Intelligent lifting type culture net cage integrating environment sensing and adaptive depth adjustment

Abstract

The application discloses an intelligent lifting type culture net cage integrated with environment sensing and adaptive depth adjustment, and belongs to the technical field of marine culture devices. The net cage main body comprises main columns and a net cover. The main columns are provided in plurality. A connecting rod is arranged between the side portions of two adjacent main columns. The periphery of the net cover is supported and tensioned by the main columns to form a closed culture space. A buoyancy adjusting mechanism is connected with the bottom of the main column and is used for adjusting the overall buoyancy of the net cage main body to vertically lift. A mooring positioning mechanism is connected with the buoyancy adjusting mechanism and is used for anchoring the net cage main body in a predetermined sea area and adapting the vertical lifting movement of the net cage main body. An environment sensing module is installed on the net cage main body. An intelligent control module is electrically connected with the environment sensing module and the buoyancy adjusting mechanism. The intelligent control module is internally provided with a decision algorithm, is used for receiving the data collected by the environment sensing module, and outputs a control instruction to the buoyancy adjusting mechanism according to a preset strategy to adaptively adjust the water depth where the net cage main body is located.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of marine aquaculture equipment technology, specifically relating to an intelligent lifting aquaculture cage that integrates environmental sensing and adaptive depth adjustment. Background Technology

[0002] As aquaculture expands into deeper and more remote seas, aquaculture facilities face increasingly severe marine environmental challenges. Deep-sea areas, such as offshore wind farms, are often accompanied by extreme weather events such as strong winds, giant waves, strong currents, and typhoons.

[0003] Traditional fixed or surface aquaculture cages are highly vulnerable in such environments, and are prone to structural damage, netting breakage, escape of cultured organisms, or even complete capsizing and drifting away under harsh sea conditions, resulting in huge economic losses and potential ecological risks.

[0004] Although some concepts or products of submersible cages exist, they often have the following problems: Operation relies on manual labor: Lifting operations usually require on-site human intervention (such as using a winch, adjusting the counterweight, or manually controlling the valve). Before or during severe weather, it is difficult for personnel to reach the site to operate, resulting in untimely response and high risk.

[0005] Lack of environmental awareness: It cannot automatically respond to real-time changes in sea state, and its elevation and descent decisions rely on external instructions or experience-based judgments, which are not accurate or timely enough.

[0006] Low level of intelligence: It lacks effective linkage with environmental monitoring, weather forecasting and remote control systems, making it difficult to achieve automated and intelligent risk avoidance and management.

[0007] Therefore, developing an intelligent aquaculture cage system that can autonomously sense environmental changes, make intelligent decisions, and automatically execute lifting and lowering operations is of great significance for ensuring the safety and efficiency of deep-sea aquaculture, and is especially suitable for integration with unmanned or minimally manned facilities such as offshore wind power. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the problem that marine aquaculture cages cannot autonomously sense environmental changes, make intelligent decisions, and automatically execute lifting and lowering operations. It proposes an intelligent lifting aquaculture cage that integrates environmental sensing and adaptive depth adjustment.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, the present invention provides an intelligent lifting aquaculture cage integrating environmental perception and adaptive depth adjustment, comprising a cage body, a buoyancy adjustment mechanism, a mooring and positioning mechanism, an environmental perception module and an intelligent control module; The main body of the cage includes main posts and netting. Several main posts are set up, and connecting rods are set between the sides of two adjacent main posts. The connecting rods include top connecting rods and bottom connecting rods. The upper edge of the netting is connected to the top connecting rod of the main post, and the lower edge of the netting is connected to the bottom connecting rod of the main post. The netting is supported and tensioned by the main posts to form a closed aquaculture space. The buoyancy adjustment mechanism is connected to the bottom of the main column of the cage body and is used to adjust the overall buoyancy of the cage body for vertical lifting and lowering. The mooring and positioning mechanism is connected to the buoyancy adjustment mechanism to anchor the main body of the cage in a predetermined sea area and to adapt to the vertical lifting and lowering movement of the main body of the cage. An environmental sensing module is installed on the main body of the cage to collect real-time environmental parameters of the sea area where the cage is located and the status parameters of the cage itself. The intelligent control module is electrically connected to the environmental sensing module and the buoyancy adjustment mechanism. The intelligent control module has a built-in decision algorithm to receive data collected by the environmental sensing module and output control commands to the buoyancy adjustment mechanism according to the preset strategy, so as to adaptively adjust the water depth of the main body of the cage.

