A semi-automated oyster farming and harvesting device for individual oyster farming in inner bay areas

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of shellfish aquaculture equipment technology, specifically to a semi-automated aquaculture and harvesting device for single-unit oyster farming in inner bay waters. The device includes a surface float, a work vessel, and a shuttle. The surface float includes a traction rope; the work vessel includes a hull, a first fixed post, a second fixed post, a support frame, a winding device, a servo motor, and a spring buckle, with the traction rope threaded through the spring buckle; the shuttle includes a floating platform, a guide frame, a guide connecting rod, an adjustment frame, and two connecting rings, which are respectively fitted onto the outer sides of the first and second fixed posts. The guide frame is located on the front side of the upper surface of the floating platform, and the adjustment frame is located on the rear side of the upper surface of the floating platform. The guide connecting rod connects the guide frame and the adjustment frame. This invention, through optimized design of the surface float, work vessel, and shuttle, achieves semi-automated operation of oyster farming and harvesting, resulting in significant economic and social benefits. It can be widely applied to the oyster farming industry in coastal inner bay waters.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of shellfish aquaculture equipment technology, specifically to a semi-automatic aquaculture and harvesting device for individual oyster farming in inner bay waters. Background Technology

[0002] Oysters, as an important marine economic shellfish, occupy a significant economic position in the mariculture industry. Data shows that oyster farming accounts for over 40% of the total mariculture shellfish production, making it one of the most important species in mariculture. There are various oyster farming methods, and new methods and technologies are constantly emerging as the industry develops. Common methods include bamboo-planting culture, bottom seeding culture, rock and standing rock culture, and hanging culture. Hanging culture is further divided into rack-type, longline-type, and raft-type. Raft culture offers high yields and represents an important future development direction for oyster farming.

[0003] However, the use of raft-type hanging cages for oyster farming presents problems such as low mechanization, high labor intensity, and low production efficiency, mainly reflected in:

[0004] 1. Fouling organisms: Fouling organisms easily adhere to the surface of the oyster cages, affecting water exchange and deteriorating the oyster growth environment, requiring regular cleaning.

[0005] 2. Difficulties in repackaging and management: As oysters grow, they need to be removed from the culture cages and repacked into new ones. This process mainly relies on manual labor, which is labor-intensive and inefficient.

[0006] 3. Low harvesting efficiency: Traditional oyster harvesting methods mainly involve small harvesting boats hauling oysters from the sea along longline rafts, resulting in low levels of mechanization. This method is not only inefficient but also prone to causing oysters to fall off, thus impacting economic benefits.

[0007] Therefore, how to improve the efficiency of oyster farming is a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide an oyster farming, management and harvesting device for inner bay waters that is suitable for good water conditions and abundant feed, and can achieve efficient and safe high-quality oyster farming and harvesting in low wind and wave environments, while ensuring the plumpness and quality of oysters.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a semi-automatic oyster farming and harvesting device for single oyster farming in inner bay waters, including a floating cage, a working boat, and a shuttle, wherein the floating cage includes a traction rope.

[0010] The work vessel includes a hull, a first fixed post, a second fixed post, a bracket, a winding device, a servo motor, and a spring buckle. The bracket connects the hull and the winding device. The winding device is located at the output end of the servo motor. The traction rope is wound around the winding device. The first fixed post and the second fixed post are arranged parallel to each other on the same side of the hull. The first fixed post is located at the stern of the hull. The spring buckle is located below the hull, and the traction rope passes through the spring buckle.

[0011] The shuttle includes a floating platform, a guide frame, a guide connecting rod, an adjusting frame, and two connecting rings. The two connecting rings are located on the side of the floating platform and are respectively sleeved on the outside of the first fixed column and the second fixed column. The guide frame is located on the front side of the upper surface of the floating platform, and the adjusting frame is located on the rear side of the upper surface of the floating platform. The guide connecting rod connects the guide frame and the adjusting frame. The guide frame includes a guard rod, a guide rod, a front fixed rod, and a rear fixed rod. The front fixed rod and the rear fixed rod are arranged parallel to each other on the floating platform. The guard rod connects the front fixed rod and the rear fixed rod, and the guide rod is located below the guard rod.

