Pipe node connection components and aquaculture cages

Abstract

This invention discloses a pipe node connection assembly and an aquaculture cage, relating to the field of deep-sea aquaculture equipment technology. The pipe node connection assembly is applied to an aquaculture cage, which includes a central column and multiple edge columns. The pipe node connection assembly includes struts, spokes, and an elbow plate structure. Adjacent edge columns are connected by struts, with each edge column connected to two struts. The central column is connected to multiple edge columns via multiple spokes, with the spokes positioned between two struts on the same edge column. The elbow plate structure is fan-shaped and connected to the outer periphery of the edge columns. The elbow plate structure is positioned between the struts and spokes, with the radial sections on both sides of the elbow plate structure connected to the struts and spokes, respectively. This invention, through the coordinated arrangement and connection of the struts, spokes, and elbow plate structure, effectively enhances the connection strength and stress concentration resistance of key pipe nodes in the aquaculture cage, while reducing structural complexity and saving economic costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of deep-sea aquaculture equipment technology, and in particular to a pipe node connection component and an aquaculture cage. Background Technology

[0002] Aquaculture cages are a common type of deep-sea aquaculture equipment, typically composed of components such as columns, spokes, and struts. With the expansion of aquaculture scale and increased environmental loads, the overall rigidity and reliability of local connections of the cages face higher requirements. In particular, the pipe joints connecting the columns to the spokes and struts are prone to stress concentration at the ends due to displacement differences between adjacent columns under the influence of waves and currents, affecting structural safety and durability.

[0003] Currently, the connection between columns mainly draws on the design concept of pipe nodes in marine engineering platforms. Common methods include: First, setting reinforcing ribs and T-shaped profiles inside the column for local reinforcement, but this leads to complex internal structure and increased use of thick plates; Second, increasing the pipe diameter at the node to improve bending and torsional resistance, but this method consumes a lot of steel and has a complex process. This solution is more suitable for marine engineering platforms, but the cost is too high for aquaculture platforms and the economic efficiency is low.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of pipe node connection component that can solve the problem of reducing structural complexity and economic cost while ensuring the strength of the node connection. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to propose a pipe node connection component and an aquaculture cage, aiming to solve the problem of reducing structural complexity and economic cost while ensuring the strength of the node connection.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the pipe node connection assembly proposed in this invention is applied to aquaculture cages. The aquaculture cage includes a central column and multiple edge columns. The pipe node connection assembly includes struts, spokes, and an elbow plate structure. Adjacent edge columns are connected by struts, and each edge column is connected to two struts. The central column is connected to multiple edge columns via multiple spokes. On the same edge column, the spokes are located between two struts. The elbow plate structure is fan-shaped and connected to the outer periphery of the edge columns. The elbow plate structure is located between the struts and spokes, and the radius segments on both sides of the elbow plate structure are connected to the struts and spokes, respectively.

[0007] In one embodiment, the elbow plate structure includes a connecting part and two elbow plate bodies. The two elbow plate bodies are spaced apart along the axial direction of the edge column and are arranged in parallel. The elbow plate bodies are fan-shaped, and the radial segments on both sides of the elbow plate bodies are connected to the struts and spokes, respectively. The outer arc segments of the two elbow plate bodies are connected by the connecting part so that the elbow plate structure, the edge column, the spokes, and the struts form a sealed structure.

[0008] In one embodiment, the connecting part is arc-shaped, and the arc protrusion of the connecting part is set in a direction away from the edge post where the connecting part is located. The diameter of the arc segment of the connecting part is consistent with the distance between the two elbow plates.

[0009] In one embodiment, the distance between the two elbow plates is less than or equal to the diameter of the spokes.

[0010] In one embodiment, the diameter of the spoke is larger than the diameter of the strut, and the distance between the two elbow plates is the same as the diameter of the strut.

[0011] In one embodiment, the diameter of the spoke is set to 1200mm ± 100mm; and / or, the diameter of the strut is set to 1000mm ± 100mm; and / or, the length of the radius segment of the elbow plate is positively correlated with the length of the spoke; and / or, the length of the radius segment of the elbow plate is set to 2000mm to 3000mm.

[0012] In one embodiment, the spoke extends into the interior of the edge post at one end and passes through one side of the outer perimeter of the edge post to the other side.

[0013] In one embodiment, the structure in which the spokes are located inside the edge post is the first internal structure; one end of each of the two struts located on the same edge post extends into the interior of the edge post, and the two struts intersect on both sides of the first internal structure.

