An environmental monitoring and automatic floating cage for marine aquaculture production and modification

Abstract

This utility model provides an environmental monitoring and automatic floating / sinking cage for marine aquaculture production and modification, relating to the field of marine aquaculture equipment technology. It includes a buoyancy adjustment module, an environmental monitoring module, a control module, and a battery module. The buoyancy adjustment module comprises a variable airbag and fixed floats. The fixed floats are evenly distributed on the upper part of the cage, and the variable airbag is positioned on one side of the cage, between the fixed floats, and connected to an air pump. The environmental monitoring module is connected to the control module to receive detection information, and the control module is connected to the air pump. The battery module is connected to the environmental monitoring module, the control module, and the air pump. A multi-sensor real-time monitoring system constructs a precise environmental sensing network. Temperature sensors comprehensively collect water temperature data, eliminating interference from local temperature differences; pressure sensors calculate depth in real time using water pressure formulas; flow velocity sensors monitor flow velocities at different water layers; and level sensors capture the water level depth at the cage's location in real time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of marine aquaculture equipment technology, and in particular to an environmental monitoring and automatic floating cage for marine aquaculture production and modification, which is especially suitable for deep-sea or open-water aquaculture scenarios. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional marine aquaculture cages rely heavily on fixed buoyancy structures, making it impossible to dynamically adjust the cage depth based on environmental parameters such as water temperature, water pressure, and current velocity. This leaves farmed organisms vulnerable to extreme weather, red tides, or bottom hypoxia. While some existing technologies incorporate buoyancy adjustment devices, they generally suffer from the following problems:

[0003] The sensor types are limited, and there is a lack of multi-dimensional environmental data fusion and analysis; the adjustment mechanism relies on manual intervention and has a low degree of automation.

[0004] The emergency salvage function is missing or the response speed is insufficient.

[0005] This invention integrates multi-sensor real-time feedback, a control system, and an independent emergency airbag module to achieve precise adaptive adjustment of cage depth and rapid retrieval, significantly improving aquaculture safety and efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0006] This utility model provides an environmental monitoring and automatic floating cage for marine aquaculture production and modification. Based on multi-sensor collaborative monitoring, it dynamically maintains the cage at the optimal growth depth for aquaculture organisms. It also features wireless remote retrieval capability, solving the problems of lag in adjustment and insufficient emergency response capabilities of traditional cages. To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0007] An automated floating aquaculture cage for marine aquaculture includes a buoyancy adjustment module, an environmental monitoring module, a control module, and a battery module. The buoyancy adjustment module includes a variable airbag and fixed floats. The fixed floats are evenly distributed on the upper part of the cage, and the variable airbag is located on one side of the cage between the fixed floats, and the variable airbag is connected to an air pump. The environmental monitoring module is connected to the control module to receive detection information, and the control module is connected to the air pump. The battery module is connected to the environmental monitoring module, the control module, and the air pump.

[0008] Furthermore, the net cage also includes a remote salvage module, which includes salvage airbags that are evenly distributed on the middle of the side of the net cage; and the salvage airbags are connected to an air pump via air pipes.

[0009] Furthermore, the environmental monitoring module includes a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow rate sensor, and a liquid level sensor; the temperature sensors are respectively installed at the eight corners of the cage; the pressure sensor and the flow rate sensor are installed on the four sides and the bottom of the cage, and the liquid level sensor is installed on one side of the cage.

[0010] Furthermore, the cage also includes cameras located at the eight corners of the cage.

[0011] Furthermore, a power battery is installed inside the battery module, and a power generation device is connected to the battery module via a waterproof cable to charge it. Furthermore, the battery module is connected to a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow rate sensor, a liquid level sensor, a control module, a camera, and an air pump to provide electrical energy.

[0012] Furthermore, the control module includes a microprocessor, a control unit, an air pump drive circuit, and a communication unit; the microprocessor processes the environmental data information received from the sensor, the microprocessor is connected to the control unit, and the control unit is connected to the air pump through the air pump drive circuit to inflate and deflate the variable airbag.