[0010] Furthermore, the environmental sensing unit includes at least a wave condition measurement sensor, a cage attitude measurement sensor, and a depth sensor.

[0011] Furthermore, the conditions under which the decision-making algorithm triggers in-depth adjustments include detecting that the parameters collected by the environmental perception module exceed a preset safety threshold, or receiving external weather or sea condition warning signals.

[0012] Furthermore, the buoyancy adjustment system includes a fluid control unit and a ballast tank. The ballast tank has a variable capacity and is connected to the bottom of the main column. The fluid control unit is connected to the ballast tank and is used to change the overall buoyancy of the cage body by controlling the flow of fluid into and out of the ballast tank.

[0013] Furthermore, the ballast tank and the main column are either integrally connected or detachably connected.

[0014] Furthermore, the mooring and positioning mechanism includes an anchor chain and suction piles, with the suction piles installed on the seabed and connected to the ballast tank via the anchor chain.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes an energy supply system, which is connected to the intelligent control unit, the environmental sensing unit, and the buoyancy adjustment system respectively, for supplying power to the intelligent control unit, the environmental sensing unit, and the buoyancy adjustment system.

[0016] Furthermore, the energy supply system provides power to the umbilical cable, battery packs, or integrated renewable energy devices.

[0017] Furthermore, the main columns and connecting rods of the cage body are made of high-strength materials that are resistant to wind and waves and corrosion, such as HDPE, coated steel, or flexible composite materials.