[0014] In one embodiment, a portion of the radius segment of the elbow plate extends into the interior of the edge post, and the center of the elbow plate is located inside the edge post.

[0015] The present invention also proposes an aquaculture cage, comprising a central column, multiple edge columns, and the aforementioned pipe node connection assembly, wherein the multiple edge columns are distributed around the central column; the central column is connected to the edge columns through spokes in the pipe node connection assembly, and adjacent edge columns are connected through struts in the pipe node connection assembly, with an elbow plate structure in the pipe node connection assembly provided between the struts and spokes.

[0016] The technical solution of this invention applies the pipe node connection assembly to aquaculture cages. Specifically, it utilizes struts to connect adjacent edge posts, with each edge post connected to two struts, thus providing lateral support between the edge posts. This effectively reduces the displacement difference between adjacent posts caused by waves or ocean currents, avoiding stress concentration at the ends. Simultaneously, the central post is connected to multiple edge posts via multiple spokes, with the spokes positioned between two struts on the same edge post, thus creating radial constraint on the edge posts. This ensures a more uniform load distribution when the load is transferred from the central post to the edge posts, improving the overall structural stability. In particular, by employing a fan-shaped elbow plate structure connected to the outer periphery of the edge posts and positioned between the struts and spokes, with the radial sections on both sides of the elbow plate structure connected to the struts and spokes respectively, the elbow plate structure, struts, spokes, and edge posts form a unified cage end structure. This increases the contact area between the struts and spokes, effectively dispersing stress concentration at the cage end, avoiding localized stress peaks, and significantly improving the stress distribution at the cage end, thereby ensuring the connection strength of the pipe node. Meanwhile, the elbow plate structure adopted in this solution has a simple structure and requires less material. The elbow plate structure can be extended to the interior of the edge column without the need to add additional reinforcing ribs or other complex structures inside the edge column, nor is it necessary to increase the diameter of the spokes and struts, thereby reducing the complexity of the structure and saving economic costs.

[0017] Overall, this pipe node connection assembly, through the coordinated arrangement and connection of struts, spokes, and elbow plate structures, effectively enhances the connection strength, rigidity, and stress concentration resistance of key pipe nodes in aquaculture cages without requiring complex internal reinforcement or a significant increase in steel consumption. It also reduces structural complexity and saves economic costs. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the pipe node connection component provided by the present invention; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of an embodiment of the pipe node connection component provided by the present invention; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the stress of a pipe node under finite element analysis, according to an embodiment of the pipe node connection component provided by the present invention. Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the stress of another pipe node in a finite element analysis of an embodiment of the pipe node connection assembly provided by the present invention.

[0020] Explanation of icon numbers: 1. Pipe node connection assembly; 11. Support rod; 12. Spoke rod; 121. First internal structure; 13. Elbow plate structure; 131. Connecting part; 132. Elbow plate body; 2. Edge pillars.

[0021] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0024] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0025] Aquaculture cages are a common type of deep-sea aquaculture equipment, typically composed of components such as columns, spokes, and struts. With the expansion of aquaculture scale and increased environmental loads, the overall rigidity and reliability of local connections of the cages face higher requirements. In particular, the pipe joints connecting the columns to the spokes and struts are prone to stress concentration at the ends due to displacement differences between adjacent columns under the influence of waves and currents, affecting structural safety and durability.

[0026] Currently, the connection between columns mainly draws on the design concept of pipe nodes in marine engineering platforms. Common methods include: First, setting reinforcing ribs and T-shaped profiles inside the column for local reinforcement, but this leads to complex internal structure and increased use of thick plates; Second, increasing the pipe diameter at the node to improve bending and torsional resistance, but this method consumes a lot of steel and has a complex process. This solution is more suitable for marine engineering platforms, but the cost is too high for aquaculture platforms and the economic efficiency is low.

[0027] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of pipe node connection component that can solve the problem of reducing structural complexity and economic cost while ensuring the strength of the node connection.

[0028] To address the above problems, this invention proposes a pipe node connection assembly.

[0029] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the pipe node connection assembly 1 is applied to an aquaculture cage. The aquaculture cage includes a central column (not shown in the figure) and multiple edge columns 2. The pipe node connection assembly 1 includes a support rod 11, spokes 12, and an elbow plate structure 13. Adjacent edge columns 2 are connected by support rods 11, and each edge column 2 is connected to two support rods 11. The central column is connected to multiple edge columns 2 by multiple spokes 12. On the same edge column 2, the spokes 12 are located between two support rods 11. The elbow plate structure 13 is fan-shaped and is connected to the outer periphery of the edge columns 2. The elbow plate structure 13 is disposed between the support rods 11 and the spokes 12, and the radius segments on both sides of the elbow plate structure 13 are connected to the support rods 11 and the spokes 12, respectively.