[0013] Furthermore, the control unit is also connected to a communication unit, which is wirelessly connected to a wireless device, which controls the inflation of the retrieval airbag through the control unit.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0015] 1. A multi-sensor real-time monitoring system constructs a precise environmental perception network. Temperature sensors are arranged in an octagonal layout in the cage to comprehensively collect water temperature data and eliminate interference from local temperature differences; pressure sensors use the water pressure formula (p=ρgh) to calculate depth in real time; flow velocity sensors monitor the flow velocity at different water layers; and level sensors capture changes in sea surface level. The collaborative work of multiple types of sensors provides multi-dimensional data support for the cage's buoyancy adjustment, resulting in more comprehensive data and more reliable decision-making compared to traditional single monitoring methods.

[0016] 2. The combined design of the buoyancy adjustment module enables precise buoyancy control. The fixed float is made of high-strength and corrosion-resistant materials, providing stable basic buoyancy and ensuring the basic floating of the net cage; the variable air bladder dynamically changes its volume by inflating and deflating with an air pump, enabling flexible buoyancy adjustment and making automated control of the net cage depth possible. This breaks the constraints of traditional fixed net cage depth and precisely adapts to the environmental needs of the aquaculture organisms.

[0017] 3. Wireless remote control salvage function revolutionizes the operation mode. Operators send signals via mobile APP and ship-mounted remote control, and the air pump immediately drives the variable airbag and salvage airbag to inflate rapidly, causing the net cage to automatically float to a certain height on the sea surface. This design completely eliminates the cumbersome traditional manual salvage, simplifies the maintenance and harvesting process, not only improves operational convenience, but also reduces labor costs and risks at sea, and significantly improves the efficiency of aquaculture operations.

[0018] 4. The net cage of this utility model can collect image data of seafood inside the net cage in real time, including information such as the number, size and status of seafood. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions of 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 this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of each sensor and its camera in this structure.

[0022] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0023] 1. Variable airbag; 2. Fixed float; 3. Air pump; 4. Control module; 5. Retrieval airbag; 6. Liquid level sensor; 7. Pressure sensor; 8. Temperature sensor; 9. Flow rate sensor; 10. Power generation device; 11. Air pipe; 12. Camera; 13. Battery module. Detailed Implementation

[0024] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other. The present utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this utility model or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0026] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0028] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation besides the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "above" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0029] This utility model provides a technical solution: an environmental monitoring and automatic floating cage for marine aquaculture production and modification, such as... Figure 1-2 As shown, the device automatically controls the buoyancy of the airbags to keep the net cage dynamically at the optimal growth depth for the cultured organisms. It is also equipped with a wireless remote retrieval function, which solves the problems of slow adjustment and insufficient emergency response capabilities of traditional net cages.

[0030] The cage includes a buoyancy adjustment module, an environmental monitoring module, a control module 4, and an energy supply module;

[0031] The buoyancy adjustment module includes:

[0032] The fixed float 2 is made of high-strength, seawater-corrosion-resistant composite material, possessing excellent airtightness and anti-aging properties. The fixed float 2 has a regular geometric shape (such as a cuboid or cylinder) and can provide a fixed value of buoyancy. The number of fixed floats 2 can be modularly added to accommodate different sizes and weights of net cages. This provides stable primary buoyancy for the net cage, ensuring stable buoyancy in seawater.

[0033] Variable airbag 1: Arranged in conjunction with the fixed float 2, it is connected to the air pump 3 via air tube 11. It is made of elastic and stretchable material, and its volume can change with the inflation volume, thereby adjusting the buoyancy.