[0018] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for operating an intelligent lifting aquaculture cage integrating environmental sensing and adaptive depth adjustment, comprising the following steps: The environmental sensing module collects environmental parameters of the water area where the aquaculture cage is located and the cage's own status parameters in real time, and transmits the data to the intelligent control module. The intelligent control module analyzes and processes the collected parameters, and combines the built-in decision-making algorithm and preset strategies to determine whether the water depth of the cage needs to be adjusted. When it is determined that the water depth needs to be adjusted, the intelligent control module generates the corresponding buoyancy adjustment control command and outputs it to the buoyancy adjustment mechanism. The buoyancy adjustment mechanism receives control commands and changes the overall buoyancy of the cage body by controlling the flow of fluid, adjusting the cage to adaptively rise and fall to the target water depth, and the depth sensor provides closed-loop feedback on the water depth.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial technical effects: This invention proposes an intelligent lifting aquaculture cage integrating environmental sensing and adaptive depth adjustment. The frame-type enclosed cage body is constructed using main columns and connecting rods to form a closed aquaculture space, significantly improving the cage's overall resistance to wind, waves, and water flow impacts. It is suitable for the complex environments of deep-sea areas, effectively preventing the escape of farmed organisms, and providing a stable installation foundation for each functional module, ensuring structural stability during operation in the sea. The buoyancy adjustment mechanism is connected to the bottom of the main column of the cage body, ensuring that the buoyancy adjustment force is vertically matched with the cage's center of gravity. This enables stable and precise vertical lifting of the cage body, avoiding the risk of tilting or overturning during lifting. Furthermore, this layout does not occupy aquaculture space and does not affect aquaculture operations or the activities of farmed organisms. The mooring and positioning mechanism is connected to the buoyancy adjustment mechanism, achieving a seamless lifting and lowering design. While stably anchoring the net cage in the designated sea area and preventing drift, it is fully adaptable to the vertical lifting and lowering movement of the cage. This solves the problems of traditional fixed mooring restricting cage lifting and lowering and the easy breakage of mooring components, ensuring the positioning stability of the net cage during lifting and lowering across the entire water depth range. The intelligent control module incorporates a decision-making algorithm and links with the environmental sensing module and buoyancy adjustment mechanism, enabling autonomous and intelligent triggering and execution of net cage water depth adjustment without manual intervention. It can quickly make depth adjustment decisions based on real-time data and respond promptly to avoid danger in adverse sea conditions. This is particularly suitable for aquaculture needs in unattended or minimally staffed sea areas such as offshore wind power, significantly reducing the risks and management costs of manual operation. Through the integrated design of environmental sensing and adaptive depth adjustment, it effectively solves the pain points of traditional net cages with fixed water depth and poor environmental adaptability, possessing significant practical value and economic benefits. The environmental sensing module captures real-time environmental parameters such as seawater temperature, dissolved oxygen, and water flow velocity, as well as the cage's own status, providing precise data support for depth adjustment decisions and preventing damage to aquaculture organisms due to sudden environmental changes. The intelligent control module, linked to the buoyancy adjustment mechanism, can adaptively adjust the cage's water depth, achieving dynamic adaptation to the aquaculture environment. It can sink to avoid danger during severe weather such as high temperatures and heavy rain, and rise to the optimal aquaculture water layer when sunlight and dissolved oxygen are suitable, significantly improving the survival rate and product quality. The mooring and positioning mechanism adapts to the lifting and lowering movements, ensuring stable cage positioning, preventing displacement and capsizing, and enhancing marine adaptability. This invention's deep integration of environmental sensing and adaptive depth adjustment gives the cage the core capability to autonomously sense environmental changes, make intelligent decisions, and automatically execute lifting and lowering operations. This significantly improves the automation and safety level of aquaculture cages, enabling them to dynamically adapt to the aquaculture water depth according to the marine environment, sinking to avoid danger during severe weather, and rising to the optimal aquaculture water layer when the environment is suitable, significantly improving the survival rate and product quality of aquaculture organisms. With a high degree of overall structural integration, it reduces manual intervention, lowers the labor intensity and management costs of aquaculture, and promotes the upgrading of aquaculture towards intelligence, precision, and safety, thus having broad prospects for promotion and application.The intelligent lifting aquaculture cage of this invention can autonomously sense environmental changes, make intelligent decisions, and automatically execute lifting operations. It is of great significance for ensuring the safety and efficiency of deep-sea aquaculture, and is especially suitable for integration and development with unmanned or minimally manned facilities such as offshore wind power. Attached Figure Description

[0020] 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 do not specifically limit the shapes and proportions of the components. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an intelligent lifting aquaculture cage that integrates environmental sensing and adaptive depth adjustment.