[0030] The technical solution of this invention applies the pipe node connection component 1 to the aquaculture cage. Specifically, it uses struts 11 to connect adjacent edge columns 2. Each edge column 2 is connected to two struts 11, thereby providing lateral support between the edge columns 2. This effectively reduces the displacement difference between adjacent columns caused by waves or ocean currents and avoids stress concentration at the ends. At the same time, the central column is connected to multiple edge columns 2 through multiple spokes 12. On the same edge column 2, the spokes 12 are located between two struts 11, thereby forming radial constraints on the edge columns 2. This makes the load distribution more uniform when it is transferred from the central column to the edge columns 2, improving the overall structural stability. In particular, by using a fan-shaped elbow plate structure 13 connected to the outer periphery of the edge post 2 and positioned between the support rod 11 and the spokes 12, with the radial sections on both sides of the elbow plate structure 13 connected to the support rod 11 and the spokes 12 respectively, the elbow plate structure 13, support rod 11, spokes 12, and edge post 2 form an integrated gabion end structure. This increases the contact area between the support rod 11 and the spokes 12, effectively dispersing stress concentration at the gabion end, avoiding local stress peaks, and significantly improving the stress distribution at the gabion end, thereby ensuring the connection strength of the pipe nodes. Simultaneously, the elbow plate structure 13 used in this scheme has a simple structural form and requires less material. The elbow plate structure 13 can extend to the interior of the edge post 2 without requiring additional reinforcing ribs or other complex structures inside the edge post 2, nor does it require increasing the pipe diameter of the spokes 12 and support rod 11, thus reducing structural complexity and saving economic costs.

[0031] Overall, the pipe node connection assembly 1, through the coordinated arrangement and connection of the struts 11, spokes 12 and elbow plate structure 13, effectively enhances the connection strength, rigidity and stress concentration resistance of the key pipe nodes of the aquaculture cage without the need for complex internal reinforcement or a significant increase in steel consumption, while reducing structural complexity and saving economic costs.

[0032] It should be noted that the fan-shaped shape of the elbow plate structure 13 refers to the fact that the cross-section of the elbow plate structure 13 (such as the upper or lower surface) is fan-shaped. The cross-section of the elbow plate structure 13 is formed by an arc and two radii, hence the fan shape. A part of the elbow plate structure 13 (i.e., the internal structure) can be set inside the edge post 2, that is, the center of the cross-section of the elbow plate structure 13 is located inside the edge post 2. The other part of the elbow plate structure 13 (i.e., the exposed structure) is set outside the edge post 2 and connected to the spokes 12 and the struts 11.

[0033] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2In an embodiment of the present invention, the elbow plate structure 13 includes a connecting part 131 and two elbow plate bodies 132. The two elbow plate bodies 132 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the edge column 2 and are arranged in parallel. The elbow plate bodies 132 are fan-shaped. The radial segments on both sides of the elbow plate bodies 132 are connected to the support rod 11 and the spoke rod 12, respectively. The outer arc segments of the two elbow plate bodies 132 are connected by the connecting part 131 so that the elbow plate structure 13, the edge column 2, the spoke rod 12, and the support rod 11 form a sealed structure.

[0034] In this embodiment, the elbow plate structure 13 includes a connecting part 131 and two fan-shaped elbow plate bodies 132 arranged axially spaced and parallel to each other along the edge column 2. This structure forms a double support in the axial direction through the two elbow plate bodies 132, which enhances the section modulus and deformation resistance of the node area when subjected to bending and torsional loads. This allows the force from the strut 11 and the spokes 12 to be transmitted to the edge column 2 more evenly through the two parallel elbow plate bodies 132, further optimizing the local stress distribution. Furthermore, the outer arc segments of the two elbow plate bodies 132 are connected by the connecting part 131, thereby integrating the two elbow plate bodies 132 into a whole rigid frame unit. The connecting part 131 and the two elbow plate bodies 132 work together to form a closed and sealed structure with the edge column 2, the spokes 12 and the strut 11. This sealed structure alters the stress distribution of the joint. Its closed section provides excellent torsional stiffness and in-plane shear capacity, effectively resisting multi-directional vibrations and alternating stresses caused by complex sea conditions, thus significantly improving the fatigue life and long-term reliability of the pipe joint. Simultaneously, this sealed structure creates a relatively isolated internal space, helping to reduce the accumulation of corrosive media at the joint gaps. This provides protection for the critical connection 131 and prevents water accumulation inside the elbow plate structure 13 from causing unnecessary weight gain and sinking of the aquaculture cage. Furthermore, the sealed structure is simple in form, without introducing overly complex internal components or significantly increasing plate thickness. Performance is primarily improved through optimization of the external configuration, maintaining relative simplicity in manufacturing processes and material economy.

