A novel experimental device for the swimming ability of fish in deep pool-shallow habitats
By incorporating shallow banks and a water temperature controller into the fish swimming ability testing device, combined with a frequency-modulated water supply system and motion tracking components, the problem that existing devices cannot simulate the alternating deep pool-shallow area of the Yangtze River's Zhongdui section has been solved, enabling more accurate testing of fish swimming ability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- WANJIANG INST OF TECH
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing fish swimming ability testing devices are unable to simulate the alternating deep pools and shallow shoals of the Zhongdui section of the upper Yangtze River, and cannot accurately reproduce the movement behavior of fish in this complex terrain, resulting in inaccurate test results.
A novel experimental device for the swimming ability of fish in deep pool-shallow habitats was designed. It adopts a water tank structure, and is equipped with shallow banks, ADV flow meters and water temperature controllers to simulate the landforms of deep pools and shallow beaches. Different flow rates and volumes are provided through a frequency-modulated water supply system. Fish movement tracking components and sensors are installed to collect movement data.
It improves the precision and accuracy of fish swimming ability testing, can realistically reproduce the complex aquatic environment of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, provides scientific research basis, and supports comprehensive research on fish ecological adaptability.
Smart Images
Figure CN224440077U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of fish testing devices, and more specifically, relates to a novel experimental device for the swimming ability of fish in deep pool-shallow habitats. Background Technology
[0002] The Zhongdui section of the upper Yangtze River is a typical area of alternating deep pools and shallow shoals. This has created biodiversity in the river ecosystem, but it also poses a serious challenge to the stability and safety of the navigation channel. At the same time, long-term siltation in the Zhongdui section of the upper Yangtze River has exacerbated topographical differences and caused some disturbance to the habitats of aquatic organisms such as fish.
[0003] Fish swimming ability is a key indicator for assessing their adaptation to the environment and the impact on hydraulic engineering projects. However, existing traditional testing devices are mostly designed for constant flow velocity or single-gradient environments, making it difficult to realistically reproduce the complex geomorphological features of the Zhongdui section of the upper Yangtze River. Against this backdrop, recent research has gradually introduced variable flow velocity and dynamic environment simulation technologies to improve the environmental simulation capabilities of these devices. Meanwhile, significant progress has also been made in the study of fish self-propelled swimming ability. By analyzing the behavioral characteristics of fish under different flow velocities and obstacle environments, their energy consumption patterns and adaptive mechanisms can be revealed. However, existing devices struggle to simulate the complex geomorphology of the Zhongdui section of the upper Yangtze River (such as areas with alternating deep pools and shallow shoals), making it difficult to accurately measure fish movement behavior under such complex conditions.
[0004] A search revealed patent application number 202211059647.2, filed on August 30, 2022, entitled "A Device for Measuring Fish Swimming Ability." It includes a fish swimming component, a water circulation component, and a behavior observation component. The fish swimming component provides a target swimming environment for fish; the water circulation component is connected to the inlet and outlet of the fish swimming component to provide circulating water; and the behavior observation component is installed above the fish swimming component to observe and analyze the swimming behavior of fish to determine their swimming ability in the target swimming environment. However, this device struggles to simulate the unique topography of the Zhongdui section of the upper Yangtze River, making it unsuitable for testing fish swimming ability in this environment.
[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a fish swimming ability testing device based on the characteristics of deep pool-shallow beach environment, so as to achieve a more comprehensive study on the behavior and ecological adaptability of fish in the Zhongdui section of the upper Yangtze River, which has important scientific significance and engineering application value. Utility Model Content
[0006] 1. The problem to be solved
[0007] This invention aims to address the shortcomings of existing technologies in accurately testing the swimming ability of fish in the habitat of the Zhongdui section of the upper Yangtze River. It provides a novel experimental device for the swimming ability of fish in a deep pool-shallow shoal habitat. This device can effectively simulate the complex water structure of alternating deep pools and shallow shoals in the Zhongdui section of the Yangtze River. By alternating deep pool and shallow shoal areas, it simulates the changes in water flow and environmental conditions in the natural river section, providing a scientific basis for studying the swimming ability, adaptability, and habitat requirements of fish under different water flow intensities, depths, and water quality environments.
[0008] 2. Technical Solution
[0009] To solve the above problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:
[0010] This utility model discloses a novel experimental device for the swimming ability of fish in deep pool-shallow habitats, comprising a water tank, a fish movement tracking component, and sensors. The water tank contains a testing area, wherein:
[0011] The test area has a shallow beach area on the side away from the sidewall of the water tank, and at least two shallow embankments along the length of the water tank on the side closer to the sidewall of the water tank. The shallow embankments are set parallel to the bottom of the water tank and fixedly installed on the sidewall of the water tank, and a deep pool area is set between the two shallow embankments.