[0021] Among them, 1 is the main column, 2 is the ballast tank, 3 is the anchor chain, 4 is the suction pile, and 5 is the netting. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0026] Example 1 An intelligent lifting aquaculture cage integrating environmental sensing and adaptive depth adjustment includes a cage body, a buoyancy adjustment mechanism, a mooring and positioning mechanism, an environmental sensing module, and an intelligent control module; it enables autonomous and intelligent operation of the aquaculture equipment in marine areas. (See also...) Figure 1 The main body of the cage includes a main column 1 and a net 5. Several main columns 1 are provided, and a connecting rod is provided between the sides of two adjacent main columns 1. The connecting rod includes a top connecting rod and a bottom connecting rod. The upper edge of the net 2 is connected to the top connecting rod of the main column 1, and the lower edge of the net 2 is connected to the bottom connecting rod of the main column 1. The net surface of the net 2 is supported and tensioned by the main columns 1 to form a closed breeding space. The buoyancy adjustment mechanism is connected to the bottom of the main column 1 of the net cage body, and is used to adjust the overall buoyancy of the net cage body for vertical lifting and lowering. Directly connected to the net cage body, the buoyancy adjustment mechanism drives the net cage body to complete vertical lifting and lowering movements in the water by adjusting the overall buoyancy, providing a basis for adaptive depth adjustment. The mooring and positioning mechanism is connected to the buoyancy adjustment mechanism, and is used to anchor the net cage body in a predetermined sea area and adapt to its vertical lifting and lowering movements. The mooring and positioning mechanism is set up in conjunction with the buoyancy adjustment mechanism, achieving anchoring and positioning of the net cage body and preventing sea drift, while adapting to the vertical lifting and lowering movements of the net cage, ensuring that positioning constraints and lifting and lowering movements do not interfere with each other, and improving the stability and safety of the equipment in complex sea conditions. An environmental sensing module is installed on the net cage body to collect real-time environmental parameters of the sea area where the net cage body is located and the net cage body's own state parameters; the environmental sensing module is deployed on the net cage body to provide data support for intelligent decision-making. The intelligent control module is electrically connected to both the environmental sensing module and the buoyancy adjustment mechanism. The intelligent control module incorporates a decision-making algorithm to receive data collected by the environmental sensing module and output control commands to the buoyancy adjustment mechanism according to a preset strategy, adaptively adjusting the water depth of the cage body. By receiving and parsing environmental sensing data, generating and outputting control commands according to the preset control strategy, the buoyancy adjustment mechanism is driven to operate, thereby achieving adaptive adjustment of the water depth of the cage body. This achieves the goals of avoiding wind and waves, optimizing the aquaculture environment, and improving the safety and economy of aquaculture. The environmental sensing unit is equipped with at least a wave condition measurement sensor, a cage attitude measurement sensor, and a depth sensor to accurately monitor sea conditions, cage attitude, and real-time water depth, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the lifting and lowering control.

[0027] The environmental sensing unit includes at least a wave condition measurement sensor, a cage attitude measurement sensor, and a depth sensor. It aims to provide a reliable data foundation for the adaptive control of intelligent lifting aquaculture cages through multi-dimensional, high-precision real-time monitoring. Specifically, the wave condition measurement sensor acquires sea state parameters such as wave height and wave period in real time, providing a basis for judging severe sea conditions and initiating wind and wave avoidance lifting strategies. The cage attitude measurement sensor monitors the tilt, sway, and motion posture of the cage body, ensuring stability during lifting, lowering, and mooring, and avoiding safety risks such as capsizing and displacement. The depth sensor collects the actual depth of the cage body in the water in real time, enabling accurate feedback and closed-loop control of the target water depth. Through the coordinated operation of these three types of sensors, the external marine environment and the cage's own status can be comprehensively perceived, ensuring that the intelligent control module can output reasonable and stable adjustment commands based on actual operating conditions, improving the adaptability and safety of the cage in complex marine environments.

[0028] The decision-making algorithm triggers depth adjustments when parameters collected by the environmental sensing module exceed preset safety thresholds, or when external weather or sea condition warning signals are received. The algorithm uses various real-time parameters collected by the environmental sensing module and external warning information as input, comparing them with preset safety thresholds to intelligently trigger and control the raising and lowering of the net cages. When the decision-making algorithm determines that marine environmental parameters exceed preset safety thresholds, or receives warning signals from external weather or sea conditions, it immediately generates and outputs depth adjustment control commands, driving the buoyancy adjustment mechanism to perform corresponding actions, automatically adjusting the net cage to a safe water depth. This achieves proactive risk avoidance and adaptive control under adverse sea conditions, ensuring the safe and stable operation of the aquaculture net cages and the aquaculture organisms.

[0029] The buoyancy adjustment system includes a fluid control unit and a ballast tank 2. The ballast tank has a variable capacity and is connected to the bottom of the main column 1. The fluid control unit is connected to the ballast tank and is used to change the overall buoyancy of the net cage body by controlling the flow of fluid into and out of the ballast tank 2. The fluid control unit controls the flow of fluid. The ballast tank has a variable volume structure. By changing the amount of fluid injected and discharged into the tank, the overall buoyancy and gravity ratio of the net cage can be adjusted. The fluid control unit controls the flow of fluid into and out of the ballast tank. According to the instructions of the intelligent control unit, it precisely regulates the water intake, drainage or air filling and degassing processes, thereby changing the effective volume and drainage of the tank body, realizing the floating, submerging, and suspending positioning of the net cage body in the water, and providing stable and reliable power for adaptive depth adjustment.

