end anchor (9), one end of the top tension rope (4) of the net is secured to the top beam (2) by the rope end anchor (9).

6. A method of using a typhoon-resistant gabion structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: During the breeding process, the winch (8) provides tension to the tension ropes at the top and bottom of the net, and the net is pulled open from top to bottom and tightened to both sides. In typhoon-resistant conditions, loosen the shaft of the winch (8), and keep the tension ropes at the upper and lower ends of the net loose; pull the lifting rope (6) upward to lift the net using the tension rope at the lower end of the net; when the net is gathered at the tension rope at the upper end of the net, keep the lifting rope (6) under tension and tie it to the lifting rope bolt (7).

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