[0012] The aforementioned semi-automated oyster farming and harvesting device for individual oyster farming in the inner bay is rotatably connected to the hull of the vessel. The working vessel also includes an adjustment rope and an adjustment handle. The adjustment handle is slidably mounted on the first fixed column, and the adjustment rope connects the support and the adjustment handle.

[0013] The aforementioned semi-automated oyster farming and harvesting device for single-unit oyster farming in inner bay waters has a rear fixing rod that is longer than the front fixing rod. The front fixing rod includes a first fixing rod, a second fixing rod, and a front connecting rod. The rear fixing rod includes a third fixing rod, a fourth fixing rod, and a rear connecting rod. The guard rods include a left guard rod and a right guard rod. The front connecting rod connects the first fixing rod and the second fixing rod. The rear connecting rod connects the third fixing rod and the fourth fixing rod. One end of the guide connecting rod is connected to the rear connecting rod. The left guard rod is connected to the top ends of the first fixing rod and the third fixing rod. The right guard rod is connected to the top ends of the second fixing rod and the fourth fixing rod.

[0014] The aforementioned semi-automated oyster farming and harvesting device for individual oyster farming in the inner bay has a 45° angle between the guard rod and the floating platform, and a guide arc is provided on the side of the guard rod near the floating platform, which extends outward from the floating platform.

[0015] The aforementioned semi-automated oyster farming and harvesting device for single oyster farming in inner bay waters includes a guide rod comprising a left guide rod and a right guide rod. The left guide rod is positioned below the left guard rod, and the right guide rod is positioned below the right guard rod. The distance between the left and right guide rods is less than the distance between the left and right guard rods.

[0016] The aforementioned semi-automated oyster farming and harvesting device for single oyster farming in inner bay waters includes a guide rod that further comprises a guide connecting rod. One end of the guide connecting rod is fixed at the midpoint of the front connecting rod. The water-near ends of the left and right guide rods are bent inward and connected to the other end of the guide connecting rod to form a closed guide ring. The guide ring extends below the water surface. The end of the left guide rod away from the water surface is bent outward and diagonally downward, while the end of the right guide rod away from the water surface is bent outward and diagonally upward.

[0017] The aforementioned semi-automated oyster farming and harvesting device for single oyster farming in inner bay waters includes an adjustment frame comprising a protective frame and a non-powered roller slide. Parallel protective plates are provided on both sides of the protective frame, and the non-powered roller slide is located within the protective frame in the middle of the protective plates. The distance between the protective plates is the same as the distance between the left and right guard rods.

[0018] The aforementioned semi-automated oyster farming and harvesting device for single oyster farming in inner bays includes a floating cage body, buoyancy blocks, buoys, and a main rope. The buoyancy blocks are positioned above the floating cage body, the buoys are positioned at both ends of the main rope, the buoyancy blocks are laid on the main rope, and the two ends of the traction rope are connected to the buoys. The length of the traction rope is greater than the length of the main rope.

