Novel steel structure circular gravity type intelligent wild-ecology-imitating aquaculture net cage
By designing multi-layered air chambers and ballast water chambers, and combining them with detection and auxiliary modules, the environmental regulation and structural stability issues of marine cages have been solved, achieving stable and efficient marine aquaculture results.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520033798.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-07
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-09
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-07
Smart Images
Figure CN223639950U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fishery machinery engineering technology, specifically to a novel steel-structured circular gravity-type intelligent simulated wild ecological aquaculture cage. Background Technology
[0002] With the increasing global demand for aquatic products and the gradual depletion of traditional fishing resources, aquaculture, as an important supplementary means, is receiving increasing attention. High-value fish species such as the large yellow croaker, traditionally high-quality edible fish in China, are widely popular for their delicious meat and high nutritional value, possessing extremely high economic value in the market. Simultaneously, increasing market demand and improved technology have provided new development opportunities for the marine cage culture of high-value fish such as the large yellow croaker. Due to its advantages such as efficient space utilization, ease of management, and large-scale production, marine cage culture has become one of the important forms of modern aquaculture. This method not only meets the market demand for high-quality aquatic products but also promotes the modernization of the aquaculture industry, fostering the development of the fishery economy and increasing fishermen's income.
[0003] Existing marine cages typically employ simple frame structures and lack effective gas regulation systems, failing to provide a stable and safe environment for cultured organisms, thus impacting their health and growth rate. Furthermore, traditional cages use netting covering the frame structure, which is easily damaged when the cage sinks, causing fish to escape. The flat bottom design facilitates sediment accumulation, increasing cleaning difficulty and potentially leading to water quality deterioration, which is detrimental to long-term aquaculture. Additionally, due to the lack of calm waters in some sea areas, fish in ordinary cages struggle to survive in fast-flowing waters. More importantly, most existing cages lack integrated control and monitoring equipment, making it difficult to respond quickly and implement protective measures to mitigate the impact of severe weather on the cages in the face of complex and changing marine environments, such as storm surges and abnormal weather, especially in the shallow, fast-flowing waters of Jiangsu.
[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a new type of steel-structured circular gravity-fed intelligent simulated wild ecological aquaculture cage that can overcome the difficulties of aquaculture in waters with rapid ocean currents and abundant aquatic plants, as well as various technical defects, and provide a more stable and efficient aquaculture solution. Summary of the Invention
[0005] This utility model provides a novel steel-structured circular gravity-fed intelligent simulated wild ecological aquaculture cage, which effectively strengthens the structure, reduces the wind-exposed area, improves the safety and stability of the cage, and mitigates the impact of strong winds, waves, severe weather, seaweed, and marine debris on the cage.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:
[0007] A novel steel-structured circular gravity-fed intelligent simulated wild ecological aquaculture cage includes:
[0008] The cage includes side walls and a bottom plate, which contact to form a cylindrical housing chamber; the housing chamber provides a breeding environment; the top of the side wall has a first air chamber facing the interior of the housing chamber, and a second air chamber, a ballast water chamber, and a sedimentation and discharge area are arranged below the bottom plate; both the first and second air chambers are enclosed spaces; the bottom plate has through holes corresponding to the location of the sedimentation and discharge area and the side wall.
[0009] The columns are symmetrically arranged on the inner wall of the cage, separating the first air chamber, the second air chamber and the ballast water tank, dividing the first air chamber, the second air chamber and the ballast water tank into multiple independent and sealed compartments; the inside of the columns is connected to the ballast water tank and extends to the upper end of the first air chamber.
[0010] The work platform is located at the top center of the cage and is connected to the side wall, providing a workspace.
[0011] Furthermore, the portion of the bottom plate corresponding to the second air chamber and ballast water chamber protrudes away from the containment chamber, forming an inverted frustum structure with the sedimentation and discharge area.
[0012] Furthermore, the ballast water tank is in contact with the sidewall; the second air tank is connected to the side of the ballast water tank away from the sidewall; the sedimentation and discharge area is located in the central area of the bottom plate and is horizontally arranged.
[0013] Furthermore, the distance between the column and the center of the cage is greater than the distance between the inner wall of the second air chamber and the center of the cage.
[0014] Furthermore, a top plate is provided at the upper end of the first air chamber, and the outer wall of the cage is provided with a front end and a rear end, which are connected to the top plate.
[0015] Furthermore, the work platform includes a ring-shaped corridor and a crossbeam connected to the side wall; the bottom of the work platform is higher than the top plate in the horizontal direction; handrails and anti-slip parts are provided on both sides of the upper surface of the crossbeam and the top plate; a ring-shaped inner guardrail is provided along the outer edge of the ring-shaped corridor; a ring-shaped outer guardrail is provided along the inner edge of the top plate; and a heat-insulating roof support and a ring track are provided on the inner and outer ring guardrails.