[0035] Both the elbow plate 132 and the connecting part 131 can be made of steel that has been treated to prevent corrosion, such as stainless steel, so that while ensuring structural strength, they have excellent rust prevention capabilities and avoid seawater corrosion that could cause the elbow plate 132 and the connecting part 131 to lose strength in the short to medium term.

[0036] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In an embodiment of the present invention, the connecting part 131 is arc-shaped, and the arc protrusion of the connecting part 131 is arranged in a direction away from the edge post 2 where the connecting part 131 is located. The diameter of the arc segment of the connecting part 131 is consistent with the distance between the two elbow plates 132.

[0037] In this embodiment, the connecting part 131 is specifically designed to be arc-shaped, with its arc protrusion facing away from the edge post 2 it is connected to. This streamlined curved surface design conforms to the overall force transmission path formed by the elbow plate 132, the support rod 11, and the spokes 12, and can more smoothly guide and disperse the composite stress at the intersection of the support rod 11 and the spokes 12 to the entire curved surface of the connecting part 131, avoiding the local stress abrupt change points that may occur in traditional right-angle connections. In addition, the connecting part 131 can form a smooth transition with the upper and lower elbow plates 132, and the surface of the elbow plate 132 is relatively smooth. Therefore, the exposed structure of the elbow plate structure 13 is generally smooth, which can effectively reduce the risk of the exposed structure of the elbow plate structure 13 tearing the net and causing fish to leak out.

[0038] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In an embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the two elbow plates 132 is less than or equal to the diameter of the spokes 12.

[0039] In this embodiment, the spokes 12, as the main load-bearing component, need to resist the floating and sinking motion of the entire cage, and therefore bear a large force. The struts 11, as lateral connecting components, provide lateral support and bear a smaller force. The elbow structure 13 needs to provide support and stress dispersion for the spokes 12, which is the main load-bearing component. Therefore, the distance between the two elbow bodies 132 needs to be smaller than the diameter of the spokes 12, ensuring that the elbow structure 13 serves the main load-bearing component. This design allows the loads transmitted from the spokes 12 to the edge columns 2, especially bending moments and shear forces, to be more fully incorporated into the elbow body 132 composite structure with a larger cross-sectional height, thereby effectively improving the node's ability to resist bending loads caused by the spokes 12. Compared to designs with excessively large spacing between the elbow bodies 132, the dimensional relationships in this embodiment optimize material distribution, ensuring reinforcement while avoiding unnecessary structural redundancy, making the elbow structure 13 more compact and efficient.

[0040] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In an embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the spoke 12 is larger than the diameter of the support rod 11, and the distance between the two elbow plates 132 is the same as the diameter of the support rod 11.

[0041] In this embodiment, by setting the diameter of the spoke 12 to be larger than the diameter of the strut 11, the spoke 12 meets the mechanical requirements of being the main radial force transmission component between the central column and the edge columns 2. By making the diameter of the spoke 12 larger than that of the strut 11, the spoke 12 can withstand greater bending moments, shear forces, and axial forces, thereby effectively improving the node's ability to resist bending and axial loads caused by the spoke 12. Furthermore, setting the distance between the two elbow plates 132 to be consistent with the diameter of the thinner strut 11 not only ensures sufficient contact area and welding length when the radius segment of the elbow plate 132 is connected to the strut 11, guaranteeing connection strength, but also optimizes structural weight and avoids material waste caused by excessive spacing between the elbow plates 132 at the strut 11 connection, saving economic costs.

[0042] In embodiments of the present invention, the diameter of the spoke 12 is set to 1200mm ± 100mm; and / or, the diameter of the strut 11 is set to 1000mm ± 100mm; and / or, the length of the radius segment of the elbow plate 132 is positively correlated with the length of the spoke 12; and / or, the length of the radius segment of the elbow plate 132 is set to 2000mm to 3000mm.