[0030] Ballast tank 2 and main column 1 are either integrally connected or detachably connected; the mooring and positioning mechanism includes anchor chain 3 and suction pile 4. Suction pile 4 is installed on the seabed and serves as the basic anchoring structure for the entire cage; suction pile 4 is connected to ballast tank 2 via anchor chain 3. While achieving cage positioning and preventing drift, it can adapt to the vertical lifting and lowering movement of the cage, ensuring that the cage maintains reliable anchoring and a stable attitude during lifting and lowering.

[0031] It also includes an energy supply system, which connects to the intelligent control unit, environmental sensing unit, and buoyancy adjustment system to supply power to these components. This system is responsible for providing a stable and continuous power supply to the intelligent control unit, environmental sensing unit, and buoyancy adjustment system, ensuring the normal operation of the entire intelligent lifting aquaculture cage's sensing, decision-making, and execution mechanisms. It is the fundamental guarantee for realizing the intelligent and automated operation of the cage. The energy supply system can be powered by umbilical cables, battery packs, or integrated renewable energy devices. When using umbilical cable power, long-term stable power supply can be achieved through external power sources from the shore or platform. When using battery packs, it can provide independent and flexible emergency or continuous power supply capabilities, suitable for operations in distant sea areas. When using renewable energy devices, it can utilize clean energy sources such as solar and wind power to achieve self-generation, improving the cage's endurance and green energy efficiency.

[0032] The main support column 1 and connecting rods of the cage body are made of high-strength materials that are resistant to wind and waves and corrosion, such as HDPE, coated steel, or flexible composite materials. This significantly improves the structural strength and marine environment tolerance of the cage body, effectively resisting the impact of strong winds, giant waves, and strong currents in the deep sea, while also resisting seawater corrosion, extending the overall service life of the cage, and adapting to the needs of long-term aquaculture operations in the deep sea.

[0033] Example 2 A method for operating an intelligent lifting aquaculture cage integrating environmental sensing and adaptive depth adjustment includes the following steps: The environmental sensing module collects environmental parameters of the water area where the aquaculture cage is located and the cage's own status parameters in real time, and transmits the data to the intelligent control module. The intelligent control module analyzes and processes the collected parameters, and combines the built-in decision-making algorithm and preset strategies to determine whether the water depth of the cage needs to be adjusted. When it is determined that the water depth needs to be adjusted, the intelligent control module generates the corresponding buoyancy adjustment control command and outputs it to the buoyancy adjustment mechanism. The buoyancy adjustment mechanism receives control commands and changes the overall buoyancy of the cage body by controlling the flow of fluid, adjusting the cage to adaptively rise and fall to the target water depth, and the depth sensor provides closed-loop feedback on the water depth.

[0034] This embodiment achieves adaptive water depth adjustment of aquaculture cages through a closed-loop control logic of environmental perception, intelligent decision-making, and automatic execution. First, it collects real-time external environmental parameters and the cage's own operational status parameters, providing a data foundation for subsequent control. Second, it analyzes, calculates, and judges the collected parameters, and combines this with the system's preset decision-making strategy to comprehensively determine whether the current operating conditions require adjustment of the cage's water depth. When the water depth adjustment conditions are met, it automatically generates corresponding control commands and sends them to the buoyancy adjustment mechanism. By changing the overall buoyancy of the cage, it drives the cage to adaptively rise and fall to the target water depth, thereby optimizing the aquaculture environment and actively avoiding harsh sea conditions, improving the safety, stability, and intelligence level of the cage operation.

[0035] Example 3 An intelligent lifting aquaculture cage integrating environmental sensing and adaptive depth adjustment includes: a main cage structure, a buoyancy adjustment system for changing the overall buoyancy of the cage, a mooring system that allows the cage to move vertically, an environmental sensing unit for monitoring environmental parameters, and an intelligent control unit that automatically controls the buoyancy adjustment system based on environmental parameters to adjust the cage depth.