[0016] Furthermore, a load-bearing column is installed at the center of the base plate and connected to the lower end of the work platform.
[0017] Furthermore, a control room is set up on the work platform to control the extraction or injection of water into the ballast water tank.
[0018] Furthermore, the cage is equipped with a detection module to detect water quality parameters and cage status parameters.
[0019] Furthermore, the cage is equipped with auxiliary modules, including anchoring components, power components, communication components, monitoring components, and aquaculture support components.
[0020] The following technical effects can be achieved through the technical solution of this utility model:
[0021] This invention relates to a novel steel-structured circular gravity-fed intelligent simulated wild ecological aquaculture cage. It utilizes multi-layered air chambers to provide buoyancy, and then adjusts the cage's depth in the water by controlling the inlet and outlet of ballast water chambers, thus better simulating a wild ecosystem. Perforated sidewalls replace traditional netting for fish farming, reducing harm to the fish and effectively preventing damage to conventional cages. An insulated roof allows for regulation of air and water temperatures within the cage. Real-time monitoring of water quality and cage parameters enables the auxiliary modules to control the cage's functions, improving the adaptability of cage aquaculture. Attached Figure Description
[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model 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 recorded in this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0023] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the novel steel-structured circular gravity-type intelligent simulated wild ecological aquaculture net cage of this utility model;
[0024] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the novel steel-structured circular gravity-type intelligent simulated wild ecological aquaculture cage of this utility model.
[0025] Reference numerals: 1. Net cage; 11. Side wall; 11a. Front end; 11b. Rear end; 12. Bottom plate; 12a. Sedimentation and discharge area; 12b. Second air chamber; 12c. Ballast water tank; 12d. Load-bearing column; 13. Receiving chamber; 14. First air chamber; 15. Through hole; 16. Top plate; 16a. Circular outer guardrail; 17. Handrail; 18. Anti-slip component; 2. Column; 3. Working platform; 31. Circular corridor; 32. Crossbeam; 33. Circular inner guardrail; 34. Control room; 4. Detection module; 5. Auxiliary module. Detailed Implementation
[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.
[0027] 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 in this specification 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.
[0028] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, a novel steel-structured circular gravity-fed intelligent simulated wild ecological aquaculture cage includes:
[0029] The net cage 1 includes side walls 11 and a bottom plate 12. The side walls 11 and the bottom plate 12 contact to form a receiving chamber 13. The overall structure is a flat cylindrical steel structure, which strengthens the structure and reduces the wind-exposed area. The receiving chamber 13 provides a breeding environment. The top of the side walls 11 has a first air chamber 14 facing the inside of the receiving chamber 13. The bottom plate 12 is provided with a second air chamber 12b, a ballast water chamber 12c, and a sedimentation and excretion area 12a. The first air chamber 14 and the second air chamber 12b are both closed spaces, which are used to provide buoyancy to the net cage 1 and ensure that the net cage 1 will not sink completely into the water. The bottom plate 12 has through holes 15 corresponding to the position of the sedimentation and excretion area 12a in the central area and the side walls 11, which facilitates water exchange between the inside and outside of the net cage 1. This avoids the problem of fish escaping when the net cage 1 is damaged when it sinks due to the use of traditional netting covering the frame structure of the net cage 1.
[0030] The columns 2 are symmetrically arranged on the inner wall of the cage 1. The sealed structure of the columns 2 not only serves as support but also provides buoyancy for the cage 1. The columns 2 separate the first air chamber 14, the second air chamber 12b, and the ballast water chamber 12c, dividing them into multiple independent sealed chambers. The columns 2 are internally connected to the ballast water chamber 12c and extend to the upper end of the first air chamber 14. The columns 2 and the ballast water chamber 12c are preferably designed to be symmetrically distributed on the side wall 11. Water is pumped and injected into the ballast water chamber 12c through the water channels inside the multiple columns 2, using tools such as fixed high-pressure water pumps or submersible pumps, to complete the raising and lowering of the cage 1. In some embodiments, a water inlet valve can also be opened at the end of the cage 1 near the side wall 11, and water is injected into the ballast water chamber 12c by opening the water inlet valve.
[0031] The work platform 3 is located at the center of the upper end of the cage 1 and is connected to the side wall 11, providing a work space.
[0032] The portion of the bottom plate 12 corresponding to the second air chamber 12b and the ballast water chamber 12c protrudes away from the receiving chamber 13, forming an inverted frustum structure with the central sedimentation and discharge area 12a. This design reduces water flow resistance, promotes natural water exchange, and ensures that farmed fish receive fresh and oxygen-rich water. It also facilitates the accumulation of sediment towards the center, during which it leaks out from the central sedimentation and discharge area 12a, helping to maintain water quality and improve the health of fish. Moreover, it can increase the farming capacity in the same volume of water.