[0034] Buoyancy adjustment mechanism: The control module 4 processes the data obtained from each sensor and compares it with the pre-built database in the control module 4. The control module 4 then issues a command to drive the air pump 3 to inflate or deflate the variable airbag 1, or the variable airbag 1 can deflate itself using seawater pressure. When inflated, the airbag expands, increasing buoyancy and causing the net cage to float; when deflated or deflating itself, the airbag shrinks, decreasing buoyancy and causing the net cage to sink, thus achieving precise adjustment of the net cage's depth in the sea.

[0035] Environmental monitoring module: including

[0036] Temperature sensor 8: One sensor is installed at each of the eight corners of the net cage to ensure comprehensive collection of water temperature data from different locations around the net cage, reduce the impact of local temperature differences on the monitoring results, monitor seawater temperature in real time, and convert the temperature signal into an electrical signal, which is then transmitted to the control module 4 via a line.

[0037] Pressure sensor 7: Installed on the side and bottom of the cage, used to monitor the water pressure at the depth of the cage. The control module 4 calculates the current depth of the cage in real time based on the water pressure data collected by the pressure sensor 7 and the physical conversion relationship between water pressure and depth (e.g., p = ρgh, where p is water pressure, ρ is seawater density, g is gravitational acceleration, and h is depth).

[0038] Flow velocity sensor 9: Distributed on the sides and bottom of the net cage, it monitors the water flow velocity at different water layers. It is used to collect water flow velocity data, providing a basis for the control module 4 to determine the water flow environment in which the net cage is located, and avoiding the impact of abnormal flow velocity on the survival of cultured organisms.

[0039] Liquid level sensor 6: Real-time monitoring of sea surface liquid level height, assisting in the assessment of changes in the marine environment (such as the influence of tides), and providing supplementary data for the adjustment of cage buoyancy.

[0040] Control Module 4:

[0041] Integrated data processing unit: microprocessor, control unit, air pump 3 drive circuit and communication unit. It receives environmental data transmitted from temperature sensor 8, pressure sensor 7, flow rate sensor 9, and liquid level sensor 6, and compares and analyzes this data with preset optimal environmental parameters for aquaculture organisms (temperature range, depth threshold, allowable flow rate, etc.).

[0042] If the current environmental parameters deviate from the preset value, a control command is generated. For example, when the temperature is too high, the control module 4 generates a command to control the air pump 3 to adjust the variable airbag 1, so that the net cage sinks to a water layer with a suitable temperature; when the water pressure is abnormal, the control module 4 generates a command to control the air pump 3 to adjust the variable airbag 1, so that the depth of the net cage is adjusted to a suitable range.

[0043] Remote salvage module:

[0044] The salvage airbag 5 is made of lightweight, highly elastic and rapidly inflatable material and is connected to the air pump 3 and control module 4 via the air tube 11.

[0045] During aquaculture harvesting, operators send wireless harvesting signals via wireless devices (such as mobile apps or ship-mounted remote controls). Upon receiving the signal, the communication unit of control module 4 controls air pump 3 to simultaneously and rapidly inflate the variable airbag 1 and the harvesting airbag 5. The two airbags expand rapidly, generating additional buoyancy, causing the entire net cage to float above the sea surface to a certain height (e.g., 1-2 meters), facilitating the harvesting of seafood or maintenance of the net cage.

[0046] Camera 12: Collects real-time image data of seafood inside the net cages, including information such as the number, size, and condition of the seafood. Camera 12 is installed at each corner of the net cage, providing a clearer and more comprehensive view of the condition of the farmed products.