[0036] The environmental sensing unit includes at least sensors for measuring or estimating wave conditions and / or cage attitude, as well as a depth sensor.

[0037] The intelligent control unit contains a decision-making algorithm that triggers deep adjustments when it detects that environmental parameters exceed preset thresholds or receives external warning signals.

[0038] The buoyancy regulation system includes a variable-capacity buoyancy tank or ballast water tank, and a fluid control unit for controlling the inflow and outflow of fluid.

[0039] It also includes an energy supply system that powers the intelligent control unit, environmental sensing unit, and buoyancy adjustment system. The energy supply system can be powered by umbilical cable, battery packs, or integrated renewable energy devices.

[0040] Specifically, an intelligent lifting aquaculture cage integrating environmental sensing and adaptive depth adjustment includes: 1. Main structure of the cage: The aquaculture cage frame and netting are constructed using high-strength, corrosion-resistant materials such as HDPE, coated steel, and flexible composite materials with a wind and wave resistant design.

[0041] 2. Buoyancy Adjustment System: Used to change the overall buoyancy of the cage to control its vertical movement. This system may include: One or more variable-capacity buoyancy tanks or ballast water tanks are integrated on the cage frame.

[0042] 2. A fluid control unit, including a water pump, an air pump, solenoid valves, pipelines, etc., is used to precisely control the entry and exit of water or air into the buoyancy / ballast tank, thereby increasing or decreasing the buoyancy of the cage.

[0043] 3. Mooring System: Used to anchor the cages in a designated sea area and allow them to move vertically up and down. This system is usually multi-point mooring and its design needs to adapt to changes in depth, for example, by using mooring cables with counterweights, elastic elements, or underwater constant tension winches.

[0044] 4. Environmental Sensing Unit: Installed on the main body or auxiliary structure of the cage, used for real-time monitoring of key environmental parameters. It should include at least: 1. Wave / Attitude Sensors: such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, or dedicated wave sensors, used to measure or estimate real-time wave height, wave period, and the cage's own swaying, tilting, and other attitudes.

[0045] 2. Depth sensor: Used to accurately measure the current water depth of the cage.

[0046] 3. Optionally, it may also include: a flow meter, water quality sensors for temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, etc., acoustic fish detection equipment, or an underwater camera.

[0047] 5. Intelligent Control Unit: This is typically an embedded controller or microprocessor installed within a watertight compartment. This unit: 1. Receive real-time data from the environmental sensing unit.

[0048] 2. Optionally, external instructions or weather forecast information, such as typhoon warnings, can be received via the communication module.

[0049] 3. Built-in decision algorithm: Based on preset logic such as wave height / attitude exceeding the safety threshold or receiving a warning instruction, determine whether the depth needs to be adjusted.

[0050] 4. Output control signals to the buoyancy adjustment system, instructing it to perform inflation / deflation operations to reach the target depth.

[0051] 5. Record operating status and environmental data.

[0052] 6. Energy Supply System: Provides power to control units, sensors, pumps, valves, etc. One or a combination of the following methods can be used: 1. Power is supplied via an underwater umbilical cable connected to a nearby platform, such as a wind turbine jacket.

[0053] 2. A large-capacity battery pack is used and placed inside the main column, which can be periodically recharged on the water via a maintenance vessel.

[0054] 3. Integrate small-scale renewable energy devices (such as solar panels attached to the cage frame or surface buoys, and small wave energy devices).

[0055] 7. Communication module (optional but recommended: used for data exchange and command transmission with a remote monitoring center or nearby platform. Underwater acoustic communication, fiber optic communication via umbilical cable, or radio communication can be used if a surface unit is present.)

[0056] An operation method for an intelligent lifting aquaculture cage integrating environmental perception and adaptive depth adjustment includes the following steps: real-time monitoring of environmental parameters around the cage; comparing the monitored environmental parameters with preset thresholds or processing external early warning signals; and automatically controlling the buoyancy adjustment system to change the buoyancy of the cage when predetermined conditions are met, so that the cage submerges to or rises to the target depth.