[0033] The preferred ballast water tank 12c is in contact with the side wall 11; the second air tank 12b is connected to the side of the ballast water tank 12c away from the side wall 11; by calculating the volumes of the ballast water tank 12c, the second air tank 12b and the first air tank 14, the ballast water tank 12c can offset the buoyancy after water is injected, so that the net cage 1 sinks to the design depth; the ballast water tank 12c is farther away from the center of the net cage 1 than the second air tank 12b, so that the weight brought by water injection in the ballast water tank 12c is more distributed, making the net cage 1 more stable and reducing the swaying caused by wind and waves.
[0034] The distance between the column 2 and the center of the cage 1 is greater than the distance between the inner wall of the second air chamber 12b and the center of the cage 1. This layout can reduce the size of the column 2 and connect the ballast water chamber 12c without exceeding the position of the second air chamber 12b. It will also not hinder the circulation of water in the cage 1, and promote oxygen exchange and waste discharge.
[0035] The first air chamber 14 is equipped with a top plate 16, and the outer wall of the net cage 1 is provided with a front end 11a and a rear end 11b, which are connected to the top plate 16. When the staff climbs onto the aquaculture net cage 1, the top plate 16, the front end 11a, and the rear end 11b provide a support surface for the staff to walk, install anchor components, anchor, tow, and moor. This design provides a convenient passage for daily inspection, maintenance, and feeding operations. The staff can easily reach different parts of the net cage 1 for management, which improves work efficiency. Moreover, the staff can directly carry out necessary activities on the top plate 16, the front end 11a, and the rear end 11b, which reduces the chance of direct contact with the water and reduces the potential pollution risk to the aquaculture environment.
[0036] The work platform 3 includes a crossbeam 32 connecting the annular corridor 31 to the side wall 11. The crossbeam 32 is preferably designed as multiple beams evenly spaced around the circumference of the work platform 3, providing better fixation and enhancing the safety of workers while working on the platform 3. The bottom of the work platform 3 is horizontally higher than the top plate 16 at the outer edge, giving the crossbeam 32 a certain slope. Handrails 17 and anti-slip components 18, such as anti-slip mats and strips, are provided on both sides of the upper surface of the crossbeam 32 and on the top plate 16. The crossbeam 32 provides a more spacious walking area, reducing the risk of crowding and collisions, especially during simultaneous work by multiple people or in emergencies. This is especially important during evacuation; the handrails 17 and anti-slip components 18 also improve the safety of the staff; an inner ring guardrail 33 is installed along the outer edge of the ring corridor 31, and an outer ring guardrail 16a is installed along the inner edge of the top plate 16, providing staff with certain support and protection; heat-insulating roof supports and ring tracks are installed on the inner and outer ring guardrails for installing the heat-insulating roof and controlling the opening and closing of the roof to regulate the air and water temperature inside the net cage 1, making the environment inside the net cage 1 more suitable for fish farming; moreover, it can be designed so that the roof appears higher in the center and lower around the edges, which is more conducive to wind protection and drainage. A load-bearing column 12d is set in the center of the bottom plate 12 and connected to the lower end of the working platform 3, providing strong vertical support for the entire net cage 1, which can effectively distribute the weight of the upper structure evenly to the bottom, avoid excessive local stress, enhance the safety of the overall structure, and ensure the stability and wave resistance of the net cage 1 under various hydrological conditions.
[0037] A control room 34 is set on the working platform 3 to control the extraction or injection of water into the ballast water tank 12c.
[0038] The net cage 1 includes a detection module 4, which can combine sensors such as water quality monitoring sensors, temperature sensors, draft depth displays, and ballast tank 12c water level sensors. These sensors are installed on the net cage 1 to detect water quality parameters and net cage 1 parameters such as water depth, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen. Relying on computer IoT devices and technologies, the detected parameters are compared with preset thresholds to ensure that the aquaculture water is always kept within a suitable range for fish growth, thereby enabling various operations of the net cage 1. In the event of abnormal changes in water quality, it helps to quickly take measures to prevent fish farming problems such as disease transmission caused by water quality issues, improve the environment inside the net cage 1, increase the survival rate of fish fry, and reduce the amount of labor required for aquaculture.