[0019] The aforementioned semi-automated oyster farming and harvesting device for single oyster farming in inner bays includes a main rope comprising a plastic float and movable buckles. The movable buckles are located at both ends of the plastic float, and the plastic float is connected to form the main rope via the movable buckles. Circular rings are located on both sides of the lower center of the float cage body, and the float cage body is connected to the plastic float via these circular rings. The diameter of the circular rings is larger than the outer diameter of the plastic float, allowing the float cage body to rotate around the plastic float. Cage doors are located on both sides of the float cage body.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention, a semi-automated oyster farming and harvesting device for single-unit oyster farming in inner bay waters, are as follows: By using this device, problems such as low mechanization, high labor intensity, and low production efficiency in oyster farming technology can be solved. By using a ring fitted onto a plastic float, the stability of the float cage connection is ensured. The ring's aperture is slightly larger than the plastic float, allowing the float cage to rotate freely around it. Regularly turning the float cage allows the oysters to periodically receive sunlight, improving the texture and flavor of the oyster meat. Simultaneously, the natural waves cause the float cage to sway, resulting in friction between the oysters, naturally polishing their shells and improving their quality and appearance. By using a servo motor to drive the winding device and traction rope, the main rope and float cage move on a shuttle, significantly improving the efficiency of loading, separating, cleaning, and harvesting processes through mechanized assembly line operations. The movable latch design between the plastic floats allows for flexible addition or reduction of the number of floating cages to meet the needs of different scales of aquaculture. The connection design between the work vessel and the surface platform, along with the coordinated action of the traction rope and guide rods, ensures the safety and stability of the harvesting process. Guide rings guide the movement of the floating cage; the different inclination directions of the left and right guide rods facilitate the upward movement and rotation of the floating cage; the guide connecting rod prevents further rotation of the floating cage, ensuring a smooth ascent; and the non-powered roller conveyor allows for rapid and stable transport of the floating cage. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the floating cage in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a front view of the main body of the floating cage in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the back of the main body of the floating cage in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the work vessel in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the shuttle in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: Floating cage 10, towing rope 101, floating cage body 102, plastic buoyancy block 103, ring 104, buoy ball 105, main rope 106, plastic float 107, movable buckle 108, cage door 109, workboat 20, hull 201, first fixed post 202, second fixed post 203, bracket 204, winding device 205, servo motor 206, spring buckle 207, diesel engine 208, motor switch 209, cockpit 210, adjusting handle 211, adjusting rope 212, shuttle 30, floating platform 301, guide link Connecting rod 302, first fixed rod 303, second fixed rod 304, front connecting rod 305, third fixed rod 306, fourth fixed rod 307, rear connecting rod 308, left guard rod 309, right guard rod 310, left guide rod 311, right guide rod 312, guide connecting rod 313, guide ring 314, non-powered roller slide 315, first adjusting fixed column 316, second adjusting fixed column 317, third adjusting fixed column 318, fourth adjusting fixed column 319, left guard plate 320, right guard plate 321, first connecting ring 322, second connecting ring 323. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the technical solution of the present invention will be described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] like Figures 1-5 As shown, a semi-automated oyster farming and harvesting device for single oyster farming in inner bay waters includes a floating cage 10, a working vessel 20, and a shuttle 30. The floating cage includes a tow rope 101.

[0030] The work vessel includes a hull 201, a first fixed post 202, a second fixed post 203, a bracket 204, a winding device 205, a servo motor 206, and a spring buckle 207. The bracket connects the hull and the winding device. The winding device is located at the output end of the servo motor. The traction rope is wound around the winding device. The first fixed post and the second fixed post are arranged parallel to each other on the same side of the hull. The first fixed post is located at the stern of the hull. The spring buckle is located below the hull, and the traction rope is threaded through the spring buckle.

[0031] The shuttle includes a floating platform 301, a guide frame, a guide connecting rod 302, an adjusting frame, and two connecting rings. The two connecting rings are located on the sides of the floating platform and are respectively sleeved on the outside of the first fixed post and the second fixed post. The guide frame is located on the front side of the upper surface of the floating platform, and the adjusting frame is located on the rear side of the upper surface of the floating platform. The guide connecting rod connects the guide frame and the adjusting frame. The guide frame includes a guard rod, a guide rod, a front fixed rod, and a rear fixed rod. The front fixed rod and the rear fixed rod are arranged parallel to each other on the floating platform. The guard rod connects the front fixed rod and the rear fixed rod, and the guide rod is located below the guard rod.

[0032] Specifically, the floating cage is the core carrier for oyster farming, and its structural design is as follows.

[0033] Float body 102: The float is made of high-density polyethylene, which has good corrosion resistance and durability. A plastic buoyancy block 103 is provided on the top of the float to provide buoyancy and ensure that the float floats on the water surface; two circular rings 104 are provided on both sides of the lower middle position of the float for connecting with plastic float rods.