[0057] Specifically, the working principle of an intelligent lifting aquaculture cage integrating environmental perception and adaptive depth adjustment is as follows: 1. Normal state: The net cages are usually located in the surface or subsurface water depth suitable for aquaculture. The control unit continuously monitors environmental parameters.

[0058] 2. Triggered Dive: When the environmental perception unit detects that the wave height, sway amplitude, etc. exceed the preset safety threshold, or when the control unit receives severe weather warning instructions from external sources such as the meteorological center or wind farm control room, the decision algorithm determines that a dive is necessary to avoid danger.

[0059] 3. Descent: The control unit activates the buoyancy adjustment system, such as starting the water pump to inject water into the ballast tank or expelling air from the buoyancy tank, reducing the net buoyancy of the cage and allowing it to descend slowly and controllably. The depth sensor provides real-time feedback on the current depth.

[0060] 4. Maintaining Depth: Once the preset safe depth is reached, which is usually significantly reduced by the impact of wind and waves, the control unit instructs the buoyancy adjustment system to maintain the current buoyancy state or to make fine adjustments to maintain stability.

[0061] 5. Triggered Ascent: When the environmental sensing unit detects that the sea state has returned to a safe range, or receives an instruction to clear the alarm, the decision algorithm determines that it is permissible to ascend.

[0062] 6. Execute ascent: The control unit activates the buoyancy adjustment system, such as starting the water pump to drain water from the ballast tank or inflating the buoyancy tank, to increase the net buoyancy of the cage and make it float to the normal operating water depth.

[0063] 7. The optional control unit can also fine-tune the depth based on real-time water quality and flow data to find the best aquaculture environment, such as avoiding low oxygen layers and utilizing appropriate flow rates.

[0064] In addition, the lifting and lowering of the cage can be adjusted by loading or unloading ballast water in the ballast water tank, or by mounting multiple airbags on the main column and drawing in or expelling air through the airbags. The exhaust port of the airbag is connected to the valve port on the column, and an air pump is installed on the port to regulate the air inside the airbag.

[0065] This invention has strong active risk avoidance capabilities, and can automatically dive to a safe water layer before or during severe sea conditions, significantly improving the survival rate of net cages and aquaculture organisms and reducing economic losses.

[0066] With a high degree of automation, it can complete the lifting and lowering operation without human intervention, and responds promptly, making it particularly suitable for remote, unattended sea areas.

[0067] Intelligent management can make intelligent decisions based on real-time sensing, forecasting, and commands from multiple sources, and has the potential for remote monitoring and management.

[0068] Environmental adaptability is optional; the depth can be fine-tuned according to factors such as water quality and water flow to optimize the aquaculture environment and potentially improve aquaculture efficiency.

[0069] Lowering risks and costs, reducing losses due to weather, and reducing reliance on high-risk manual operations can potentially lead to lower long-term operating costs.

[0070] Many embodiments and applications beyond the examples provided will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Therefore, the scope of this teaching should not be determined by reference to the foregoing description, but rather by reference to the foregoing claims and the full scope of their equivalents. For purposes of completeness, all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference. The omission of any aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein in the foregoing claims is not intended as a waiver of that subject matter, nor should it be construed as an indication that the applicant has not considered that subject matter as part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

[0071] The above content provides a further detailed description of the present invention. It should not be construed that the specific embodiments of the present invention are limited to this. For those skilled in the art, several simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such deductions or substitutions should be considered to fall within the scope of protection defined by the present invention.