[0043] In this embodiment, the diameter of the spoke 12 is optimized to 1200mm ± 100mm, and the diameter of the strut 11 is optimized to 1000mm ± 100mm. These dimensional ranges are based on engineering calculations and experience summaries of typical deep-sea aquaculture cage loads, achieving a good balance between structural strength, stiffness, and material economy, and providing a basis for standardized component production. Simultaneously, by making the radius length of the elbow plate 132 positively correlated with the length of the spoke 12, this design principle ensures that the reinforcement range of the elbow plate structure 13 can be adaptively adjusted according to the actual length of the spoke 12 (i.e., the distance between the central column and the edge column 2). A longer radius provides a longer force flow transition zone, more effectively and smoothly diffusing the internal force at the end of the spoke 12 to the edge column 2 and the strut 11, thereby systematically improving the suppression effect on the stress concentration problem at the nodes of cages of different specifications, and enhancing the universality and reliability of this pipe node connection component 1 scheme. According to the finite element stress analysis results, the radius segment length of the elbow plate 132 is usually set to 2000mm to 3000mm, which can meet the strength specifications.

[0044] The length of the radius segment of the elbow plate 132 refers to the radius between the center of the elbow plate 132 and the outer arc segment. Since the center of the elbow plate 132 may be located within the edge post 2, the length of the radius segment is not necessarily the shortest distance from the outer arc segment of the elbow plate 132 to the outer perimeter of the edge post 2. In actual measurement, the center of the elbow plate 132 can be determined based on the curvature of the outer arc segment, thus determining the length of the radius segment.

[0045] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In an embodiment of the present invention, the spoke 12 extends toward one end of the edge post 2 into the interior of the edge post 2 and passes through one side of the outer periphery of the edge post 2 to the other side of the outer periphery.

[0046] In this embodiment, by designing the end of the spoke 12 facing the edge post 2 to extend and penetrate the entire cross-section of the edge post 2, a rigid connection with the edge post 2 through the entire cross-section is formed between the spoke 12 and the edge post 2 in the node area. This through-type design allows the axial tensile force, compressive force, and bending moment borne by the spoke 12 to be directly and uniformly transmitted to the left and right side walls of the edge post 2 through its internal through section, avoiding the problems of eccentric force and excessive local weld stress that may occur when the spoke 12 is only welded to one side wall of the post. This structure greatly enhances the load-bearing stiffness and force transmission efficiency of the node in the axial direction of the spoke 12, and significantly improves the node's ability to resist unbalanced loads transmitted from the central post through the spoke 12, thereby further ensuring the reliability and safety of the pipe node connection under extreme sea conditions. Furthermore, this solution only requires extending one end of the spoke 12 into the interior of the edge post 2, without the need for additional reinforcing ribs or other components, and has the advantages of simple structure and ease of construction.

[0047] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In an embodiment of the present invention, the structure of the spoke 12 located inside the edge post 2 is the first internal structure 121; one end of each of the two support rods 11 located on the same edge post 2 extends into the interior of the edge post 2, and the two support rods 11 intersect on both sides of the first internal structure 121.

[0048] In this embodiment, two support rods 11 extend into the edge column 2 and intersect with both sides of the first internal structure 121, forming an internal cross-support structure. This design enables the support rods 11 and spokes 12 to form a spatial rigid frame inside the column, significantly improving the torsional and shear resistance of the node area. The intersecting interface facilitates the interactive transfer of loads, allowing the lateral force on the support rods 11 to be efficiently guided to the central column via the spokes 12, thus optimizing the overall force transmission path. Furthermore, the internal intersecting of the support rods 11 and spokes 12 avoids the need for external reinforcing ribs or thickened plates, maintaining structural simplicity while effectively controlling material usage and manufacturing costs, making it particularly suitable for aquaculture cage scenarios where economic efficiency is paramount.

[0049] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In an embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the radius segment of the elbow plate 132 extends into the interior of the edge post 2, and the center of the elbow plate 132 is located inside the edge post 2.

[0050] In this embodiment, the radius segment of the elbow plate 132 extends inward into the edge column 2, forming a combined internal and external reinforcement system with the external elbow plate. This creates a continuous stress diffusion path in the pipe joint area within three-dimensional space, significantly improving bending and torsional stiffness. Furthermore, the center of the elbow plate 132 is located inside the edge column 2. This synergistic internal and external structural design not only significantly reduces the risk of fatigue damage to the pipe joint under alternating ocean currents but also replaces localized reinforcement with the internal extension, avoiding the weight increase and manufacturing difficulties caused by increased plate thickness or complex components, thus balancing performance improvement and lightweight requirements.