[0034] Buoy 105 and main rope 106: The buoy is set at both ends of the main rope and connected by the main rope, serving to fix and mark the target. The main rope consists of several plastic floats 107, which are connected to each other by movable buckles 108, and can be flexibly increased or decreased according to the number of floats.

[0035] Towing rope: The towing rope is connected to two buoys, is longer than the main rope, and extends below the water surface. It is used to pull the floating cage during the harvesting process.

[0036] The float cage's flexibility: The float cage is fixed to a plastic buoy via a lower ring. The ring's diameter is slightly larger than the buoy, allowing the cage to rotate freely around it. Periodic adjustments to the cage's position allow the oysters to periodically receive sunlight, improving their texture and flavor. Simultaneously, the natural waves cause the cage to sway, creating friction between the oysters and naturally polishing their shells, thus enhancing their quality and appearance. Both sides of the float cage have doors 109 for easy oyster placement, harvesting, and routine inspection and maintenance.

[0037] The work vessel is a mobile platform for harvesting operations, and its structural design is as follows.

[0038] Cockpit and Power System: The work vessel is equipped with a cockpit 210 on its hull, a diesel engine 208 on one side of the stern at the rear of the hull, and a DC servo motor on the other side. The diesel engine provides power for the movement of the hull, and the DC servo motor is connected to a winder via a bracket to control the release and retraction of the traction rope. The bracket is rotatably connected to the hull.

[0039] Motor controller and motor switch 209: The DC servo motor is equipped with a motor controller for adjusting the forward direction and speed of the traction rope. The motor switch is located on the first fixed post and controls the start and stop of the servo motor via wiring, facilitating operation.

[0040] Fixed posts and adjustment devices: A first fixed post and a second fixed post are installed parallel to each other on one side of the hull of the working vessel. The second fixed post is closer to the bow, and the first fixed post is closer to the stern. The first fixed post is connected to the winder bracket via an adjustment rope. The adjustment handle 211 on the first fixed post can adjust the height of the winder via the adjustment rope 212 to adapt to different operating needs.

[0041] Spring buckle: A spring buckle is installed below the bow of the work vessel to secure the towing rope of the surface buoy and ensure the forward direction of the towing rope.

[0042] The shuttle is a key device for realizing the harvesting of floating cages, and its structural design is as follows.

[0043] Floating platform: The shuttle is set on the floating platform. The length of the rear fixed rod is greater than that of the front fixed rod. The front fixed rod includes a first fixed rod 303, a second fixed rod 304, and a front connecting rod 305. The rear fixed rod includes a third fixed rod 306, a fourth fixed rod 307, and a rear connecting rod 308. The front connecting rod connects the first fixed rod and the second fixed rod, and the rear connecting rod connects the third fixed rod and the fourth fixed rod. One end of the guide connecting rod is connected to the rear connecting rod.

[0044] Guardrails and guide rods: The guardrails include a left guardrail 309 and a right guardrail 310. The width between the left and right guardrails is greater than the width of the float cage. The left guardrail is connected to the top of the first and third fixed rods, and the right guardrail is connected to the top of the second and fourth fixed rods. The angle of inclination between the guardrails and the float is 45°. One end of the guardrail is straight, and a guide arc is provided on the side near the float, extending outwards to the left and right sides of the float.

[0045] The guide rods include a left guide rod 311 and a right guide rod 312. The left guide rod is positioned below the left guard rod, and the right guide rod is positioned below the right guard rod. The distance between the left and right guide rods is less than the distance between the left and right guard rods. The guide rods are bent inward at their water-side ends and are positioned below the water surface. Specifically, the guide rods also include a guide connecting rod 313. One end of the guide connecting rod is fixed at the midpoint of the front connecting rod. The water-side ends of the left and right guide rods are bent inward and connected to the other end of the guide connecting rod to form a closed guide ring 314. The guide ring extends below the water surface to guide the movement direction of the float cage. The left guide rod's water-side end bends outward and downward at an angle, while the right guide rod's water-side end bends outward and upward at an angle, creating a height difference to guide the float cage's ascent and rotation.