Claims

1. An intelligent lifting aquaculture cage integrating environmental sensing and adaptive depth adjustment, characterized in that, It includes the main body of the cage, the buoyancy adjustment mechanism, the mooring and positioning mechanism, the environmental sensing module, and the intelligent control module; The main body of the cage includes a main column (1) and a net (5). Several main columns (1) are provided. A connecting rod is provided between the sides of two adjacent main columns (1). The connecting rod includes a top connecting rod and a bottom connecting rod. The upper edge of the net (2) is connected to the top connecting rod of the main column (1), and the lower edge of the net (2) is connected to the bottom connecting rod of the main column (1). The net surface of the net (2) is supported and tensioned by the main column (1) to form a closed breeding space. The buoyancy adjustment mechanism is connected to the bottom of the main column (1) of the main body of the cage, and is used to adjust the overall buoyancy of the cage body for vertical lifting and lowering; The mooring and positioning mechanism is connected to the buoyancy adjustment mechanism and is used to anchor the main body of the net cage in a predetermined sea area and adapt to the vertical lifting and lowering movement of the main body of the net cage. The environmental sensing module is installed on the main body of the cage and is used to collect real-time environmental parameters of the sea area where the cage is located and the status parameters of the cage itself. The intelligent control module is electrically connected to the environmental sensing module and the buoyancy adjustment mechanism respectively. The intelligent control module has a built-in decision algorithm, which is used to receive the data collected by the environmental sensing module and output control commands to the buoyancy adjustment mechanism according to the preset strategy, so as to adaptively adjust the water depth of the main body of the cage.

2. The intelligent lifting aquaculture cage integrating environmental perception and adaptive depth adjustment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The environmental sensing unit includes at least a wave condition measurement sensor, a cage attitude measurement sensor, and a depth sensor.

3. The intelligent lifting aquaculture cage integrating environmental perception and adaptive depth adjustment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The decision algorithm triggers deep adjustment when it detects that the parameters collected by the environmental perception module exceed a preset safety threshold, or when it receives external weather or sea condition warning signals.

4. The intelligent lifting aquaculture cage integrating environmental perception and adaptive depth adjustment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buoyancy adjustment system includes a fluid control unit and a ballast tank (2). The ballast tank (2) has a variable capacity and is connected to the bottom of the main column (1). The fluid control unit is connected to the ballast tank (2) and is used to change the overall buoyancy of the cage body by controlling the flow of fluid into and out of the ballast tank (2).

5. The intelligent lifting aquaculture cage integrating environmental perception and adaptive depth adjustment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The ballast tank (2) and the main column (1) are connected in an integral or detachable manner.

6. The intelligent lifting aquaculture cage integrating environmental perception and adaptive depth adjustment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The mooring and positioning mechanism includes an anchor chain (3) and a suction pile (4), the suction pile (4) being installed on the seabed and connected to the ballast tank (2) via the anchor chain (3).

7. The intelligent lifting aquaculture cage integrating environmental perception and adaptive depth adjustment according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an energy supply system, which is connected to the intelligent control unit, the environmental sensing unit, and the buoyancy adjustment system respectively, and is used to supply power to the intelligent control unit, the environmental sensing unit, and the buoyancy adjustment system.

8. The intelligent lifting aquaculture cage integrating environmental perception and adaptive depth adjustment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy supply system is powered by an umbilical cable, a battery pack, or an integrated renewable energy device.

9. The intelligent lifting aquaculture cage integrating environmental perception and adaptive depth adjustment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main column (1) and connecting rod of the cage body are made of high-strength materials that are resistant to wind and waves and corrosion, such as HDPE, coated steel or flexible composite materials.

10. A method for operating an intelligent lifting aquaculture cage integrating environmental sensing and adaptive depth adjustment, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The environmental sensing module collects environmental parameters of the water area where the aquaculture cage is located and the cage's own status parameters in real time, and transmits the data to the intelligent control module. The intelligent control module analyzes and processes the collected parameters, and combines the built-in decision-making algorithm and preset strategies to determine whether the water depth of the cage needs to be adjusted. When it is determined that the water depth needs to be adjusted, the intelligent control module generates the corresponding buoyancy adjustment control command and outputs it to the buoyancy adjustment mechanism. The buoyancy adjustment mechanism receives control commands and changes the overall buoyancy of the cage body by controlling the flow of fluid, adjusting the cage to adaptively rise and fall to the target water depth, and the depth sensor provides closed-loop feedback on the water depth.

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