A device for cutting and operating a button coral
By designing a cutting device with a protective cover and operating table, the problems of toxin secretion and fragment splattering during the cutting of button coral were solved, achieving safe and efficient cutting operations and improving the working environment and precision.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- YELLOW SEA FISHERIES RES INST CHINESE ACAD OF FISHERIES SCI
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-16
AI Technical Summary
Button coral is prone to secreting toxins during the cutting process, which can cause redness and swelling of the skin wound, severe pain upon contact with mucous membranes, and inhalation of aerosols can be fatal. In addition, there are flying fragments and dust pollution during the cutting process, and existing equipment cannot effectively protect against them.
A cutting device comprising a protective cover and an operating table has been designed. The protective cover is made of transparent material and has an operating hole. The operating table has an exhaust pipe and a water pump. It is equipped with an exhaust fan, a water pump and a filtration system to adsorb toxic gases, filter liquids and solid waste, and ensure operational safety and environmental control.
It significantly reduces physical and biological hazards to operators, improves cutting accuracy and work efficiency, and provides a safe, efficient and environmentally controllable cutting workstation.
Smart Images
Figure CN224356856U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of processing equipment technology, specifically a button coral cutting operation device. Background Technology
[0002] Private coral farming has rapidly emerged in the marine aquarium industry in recent years, forming a unique industrial chain that straddles the line between hobby and commerce. Globally, there are approximately 120,000-150,000 private growers, with an annual growth rate exceeding 20%. Button corals are the main product, accounting for as much as 35% of the market. Button corals are a very popular type of colony anemone in the ocean, a common member of coral reef ecosystems. They are not true stony corals (SPS / LPS), but belong to the order Zoantharia (colony anemones). They are named for their resemblance to colorful buttons and are a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts. However, button corals contain palytoxin, one of the most potent non-protein toxins found in nature! The toxin is secreted during cutting, brushing, hot water rinsing, and agitation of the substrate during water changes. Contact with skin wounds or mucous membranes can cause severe pain, swelling, and tissue necrosis. Inhalation of the toxic aerosol can cause difficulty breathing, fever, and muscle pain, and in severe cases, can be fatal. Summary of the Invention
[0003] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technology, this utility model provides a button coral cutting operation device.
[0004] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is:
[0005] A button coral cutting device includes a protective cover and an operating table. The protective cover can be freely fastened to the operating table. The protective cover is a box made of transparent material with a missing bottom surface. The protective cover has operating holes on two opposite sides. The lower opening of the protective cover is engaged with the upper surface of the operating table.
[0006] The operating table is a box-shaped body, including an operating table surface, a box-shaped body, and an exhaust pipe. The operating table surface is located at the upper end of the box-shaped body, and the lower end of the exhaust pipe is inserted into the box-shaped body, while the upper end is located on the operating table surface.
[0007] Furthermore, an exhaust fan is installed at the upper end of the exhaust pipe.
[0008] Furthermore, a water pump is installed inside the box-shaped body, and a water outlet pipe is connected to the water pump, with the upper end of the water outlet pipe extending from the operating table. As a more preferred technical solution, a nozzle is provided at the upper end of the water outlet pipe.
[0009] Furthermore, the operating table is provided with a horizontal plate and a sloping plate. A filter basket is provided on one side of the operating table. The filter basket contains filter media. The sloping plate is used to guide the liquids (seawater, coral mucus, tissue fluid) and fine debris generated during the cutting process to flow naturally into the filter basket.
[0010] Furthermore, the lower end of the exhaust pipe is water-sealed and fixed to the inner wall of the box-shaped body, and is provided with an exhaust port that communicates with the outside. The lower end of the exhaust pipe is filled with adsorbent material to adsorb toxic gases.
[0011] Furthermore, both the filter basket and the operating table are detachably mounted on the box-shaped body.