[0047] The image data collected by camera 12 is transmitted wirelessly to control module 4. After preliminary processing, control module 4 transmits the image data wirelessly to the aquaculture personnel's terminal devices, such as mobile phones and computers. Aquaculture personnel can then monitor the condition of the seafood in the net cages in real time through their terminal devices, promptly identify problems, and take appropriate measures.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, an environmental monitoring and automatic floating cage for marine aquaculture production and modification utilizes fixed floats 2 for primary buoyancy and variable airbags 1 to adjust buoyancy. The number of fixed floats 2 is adjusted according to changes in the cage's weight. Combined with temperature sensors 8, pressure sensors 7, flow rate sensors 9, and liquid level sensors 6, environmental data is monitored in real time. The control module 4 manually drives or automatically drives air pump 3 after data analysis to adjust the air volume of the variable airbags 1, achieving automated control of the cage's depth. The air required by air pump 3 is supplied directly to the sea surface via air pipe 11, which is fixed to the surface by floats. Workers use wireless signals to trigger the control system, driving air pump 3 to inflate the retrieval airbags 5 located in the lower part of the cage, causing the cage to float to a preset height for easy retrieval.

[0049] During operation, the fixed float 2 provides the main buoyancy of the net cage in the sea, while the variable airbag 1 simultaneously provides buoyancy, enabling the net cage to achieve stable floating and sinking in the sea. The number of fixed floats 2 can be increased or decreased according to changes in the weight of the net cage, making the net cage suitable for various marine aquaculture products. The variable airbag 1 is used to adjust the size of the variable airbag 1 by issuing commands to the air pump 3 based on information from various sensors received by the control module 4 and the optimal suitable environment for each marine product in the database. When inflated, the airbag expands, increasing buoyancy and causing the net cage to float; when deflated or vented according to seawater pressure, the airbag shrinks, decreasing buoyancy and causing the net cage to sink, achieving precise adjustment of the net cage's depth in the sea. Two sets of variable airbags 1 are symmetrically installed on each net cage (one for use and one as a backup) to prevent damage during use. This achieves automated floating and sinking of the net cage, keeping the marine aquaculture products dynamically in the optimal suitable aquaculture environment.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2The distribution of the various sensors and cameras 12 is shown. Temperature sensors 8 are arranged at each of the eight corners of the net cage, ensuring comprehensive collection of water temperature data from different locations around the cage and reducing the impact of local temperature differences on the monitoring results. They monitor seawater temperature in real time, converting the temperature signal into an electrical signal, which is then transmitted to the control module 4 via a line. The control module 4 records the temperature of the aquaculture products in real time, and adjusts the buoyancy of the net cage based on whether the values ​​in the database match. Pressure sensors 7 monitor the water pressure at the depth of the net cage. The detected data is transmitted to the control module 4. Based on the water pressure data collected by pressure sensors 7 and the physical conversion relationship between water pressure and depth (e.g., p = ρgh, where p is water pressure, ρ is seawater density, g is gravitational acceleration, and h is depth), the current depth of the net cage is calculated in real time. They are also installed on the sides and bottom of the net cage, as shown in the diagram, to adjust the buoyancy of the net cage based on whether the values ​​in the database match. Flow sensors 9 are distributed on the sides and bottom of the net cage to monitor the water flow velocity at different water layers. Water flow velocity data is collected and transmitted in real time to control module 4 to provide a basis for judging the water flow environment in which the cage is located, avoiding the impact of abnormal flow velocity on the survival of aquaculture organisms. Liquid level sensor 6 monitors the sea surface liquid level in real time, assisting in the assessment of changes in the marine environment (such as the influence of tides) and providing supplementary data for adjusting the cage's buoyancy. A comprehensive assessment of dynamic changes in the marine environment is conducted.

[0051] The control module 4 includes an integrated data processing unit: a microprocessor, a control unit, an air pump 3 drive circuit, and a communication unit.

[0052] This invention provides two driving modes for the net cage: automatic and manual control. Under normal operating conditions, automatic control is generally used. However, in extreme weather conditions, the net cage can be manually operated via remote control. This significantly improves aquaculture efficiency and organism survival rate.

[0053] Camera 12 collects real-time image data of seafood in the net cage, including information such as the number, size, and condition of the seafood.