[0046] Adjustment frame: The adjustment frame includes a protective frame and a non-powered roller slide 315. The protective frame includes adjustment fixing posts and guard plates. The adjustment fixing posts include a first adjustment fixing post 316, a second adjustment fixing post 317, a third adjustment fixing post 318, and a fourth adjustment fixing post 319 set in front of the floating platform. The four adjustment fixing posts are at the same height. The guard plates include a left guard plate 320 and a right guard plate 321. The left guard plate is connected to the first and third adjustment fixing posts, and the right guard plate is connected to the second and fourth adjustment fixing posts. The left and right guard plates are parallel, and the width between the left and right guard plates is the same as the distance between the left and right guard rods. Several non-powered roller slides are arranged parallel to each other below the left and right guard plates. A front adjustment connecting rod is provided between the first and second adjustment fixing columns, and a rear adjustment connecting rod is provided between the third and fourth adjustment fixing columns. The front adjustment connecting rod, the rear adjustment connecting rod and the non-powered roller slide are at the same height. The front adjustment connecting rod and the rear connecting rod are connected by a guide connecting rod in the middle, which is used to realize the rapid and stable transportation of the floating cage body and reduce resistance.

[0047] Connecting rings: A first connecting ring 322 and a second connecting ring 323 are provided on the outer side of the floating platform. The positions of the first connecting ring and the second connecting ring correspond to the first fixed column and the second fixed column of the working vessel, and are used to connect the floating platform to the working vessel to ensure the stability of the harvesting process.

[0048] Example 2

[0049] Example 1 mainly consists of the following stages in its use.

[0050] Breeding stage.

[0051] The floating cage, aided by buoys, plastic buoyancy blocks, and plastic buoys, floats on the water's surface, using natural waves to shape and refine the oysters, resulting in smooth-shaped oysters that require no further manual shaping.

[0052] Regularly turning over the oyster cages increases sunlight exposure, improves the texture and flavor of the oysters, and further optimizes their growth environment.

[0053] Harvesting stage.

[0054] The floating platform is connected to the first and second fixed posts of the work vessel via the first connecting ring and the second connecting ring to ensure a stable connection between the two.

[0055] Place the first buoy body on the closed guide ring, fix one end of the traction rope of the surface buoy to the spring buckle at the bow of the work vessel, and fix the other end to the winder.

[0056] Adjust the height of the winder by adjusting the handle and the adjusting rope to tighten the traction rope. Turn on the servo motor switch, and the winder will start rotating, driving the traction rope forward.

[0057] The main body of the floating cage slides forward under the action of the traction rope, passing through the closed guide ring, guide rod, guide connecting rod and unpowered roller slide in sequence, and finally leaves the floating platform and floats to the sea surface.

[0058] With the help of the left and right guide rods, the main body of the float cage is vertical, and the guide connecting rod prevents the float cage from rotating further, ensuring that the float cage rises smoothly.

[0059] When the main body of the floating cage passes through the unpowered roller slide, it is conveyed quickly and smoothly under the action of the rollers, reducing resistance.

[0060] Workers can stand in front of the guide connecting rod to perform tasks such as loading oyster seedlings, separating seedlings, cleaning cages, or harvesting oysters. When loading and separating seedlings, the upper cage door can be quickly opened to load the oyster seedlings into the floating cages; when cleaning the cages, they can be directly rinsed with a high-pressure water gun; when harvesting oysters, the cage door is opened and then inverted to quickly empty the oysters.

[0061] This invention achieves semi-automated operation of oyster farming and harvesting by optimizing the design of the floating cages, working boats and shuttles, which has significant economic and social benefits and can be widely applied to the oyster farming industry in coastal bays.