[0012] The advantages of this invention compared to existing technologies are as follows: This invention constructs a highly professional, safe, efficient, and environmentally controllable button coral cutting workstation. Its advantages not only significantly protect operators from physical injuries (fragments, cuts) and biological hazards (inhalation of toxins, dust, contact with harmful liquids), but also greatly improve work efficiency, cutting accuracy, and work comfort through automated waste handling (drainage, rinsing, collection) and optimized cutting conditions (cooling, lubrication, cleaning the work surface). Attached Figure Description
[0013] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first cover plate in this utility model.
[0014] In the diagram: 1. Protective cover, 11. Operating hole, 2. Operating table, 211. Exhaust fan, 212. Exhaust port, 213. Adsorption filter media, 22. Horizontal plate, 23. Sloping plate, 24. Filter basket, 25. Water pump, 26. Water outlet pipe, 27. Exhaust pipe, 28. First power line, 29. Second power line. Detailed Implementation
[0015] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0016] Please see Figure 1 As shown, a button coral cutting device includes a protective cover 1 and an operating table 2. The protective cover can be freely fastened to the operating table. The protective cover is a box made of transparent material with a missing bottom surface. The protective cover has operating holes 11 on two opposite sides. The lower opening of the protective cover is fastened to the upper surface of the operating table.
[0017] The operating hole is used by the operator to insert their arm into the protective cover to cut the button coral; the protective cover covers and envelops the entire upper surface of the operating table, physically isolating the operating area to prevent debris from splashing, liquid from spraying, and the operator from accidentally touching the cutting tool, while ensuring the visibility of the operation.
[0018] The operating table is a box-shaped body, including an operating table surface, a box-shaped body and an exhaust pipe 21.
[0019] The work surface is freely positioned above the box-shaped body. In a specific implementation, the work surface is suspended horizontally above the upper surface of the box-shaped body, with an area only one-third of the upper surface area. This design saves space, reduces overall weight, and leaves space below the work area for drainage or collecting debris. Part of the work surface is a horizontal plate 22, providing a stable cutting platform for placing and securing button corals; the other part is a sloping plate 23 with a slope of 15 degrees.
[0020] In one preferred embodiment, a filter basket 24 is provided on one side of the work surface, with a filter sponge inside. The sloping surface guides the liquids (seawater, coral mucus, tissue fluid) and fine debris generated during the cutting process to flow naturally into the filter basket. The filter basket acts as a filter, separating solid debris (coral fragments) from the liquid. The liquid absorbs the mucus through the filter sponge and then drains through the mesh of the filter basket, while the debris is collected in the basket for easy cleaning.
[0021] In one preferred embodiment, an exhaust fan (active suction) 211 is provided at the upper end of the exhaust pipe 27. The exhaust fan is connected to a second power line 29 for connecting to an external power source. The height of the exhaust pipe exceeds the operating table surface (facilitating the diffusion of exhaust gas away from the operating area). The bottom of the exhaust pipe is water-sealed and fixed to the inner wall of the box-shaped body, and has an exhaust port 212 communicating with the outside. To prevent the emission of toxic gases, adsorption filter material 213 is built into the bottom of the exhaust pipe. In a specific embodiment, the adsorption filter material is an activated carbon filter box and a P100 grade (US standard) or FFP3 grade (European standard) particulate filter box. Active suction: The exhaust fan generates negative pressure, drawing out harmful aerosols, dust (coral powder), volatile organic compounds (coral tissue fluid decomposition products, possible toxins), and moisture generated during the cutting process from the closed operating chamber. The filter materials in the activated carbon, particulate filter box, and filter basket adsorb and remove odors, organic pollutants, and biotoxins from the exhaust gas, making the purified exhaust gas safer and more environmentally friendly. This greatly improves biosafety and working environment comfort.