[0039] Preferably, the net cage 1 is equipped with auxiliary modules 5, including a power component, a communication component, a monitoring component, an anchoring component, and an aquaculture support component. Each component is installed on the net cage 1 to cooperate with the net cage 1 for better aquaculture operations. The power component includes a diesel engine, a generator, a photovoltaic panel, and a battery pack, providing power for various operations of the net cage 1, such as controlling the water pump to pump and inject water into the ballast tank 12c. The communication component can realize remote data transmission and command issuance by installing communication and signal equipment on the working platform 3, which allows managers to monitor the status of the net cage 1 and operate it anytime and anywhere, promotes interconnection with other systems, and facilitates integrated management and resource sharing. The monitoring component includes functions such as video monitoring and sensor monitoring, which can comprehensively understand the situation inside and outside the net cage 1, such as biological activity and hydrological changes, and can promptly detect potential risks. To address potential safety hazards such as illegal intrusion and equipment malfunction, ensuring the safe operation of aquaculture facilities; the anchoring component can be installed at the front end 11a and within its structure to ensure that the net cage 1 is anchored in the designated aquaculture area, relatively fixed in the aquaculture area, and floating with the direction of the ocean current, resisting the influence of wind, waves and other external forces, maintaining the stability of the aquaculture environment; it can also select appropriate anchoring methods according to different seabed conditions, enhancing the application range and adaptability of the net cage 1; the aquaculture support component includes a feeder, an aerator, and an underwater cleaning robot, which can feed, aerate, and perform underwater cleaning work in the net cage 1 according to preset time periods, ensuring a good water quality environment; it can also be used in conjunction with the detection module 4 to help managers make more accurate aquaculture decisions based on real-time environmental data, effectively responding to the impact of regional marine environments such as the rapid current environment in the shallow sea aquaculture areas of Jiangsu.
[0040] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A novel steel-structured circular gravity-fed intelligent simulated wild ecological aquaculture cage, characterized in that, include: A wire mesh cage includes side walls and a bottom plate, wherein the side walls and the bottom plate contact to form a cylindrical receiving chamber; The containment chamber provides a breeding environment; The top of the sidewall has a first air chamber facing the interior of the receiving chamber, and a second air chamber, a ballast water chamber, and a sedimentation and discharge area are arranged below the bottom plate; both the first air chamber and the second air chamber are enclosed spaces; the bottom plate has through holes corresponding to the position of the sedimentation and discharge area and the sidewall. The uprights are symmetrically arranged on the inner wall of the cage, separating the first air chamber, the second air chamber and the ballast water tank, dividing the first air chamber, the second air chamber and the ballast water tank into multiple independent sealed compartments; the inside of the uprights is connected to the ballast water tank and extends to the upper end of the first air chamber; The work platform is located at the center of the upper end of the cage and is connected to the side wall, providing a workspace.
2. The novel steel-structured circular gravity-type intelligent simulated wild ecological aquaculture cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The portion of the bottom plate corresponding to the second air chamber and the ballast water chamber protrudes away from the receiving chamber, forming an inverted frustum structure with the sedimentation and discharge area.
3. The novel steel-structured circular gravity-type intelligent simulated wild ecological aquaculture cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ballast water tank is in contact with the side wall; the second air chamber is connected to the side of the ballast water tank away from the side wall; the sedimentation and discharge area is located in the central area of the bottom plate and is horizontally arranged.
4. The novel steel-structured circular gravity-type intelligent simulated wild ecological aquaculture cage according to claim 3, characterized in that, The distance between the column and the center of the cage is greater than the distance from the inner wall of the second air chamber to the center of the cage.
5. The novel steel-structured circular gravity-type intelligent simulated wild ecological aquaculture cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first air chamber is provided with a top plate at its upper end, and the outer wall of the net cage is provided with a front end and a rear end, which are connected to the top plate.
6. The novel steel-structured circular gravity-type intelligent simulated wild ecological aquaculture cage according to claim 5, characterized in that, The working platform includes a ring-shaped corridor and a crossbeam connected to the side wall; the bottom of the working platform is higher than the top plate in the horizontal direction; handrails and anti-slip parts are provided on both sides of the upper surface of the crossbeam and the top plate; an inner ring-shaped protective railing is provided along the outer edge of the ring-shaped corridor; an outer ring-shaped protective railing is provided along the inner edge of the top plate; and a heat-insulating roof support and a ring track are provided on the inner and outer ring-shaped protective railings.
7. The novel steel-structured circular gravity-type intelligent simulated wild ecological aquaculture cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, A load-bearing column is set at the center of the base plate and connected to the lower end of the working platform.
8. The novel steel-structured circular gravity-type intelligent simulated wild ecological aquaculture cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, A control room is set up on the working platform to control the extraction or injection of water into the ballast water tank.
9. The novel steel-structured circular gravity-type intelligent simulated wild ecological aquaculture cage according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cage is equipped with a detection module to detect water quality parameters and cage status parameters.
10. The novel steel-structured circular gravity-type intelligent simulated wild ecological aquaculture cage according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cage is equipped with an auxiliary module, including an anchoring component, a power component, a communication component, a monitoring component, and an aquaculture support component.