[0012] The deep pool area is equipped with an ADV flow meter and a water temperature controller to control the water flow rate and water temperature in the deep pool area;
[0013] The bottom of the test area is equipped with fish motion tracking components and sensors to collect hydrodynamic parameters and fish movement trajectories. ADV flow meters are also separately installed at the entrance and exit of the test area.
[0014] As a further improvement of this utility model, three shallow embankments are provided, forming an upstream deep pool area and a downstream deep pool area.
[0015] As a further improvement of this utility model, the distance between each shallow embankment and the bottom of the water trough gradually increases along the direction of water flow, and the cross-sectional area of the shallow embankment gradually decreases in the direction away from the side wall of the water trough, so as to truly restore the typical deep pool-shallow beach habitat of the Zhongdui section of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River.
[0016] As a further improvement of this utility model, a power zone is provided in the water tank, and the two ends of the power zone are respectively connected to the first bend and the second bend. A test zone is connected between the first bend and the second bend, and the power zone, the first bend, the second bend and the test zone are connected end to end to form a ring structure. The power zone is used to provide water flow with different flow rates and velocities.
[0017] As a further improvement of this utility model, arc-shaped plates are provided in both the first and second bends to form channels for fish to swim.
[0018] As a further improvement of this utility model, both ends of the first curve and the second curve are equipped with netting.
[0019] As a further improvement of this utility model, a rest area is provided in the middle of the water tank, where the fish to be tested can rest briefly. A gate is provided on the partition between the rest area and the power area to facilitate the entry and exit of the fish.
[0020] As a further improvement of this utility model, the water inlet is located at the bottom of the water tank, and a flow stabilizing component is provided in the power zone. The flow stabilizing component is installed at the water inlet to further eliminate the turbulence of the water flow at the water inlet.
[0021] As a further improvement of this utility model, the water inlet of the power zone is connected to an external frequency-controlled water supply system via a pipe.
[0022] 3. Beneficial effects
[0023] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0024] (1) The present invention provides a novel experimental device for the swimming ability of fish in a deep pool-shallow beach habitat. The device has a water tank as the main structure. By setting up shallow banks, ADV flow meters and water temperature controllers in the test area, a deep pool and shallow beach landform is formed, creating a complex aquatic habitat with alternating deep pools and shallow beaches in the middle section of the Yangtze River. This provides conditions for testing the swimming ability of fish in this habitat and improves the accuracy of the experimental results.
[0025] (2) The present invention provides a novel experimental device for the swimming ability of fish in a deep pool-shallow beach habitat. By setting up three shallow banks, an upstream deep pool area and a downstream deep pool area are formed. At the same time, the location of the shallow banks is optimized to better match the real topography of the Zhongdui section of the upper Yangtze River. This device can provide a more realistic habitat for fish testing and further improve the accuracy of the test results.
[0026] (3) The present invention provides a novel experimental device for the swimming ability of fish in deep pool-shallow beach habitats. By setting the inlet at the bottom of the tank instead of on the side wall of the tank, the turbulence of the water flow can be reduced. Furthermore, a flow stabilizing component is set at the inlet to further eliminate the turbulence of the water flow at the inlet.
[0027] (4) The present invention provides a novel experimental device for the swimming ability of fish in deep pool-shallow habitat. By setting up a rest area in the test area, fish can take a short rest. A gate is set between the test area and the rest area to facilitate the entry and exit of fish. When not conducting tests, the rest area can be used for fish to rest and be fed.
[0028] (5) The present invention provides a novel experimental device for the swimming ability of fish in deep pool-shallow habitat. The water inlet is connected to an external frequency-modulated water supply system through a pipe. The frequency-modulated water supply system can provide water sources with different flow rates and flow sizes to the water tank to meet various testing needs. At the same time, the fish motion tracking component can collect fish motion image data and motion trajectory in real time, and the set sensors can collect environmental data of fish swimming. Attached Figure Description
[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the novel experimental device for the swimming ability of fish in deep pool-shallow habitat according to this utility model.
[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the high-speed camera of this utility model;
[0031] In the picture:
[0032] 1. Sink;
[0033] 2. Power Zone; 21. Flow Stabilizer; 22. Inlet; 23. Outlet; 24. Gate;
[0034] 3. Test area; 31. Shallow area; 32. Upstream deep pool area; 33. Downstream deep pool area; 34. Water temperature controller; 35. Shallow embankment; 36. ADV flow meter;
[0035] 4. Rest area; 5. Netting; 6. Curved plate; 7. First bend; 8. Second bend; 9. Fish attractant light; 10. First high-speed camera; 11. Second high-speed camera; 12. Mounting bracket; 13. Control processor. Detailed Implementation
[0036] It should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only used to facilitate the description of this utility model and to simplify the description, and 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0037] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0038] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments.