[0022] In one preferred embodiment, the box-shaped body is equipped with a water pump 25. The water pump is a miniature centrifugal pump, characterized by low noise, avoiding interference with operation, a pulsating water flow, and stable spraying. It is designed with corrosion-resistant materials. A PWM speed controller is added to adjust the flow rate according to the cutting intensity. An 80-mesh filter is installed at the water pump inlet to prevent coral debris from clogging the pump. The nozzle is a 30° solid cone nozzle, preferably made of 316L stainless steel or engineering ceramics. The water pump has a first power line 28 for connecting to an external power source, and a water outlet pipe 26 is connected to the water pump outlet, with the upper end of the water outlet pipe extending from the operating table. In a more preferred embodiment, a nozzle is installed at the upper end of the water outlet pipe. This nozzle provides a gentle water flow, preventing irritation to the button coral. Its function is cooling and lubrication; during the cutting process, the sprayed water (usually seawater or artificial seawater) cools the contact points between the cutting tool and the coral, reducing friction and overheating, and preventing the cutting tool from overheating and generating toxic aerosols. The water flow effectively suppresses fine dust generated during cutting, causing it to settle and be carried away by the water, reducing the risk of inhalation or dispersion. This significantly complements the dust control effect of the exhaust system. It helps flush waste such as slime and tissue fragments generated during cutting from the inclined table surface into the filter basket, keeping the table surface clean and improving cutting efficiency and precision. Additionally, the outlet pipe generates a slow water flow, simulating an aquatic environment to keep coral tissue moist, closer to its natural state, and reducing stress.
[0023] During use, the aforementioned device is first filled with a certain amount of water (natural or artificial seawater). Then, the operating tools are placed on the horizontal surface of the operating table. The button coral to be cut is then placed into the box-shaped body filled with seawater. The first power cord 28 and the second power cord 29 extend from the operating holes and are connected to an external power source. The exhaust fan and water pump are turned on, drawing water from the box-shaped body. The water then slowly flows out from the nozzle of the outlet pipe along the inclined surface of the operating table. The protective cover is placed over the operating table, and after wearing protective gloves, both hands are inserted through the operating holes on the left and right sides of the protective cover. The button coral is then removed from the water and placed on the inclined surface of the operating table for processing. The button coral, after being cut and separated, is placed on a horizontal board on the workbench and then bonded to a ceramic fixing plate. Once finished, it is placed in water within the boxed body. Waste generated during the cutting process, including debris and slime, flows into the filter basket with the water flow. Fixed particulate waste remains in the filter basket, while slime is filtered by filter cotton. Water flows out of the filter basket and into the box-shaped body for recycling. Toxic gases or aerosols emitted by the button coral during the operation are drawn into the exhaust pipe by the exhaust fan. After being adsorbed and filtered by the activated carbon and particulate filter box at the bottom of the exhaust pipe, they are discharged from the exhaust port. After processing, the protective cover is removed, the filter basket is taken off, the water pump and exhaust fan are turned off, and the water inside the box-shaped body is poured out.
Claims
1. A button coral cutting device, characterized in that, The device includes a protective cover (1) and an operating table (2). The protective cover (1) can be freely fastened to the operating table (2). The protective cover (1) is a box made of transparent material with a missing bottom surface. The protective cover (1) has operating holes (11) on two opposite sides. The lower opening of the protective cover (1) is fastened to the upper surface of the operating table. The operating table is a box-shaped body, including an operating table surface, a box-shaped body and an exhaust pipe (27). The operating table surface is located at the upper end of the box-shaped body, and the lower end of the exhaust pipe (27) is inserted into the box-shaped body, while the upper end is located above the operating table surface.
2. The button coral cutting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An exhaust fan (211) is provided at the upper end of the exhaust pipe (27).
3. The button coral cutting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The box-shaped body is equipped with a water pump (25) inside, and a water outlet pipe (26) is connected to the outlet of the water pump (25). The upper end of the water outlet pipe (26) extends from the operating table.
4. The button coral cutting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating table is provided with a horizontal plate (22) and a sloping plate (23). A filter basket (24) is provided on one side of the operating table. The filter basket (24) contains filter material. The sloping plate (23) is used to guide the liquid and fine debris generated during the cutting process to flow naturally to the filter basket (24).
5. The button coral cutting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower end of the exhaust pipe (27) is water-sealed and fixed to the inner wall of the box-shaped body, and is provided with an exhaust port (212) that communicates with the outside. The lower end of the exhaust pipe (27) is filled with adsorbent material for adsorbing toxic gases.
6. The button coral cutting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter basket (24) and the operating table are both detachably installed on the box-shaped body.