[0051] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one embodiment of the present invention, a schematic diagram of the pipe node stress of the pipe node connection assembly 1 under finite element analysis is provided. From Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be seen from the stress and deformation, after the fan-shaped elbow plate structure 13 connects the spokes 12 and the support rods 11, it is connected to the edge column 2 of the aquaculture net cage to form an integral structure. This integral structure increases the contact area between the support rods 12 and the spokes 11, thereby effectively dispersing the stress concentration at the end and greatly improving the stress distribution at the pipe node.

[0052] This invention also proposes an aquaculture cage, which includes a central pillar, multiple edge pillars, and the aforementioned pipe node connection assembly. The specific structure of the pipe node connection assembly is as described in the above embodiments. Since this aquaculture cage adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it possesses at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be elaborated upon here. The multiple edge pillars are distributed around the central pillar; the central pillar is connected to the edge pillars via spokes in the pipe node connection assembly; adjacent edge pillars are connected by struts in the pipe node connection assembly; and an elbow plate structure in the pipe node connection assembly is provided between the struts and spokes.

[0053] It should be noted that the aquaculture cage can be a conventional rectangular cage, hexagonal cage, or other cages with a relatively small number of sides, corresponding to four or six edge posts on the outer perimeter, respectively. When the aquaculture water body is large, the aquaculture cage can be expanded to an octagonal or dodecagonal shape, with a corresponding increase in the number of edge posts. No limitation is made here regarding the number of sides or edge posts. Regardless of the number of sides used, a central post is located in the middle of the aquaculture cage, and this central post is connected to each edge post via spokes.

[0054] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings under the technical concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pipe node connection assembly, characterized in that, Applied to aquaculture cages, the aquaculture cages include a central post and multiple edge posts, and the pipe node connection assembly includes: The edge posts are connected by the struts, and each edge post is connected to two struts. The central column is connected to multiple edge columns via multiple spokes, and on the same edge column, the spokes are located between two support rods; An elbow plate structure, which is fan-shaped, is connected to the outer periphery of the edge post. The elbow plate structure is disposed between the support rod and the spokes, and the radius segments on both sides of the elbow plate structure are respectively connected to the support rod and the spokes.

2. The pipe node connection assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The elbow plate structure includes a connecting part and two elbow plate bodies. The two elbow plate bodies are spaced apart along the axial direction of the edge column and are arranged parallel to each other. The elbow plate bodies are fan-shaped. The radial segments on both sides of the elbow plate body are connected to the support rod and the spoke rod, respectively. The outer arc segments of the two elbow plate bodies are connected through the connecting part so that the elbow plate structure, the edge column, the spoke rod, and the support rod form a sealed structure.

3. The pipe node connection assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting part is arc-shaped, and the arc protrusion of the connecting part is set in a direction away from the edge column where the connecting part is located. The diameter of the arc segment of the connecting part is the same as the distance between the two elbow plates.

4. The pipe node connection assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The distance between the two elbow plates is less than or equal to the diameter of the spokes.

5. The pipe node connection assembly as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The diameter of the spoke is larger than the diameter of the support rod, and the distance between the two elbow plates is the same as the diameter of the support rod.

6. The pipe node connection assembly as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The diameter of the spoke is set to 1200mm ± 100mm; And / or, the diameter of the strut is set to 1000mm ± 100mm; And / or, the length of the radius segment of the elbow plate is positively correlated with the length of the spoke; And / or, the length of the radius segment of the elbow plate is set to 2000mm to 3000mm.

7. The pipe node connection assembly as described in any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that, The spoke extends into the interior of the edge post at one end and passes through the outer perimeter of the edge post from one side to the other side.

8. The pipe node connection assembly as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The structure in which the spokes are located inside the edge post is the first internal structure; one end of each of the two support rods located on the same edge post extends into the interior of the edge post, and the two support rods intersect on both sides of the first internal structure.

9. The pipe node connection assembly as described in claim 8, characterized in that, A portion of the radius segment of the elbow plate extends into the interior of the edge post, and the center of the elbow plate is located inside the edge post.

10. A type of aquaculture cage, characterized in that, include: Central pillar; Multiple edge pillars are distributed around the central pillar; According to any one of claims 1 to 9, the central column is connected to the edge column via a spoke in the pipe node connection assembly, and adjacent edge columns are connected via a strut in the pipe node connection assembly, wherein an elbow plate structure in the pipe node connection assembly is provided between the strut and the spoke.

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