[0062] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the structural concept and features of the present invention, intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made based on the essence of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A semi-automated oyster farming and harvesting device for single-unit oyster farming in inner bay waters, characterized in that: It includes a surface float, a workboat, and a shuttle, wherein the surface float includes a towing rope; The work vessel includes a hull, a first fixed post, a second fixed post, a bracket, a winding device, a servo motor, and a spring buckle. The bracket connects the hull and the winding device. The winding device is located at the output end of the servo motor. The traction rope is wound around the winding device. The first fixed post and the second fixed post are arranged parallel to each other on the same side of the hull. The first fixed post is located at the stern of the hull. The spring buckle is located below the hull, and the traction rope passes through the spring buckle. The shuttle includes a floating platform, a guide frame, a guide connecting rod, an adjusting frame, and two connecting rings. The two connecting rings are located on the side of the floating platform and are respectively sleeved on the outside of the first fixed column and the second fixed column. The guide frame is located on the front side of the upper surface of the floating platform, and the adjusting frame is located on the rear side of the upper surface of the floating platform. The guide connecting rod connects the guide frame and the adjusting frame. The guide frame includes a guard rod, a guide rod, a front fixed rod, and a rear fixed rod. The front fixed rod and the rear fixed rod are arranged parallel to each other on the floating platform. The guard rod connects the front fixed rod and the rear fixed rod, and the guide rod is located below the guard rod. The length of the rear fixing rod is greater than the length of the front fixing rod. The front fixing rod includes a first fixing rod, a second fixing rod, and a front connecting rod. The rear fixing rod includes a third fixing rod, a fourth fixing rod, and a rear connecting rod. The guard rod includes a left guard rod and a right guard rod. The front connecting rod connects the first fixing rod and the second fixing rod. The rear connecting rod connects the third fixing rod and the fourth fixing rod. One end of the guide connecting rod is connected to the rear connecting rod. The left guard rod is connected to the top ends of the first fixing rod and the third fixing rod. The right guard rod is connected to the top ends of the second fixing rod and the fourth fixing rod. The angle between the guard rod and the floating platform is 45°. A guide arc is provided on the side of the guard rod near the floating platform, and the guide arc extends outward from the floating platform. The guide rod includes a left guide rod and a right guide rod. The left guide rod is located below the left guard rod, and the right guide rod is located below the right guard rod. The distance between the left guide rod and the right guide rod is less than the distance between the left guard rod and the right guard rod. The guide rod also includes a guide connecting rod. One end of the guide connecting rod is fixed at the midpoint of the front connecting rod. The water-near ends of the left and right guide rods are bent inward and connected to the other end of the guide connecting rod to form a closed guide ring. The guide ring extends towards the water surface to below the water surface. The end of the left guide rod away from the water surface is bent outward and diagonally downward, and the end of the right guide rod away from the water surface is bent outward and diagonally upward. The adjustment frame includes a protective frame and a non-powered roller slide. Parallel protective plates are provided on both sides of the protective frame. The non-powered roller slide is located in the protective frame in the middle of the protective plates. The distance between the protective plates is the same as the distance between the left guard rod and the right guard rod.

2. The semi-automatic oyster farming and harvesting device for single oyster farming in inner bays according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bracket is rotatably connected to the hull. The workboat also includes an adjustment rope and an adjustment handle. The adjustment handle is slidably mounted on the first fixed column. The adjustment rope connects the bracket and the adjustment handle.

3. The semi-automatic oyster farming and harvesting device for single oyster farming in inner bays according to claim 1, characterized in that: The floating cage also includes a main body, buoyancy blocks, buoys, and a main rope. The buoyancy blocks are positioned above the main body, the buoys are positioned at both ends of the main rope, the buoyancy blocks are laid on the main rope, and the two ends of the traction rope are connected to the buoys. The length of the traction rope is greater than the length of the main rope.

4. The semi-automatic oyster farming and harvesting device for single oyster farming in inner bays according to claim 3, characterized in that: The main rope includes a plastic float and movable buckles. The movable buckles are located at both ends of the plastic float, and the plastic float is connected to form the main rope through the movable buckles. There are rings on both sides of the lower middle of the float body. The float body is connected to the plastic float through the rings. The diameter of the ring is larger than the outer diameter of the plastic float, and the float body can rotate around the plastic float. There are cage doors on both sides of the float body.

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