[0054] During aquaculture, image data collected by camera 12 is transmitted wirelessly to control module 4. After preliminary processing, control module 4 transmits the image data wirelessly to the aquaculture personnel's terminal devices, such as mobile phones or computers. Aquaculture personnel can then monitor the condition of the seafood in the cages in real time through these terminal devices, promptly identify problems, and take appropriate measures.

[0055] During aquaculture harvesting, operators send wireless harvesting signals via wireless devices (such as a mobile app or a ship-mounted remote control). Upon receiving the signal, the communication unit of control module 4 immediately sends a command to drive air pump 3 to simultaneously inflate variable airbag 1 and harvesting airbag 5. The two airbags rapidly expand, generating additional buoyancy, causing the entire net cage to float above the sea surface to a certain height, facilitating the harvesting of seafood or maintenance of the net cage.

[0056] The power required for this application is provided by battery module 13, which houses a power battery and can be charged by power generation device 10. Power generation device 10 is connected to battery module 13 via a waterproof cable. Power generation device 10 can be a floating solar power generation device, a floating horizontal axis tidal power generation device, a wind power generation device, etc., thus enabling the device to meet the requirements for long-term operation.

[0057] This application provides two approaches: one is to directly produce new intelligent net cages, and the other is to modify existing old net cages, enabling them to achieve intelligent marine aquaculture at low cost.

[0058] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present utility model, should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An environmental monitoring and automatic sink-net cage for mariculture production and modification, characterized in that, It includes a buoyancy adjustment module, an environmental monitoring module, a control module (4), and a battery module (13); the buoyancy adjustment module includes a variable airbag (1) and a fixed float (2), the fixed float (2) is evenly distributed on the upper part of the net cage, the variable airbag (1) is set on the net cage in the middle of the fixed float (2) on one side, and the variable airbag (1) is connected to an air pump (3); the environmental monitoring module is connected to the control module (4) to receive detection information, and the control module (4) is connected to the air pump (3); the battery module (13) is connected to the environmental monitoring module, the control module (4), and the air pump (3) respectively.

2. The environmental monitoring and automatic sink-net cage for marine farming production and modification according to claim 1, characterized in that, The net cage also includes a remote salvage module, which includes salvage airbags (5), which are evenly distributed in the middle of the side of the net cage; and the salvage airbags (5) are connected to the air pump (3) through air pipes (11).

3. The environmental monitoring and automatic sink-net cage for marine farming production and modification according to claim 1, characterized in that, The environmental monitoring module includes a temperature sensor (8), a pressure sensor (7), a flow rate sensor (9), and a liquid level sensor (6); the temperature sensor (8) is respectively set at the eight corners of the cage; the pressure sensor (7) and the flow rate sensor (9) are installed on the four sides and the bottom of the cage, and the liquid level sensor (6) is set on one side of the cage.

4. The environmental monitoring and automatic sink-net cage for marine farming production and modification according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cage also includes cameras (12) installed at the eight corners of the cage.

5. The environmental monitoring and automatic floating cage for marine aquaculture production and modification according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery module (13) is equipped with a power battery, and the power generation device (10) is connected to the battery module (13) via a waterproof cable to charge it.

6. The environmental monitoring and automatic floating cage for marine aquaculture production and modification according to claim 5, characterized in that, The battery module (13) is connected to the temperature sensor (8), pressure sensor (7), flow rate sensor (9), liquid level sensor (6), control module (4), camera (12) and air pump (3) respectively to provide electrical energy.

7. The environmental monitoring and automatic floating cage for marine aquaculture production and modification according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control module (4) includes a microprocessor, a control unit, an air pump drive circuit, and a communication unit. The microprocessor processes the environmental data information received from the sensor. The microprocessor is connected to the control unit, and the control unit is connected to the air pump (3) through the air pump drive circuit to inflate and deflate the variable airbag (1).

8. The environmental monitoring and automatic floating cage for marine aquaculture production and modification according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control unit is also connected to the communication unit, which is wirelessly connected to the wireless device. The wireless device controls the inflation of the salvage airbag (5) through the control unit.

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