[0039] Example 1
[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment presents a novel experimental device for the swimming ability of fish in deep pool-shallow habitats, comprising a water tank 1, a fish motion tracking component, and sensors. The water tank 1 serves as the main structure of the experimental device, and its overall construction is a ring-shaped tank structure. The water tank 1 contains a power zone 2, a testing zone 3, and a resting zone 4. Specifically, in conjunction with... Figure 1 The orientation and structural design of the experimental device of this utility model are described in detail below:
[0041] Main design of sink 1:
[0042] The water tank 1 is designed with bends at both ends, including a first bend 7 and a second bend 8. A power zone 2 and a test zone 3 are respectively set on the front and rear sides. One end of the power zone 2 is connected to the first bend 7 and the other end is connected to the second bend 8. The test zone 3 is connected between the first bend 7 and the second bend 8. The power zone 2, the first bend 7, the second bend 8 and the test zone 3 are connected end to end to form a ring structure. A rest area 4 is set in the middle of the water tank 1. When not conducting experiments, fish can rest briefly in the rest area 4. A gate 24 is opened on the partition between the rest area 4 and the power zone 2 to facilitate the entry and exit of fish.
[0043] Both the first bend 7 and the second bend 8 are equipped with arc-shaped plates 6 to form channels for fish to swim. Both ends of the first bend 7 and the second bend 8 are equipped with nets 5 to control the number of test fish to meet the needs of different test conditions. Fish-attracting lights 9 are installed near the nets 5 on the bends, which can be turned on in specific experimental scenarios to attract fish to move.
[0044] Power Zone 2 Design:
[0045] The power zone 2 is located within the straight section of the annular structure of the water tank 1. An inlet 22 and an outlet 223 are installed within the power zone 2, both situated at the bottom of the water tank 1. Compared to traditional test devices with outlets located on the side walls, this design reduces water flow instability caused by propeller rotation and lowers the risk of fish being sucked into the propeller and injured. The inlet 22 is connected to an external frequency-controlled water supply system via a pipe, allowing the system to provide water with varying flow rates and volumes to the water tank 1 to meet different testing requirements.
[0046] To further optimize the process and eliminate water flow turbulence at the inlet 22, a flow stabilizing component 21 is installed at the inlet 22, which can improve water flow stability and reduce the impact on experimental accuracy.
[0047] Test Area 3 Design:
[0048] The straight section at the other end of the water tank 1 is designated as test area 3, symmetrically arranged with power area 2, wherein:
[0049] A shallow area 31 is set up on the side of the test area 3 away from the sidewall of the water tank 1. The shallow area 31 uses a shallow slope structure to transition to a narrow channel, simulating a high-velocity area. By laying coarse particles at the bottom of the shallow area 31 to increase the friction of the substrate, the turbulent characteristics of the shallow area are reproduced. An adjustable plate structure can also be installed in the shallow area 31 to adjust the height of the shallow area according to experimental needs, thereby changing its flow resistance and hydrodynamic characteristics. More optimally, obstacles such as simulated rocks and vegetation models can be placed in the shallow area 31 to dynamically change the water flow field structure. The obstacles should ideally be easily movable and adjustable to meet the needs of different testing scenarios.
[0050] The test area 3, near the sidewall of the water tank 1, has at least two shallow embankments 35 along the length of the water tank 1. These embankments 35 are parallel to the bottom of the water tank 1 and fixedly installed on the sidewall. A deep pool area is located between the two shallow embankments 35. The applicant's research has revealed that in the Zhongdui section of the upper Yangtze River, not only is there an alternating distribution of deep pools and shallow shoals, but natural shallow embankments also form on both sides of the deep pools. In this embodiment, to recreate this complex landform as accurately as possible, shallow embankments 35 are constructed by installing rigid plastic or concrete on the sidewall of the water tank to achieve a more realistic habitat creation.
[0051] To further optimize and realistically present the test environment, the shallow embankments 35 are arranged along the water flow direction, with the distance between each shallow embankment 35 and the bottom of the water tank 1 gradually increasing, and the cross-sectional area of the shallow embankments 35 gradually decreasing in the direction away from the side wall of the water tank 1. An ADV flow meter 36 and a water temperature controller 34 are installed in the deep pool area to control the water flow rate and water temperature in the deep pool area to simulate the real deep pool environment.
[0052] The bottom of test area 3 is equipped with a fish motion tracking component and sensors to collect hydrodynamic parameters and fish movement trajectories. Both the inlet and outlet of test area 3 are equipped with separate ADV (Advanced Dynamic Range) flow meters 36. The fish motion tracking component includes a high-speed camera, such as... Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, mounting brackets 12 are installed on the mounting frames on both sides of the water tank 1. The mounting brackets 12 are set across the water tank 1. A first high-speed camera 10 is set below the horizontal bar of the mounting bracket 12, aimed at the fish resting area 4 to observe the fish. A second high-speed camera 11 is set on the vertical bar of the mounting bracket, aimed at the test area 3 of the water tank 1, to collect the movement trajectory data of the fish in the test area. Both the first high-speed camera 10 and the second high-speed camera 11 are connected to the control processor 13, which can transmit the collected fish movement trajectory data to the external control processor 13 in real time for storage, so as to provide data support for subsequent research on the swimming ability of fish.
[0053] In another embodiment of this invention, three shallow embankments 35 are provided, forming an upstream deep pool area 32 and a downstream deep pool area 33. Along the direction of water flow, the distances of the three shallow embankments 35 from the bottom of the water tank 1 are 20%, 50%, and 80% of the depth of the water tank 1, respectively. This arrangement is more in line with the topography of the Zhongdui section of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, significantly improving the environmental simulation capability of the device and closely approximating the real living environment of fish. This facilitates a more comprehensive study on fish movement behavior and ecological adaptability, and the measured data on fish swimming ability are highly accurate.
[0054] The frequency-modulated water supply system, flow stabilizing component 21, fish movement tracking component, sensor, ADV flow meter 36, high-speed camera and control processor 13 used in this utility model are all existing equipment that can be purchased directly. Alternatively, the relevant equipment disclosed in the patent with authorization announcement number CN 109526814 B can be used to complete the experiment.
[0055] Experimental methods:
[0056] Based on specific experimental parameters, the flow rate and velocity of the water source at inlet 22 were set, and fish were released for the experiment. During the experiment, the fish's movement trajectory was collected in real time. Photos or videos could be taken using an onboard high-speed camera. Sensors provided real-time feedback of environmental signals from the water tank 1 (including water flow velocity, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, etc., to approximate the fish's natural living environment) to the control processor 1 (which can directly use existing equipment capable of acquiring and processing test data). Furthermore, when it is necessary to change the experimental conditions, different experiments can be conducted by adjusting the inlet flow rate or volume.
[0057] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A novel experimental device for fish swimming ability in deep pool-shoal habitat, comprising a water tank (1), a fish movement tracking assembly and a sensor, characterized in that: The water tank (1) is provided with a test area (3), wherein: The test area (3) has a shallow beach area (31) on the side away from the side wall of the water tank (1), and at least two shallow embankments (35) are set along the length of the water tank (1) on the side close to the side wall of the water tank (1). The shallow embankments (35) are set parallel to the bottom of the water tank (1) and fixedly installed on the side wall of the water tank (1). A deep pool area is set between the two shallow embankments (35). The deep pool area is equipped with an ADV flow meter (36) and a water temperature controller (34) to control the water flow rate and water temperature in the deep pool area; The bottom of the test area (3) is equipped with a fish motion tracking component and a sensor to collect hydrodynamic parameters and fish movement trajectories. The inlet and outlet of the test area (3) are each equipped with an ADV flow meter (36).
2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are three shallow embankments (35), which together form an upstream deep pool area (32) and a downstream deep pool area (33).
3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Along the direction of water flow, the distance between each shallow embankment (35) and the bottom of the water tank (1) gradually increases, and the cross-sectional area of the shallow embankment (35) gradually decreases in the direction away from the side wall of the water tank (1).
4. The device for testing fish swimming ability in deep pool-shoal habitat according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The water tank (1) is provided with a power zone (2), and the two ends of the power zone (2) are connected to the first bend (7) and the second bend (8) respectively. The test zone (3) is connected between the first bend (7) and the second bend (8). The power zone (2), the first bend (7), the second bend (8) and the test zone (3) are connected end to end to form a ring structure. The power zone (2) is used to provide water flow with different flow rates and velocities.
5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that: Arc-shaped plates (6) are provided in both the first bend (7) and the second bend (8) to form a channel for fish to swim.
6. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that: Both ends of the first bend (7) and the second bend (8) are equipped with netting (5).
7. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A rest area (4) is provided in the middle of the tank (1) for fish to rest. A gate (24) is provided on the partition between the rest area (4) and the power area (2).
8. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The inlet (22) is located at the bottom of the water tank (1), and the power zone (2) is equipped with a flow stabilizing component (21). The flow stabilizing component (21) is installed at the inlet (22) to further eliminate the turbulence of the water flow at the inlet (22).
9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The water inlet (22) of the power zone (2) is connected to the external frequency regulation water supply system through a pipeline.