A monitoring system for the attachment load of gravity-type gabion mesh

Abstract

This utility model relates to a monitoring system for the load attached to the netting of a gravity-type gabion. The gabion includes a float, a net, and sinkers. The net is connected to the float, and multiple sinkers are connected to the lower edge of the net. The monitoring system includes multiple weight monitoring sensors A, multiple weight monitoring sensors B, and a monitoring mechanism. The weight monitoring sensors A are disposed between the float and the upper edge of the net, and can detect the downward force between the net and the float. The multiple weight monitoring sensors A are spaced apart along the circumference of the net. The weight monitoring sensors B are disposed between the lower edge of the net and the sinkers, and can detect the downward force between the sinkers and the lower edge of the net. The multiple weight monitoring sensors B are spaced apart along the circumference of the net. Both the weight monitoring sensors A and B are communicatively connected to the monitoring mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of marine aquaculture engineering technology, specifically to a monitoring system for the load attached to the netting of a gravity-type cage. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of deep-sea fisheries, HDPE gravity cages have been widely used due to their low cost and flexible deployment. However, during summer aquaculture in tropical and subtropical waters, the high temperature and high nutrient salt environment makes the surface of the nets prone to adsorbing large amounts of shellfish such as mussels and barnacles, as well as algae. This leads to clogged meshes, reduced water passage area, increased net weight, and decreased water exchange capacity, which in turn causes a decrease in dissolved oxygen concentration inside the cages and risks such as inducing fish diseases.

[0003] Currently, aquaculture farmers generally rely on divers to inspect the netting's appearance underwater to determine if it needs replacing. However, this method has the following drawbacks: 1. High dependence on manual labor: When there are many net cages, it is difficult for divers to cover them all. Different divers have different judgment standards, resulting in low efficiency, short window periods, high safety risks, and an inability to scale up operations. 2. Lag: It is impossible to monitor changes in the weight of the attached materials in real time. Delayed replacement can lead to overweight netting, especially during typhoon season or when manpower is insufficient, making timely inspection impossible. 3. High risk: The wet weight of the netting increases dramatically, often reaching hundreds of kilograms. When encountering strong currents, there is a risk of the netting tearing, sinking of the cage, or even the collapse of the entire cage, causing fish to escape and significant economic losses.

[0004] Chinese patent application CN201911226200.8 discloses a novel deep-sea aquaculture cage, which utilizes a monitoring system including a camera and a water temperature sensor to monitor in real time whether the cage body is tilted, whether fish activity is normal, and the sea surface environment, thereby adjusting the cage body's operating status. However, this method only allows for external observation of the cage and cannot monitor the load on the netting. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art described above, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a monitoring system for the load attached to the netting of a gravity-type cage, which can monitor the changes in the load attached to the netting in real time and efficiently, thereby scientifically arranging cleaning or replacement operations and reducing aquaculture risks.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a monitoring system for the load attached to the netting of a gravity-type gabion. The gabion includes a float, a net, and sinkers. The net is connected to the float, and multiple sinkers are connected to the lower edge of the net. The monitoring system includes multiple weight monitoring sensors A, multiple weight monitoring sensors B, and a monitoring mechanism. The weight monitoring sensors A are disposed between the float and the upper edge of the net, and can detect the downward force between the net and the float. The multiple weight monitoring sensors A are spaced apart along the circumference of the net. The weight monitoring sensors B are disposed between the lower edge of the net and the sinkers, and can detect the downward force between the sinkers and the lower edge of the net. The multiple weight monitoring sensors B are spaced apart along the circumference of the net. Both the weight monitoring sensors A and B are communicatively connected to the monitoring mechanism.

[0007] Furthermore, multiple weight monitoring sensors A are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference extension direction of the mesh.

[0008] Furthermore, multiple weight monitoring sensors B are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference extension direction of the mesh.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes multiple weight monitoring sensors C, which are embedded in the net and located underwater, and are capable of detecting the tensile force of the net in the vertical direction and the circumferential extension direction; the weight monitoring sensors C are communicatively connected to the monitoring mechanism.

[0010] Furthermore, the weight monitoring sensor C includes an upper detection connection point, a lower detection connection point, a left detection connection point, and a right detection connection point. The upper detection connection point, the lower detection connection point, the left detection connection point, and the right detection connection point are all connected to the mesh knots of the mesh. When the upper detection connection point and the lower detection connection point are pulled, they can detect the tensile force in the vertical direction of the mesh. When the left detection connection point and the right detection connection point are pulled, they can detect the tensile force in the circumferential extension direction of the mesh.

[0011] Furthermore, multiple weight monitoring sensors C are arranged at intervals along the circumferential extension direction of the mesh.

[0012] Furthermore, the weight monitoring sensor A and the plurality of weight monitoring sensors B have a waterproof rating of ≥IP68.

[0013] Furthermore, the monitoring mechanism includes a data acquisition module and a monitoring platform. The data acquisition module is used to collect detection data from weight monitoring sensor A and weight monitoring sensor B. The monitoring platform is communicatively connected to the data acquisition module and is used to receive the data collected by the data acquisition module and perform processing and calculation.

[0014] Furthermore, the monitoring platform is a mobile platform and communicates wirelessly with the data acquisition module.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a battery and a solar panel mounted on the buoy, wherein the weight monitoring sensor A and multiple weight monitoring sensors B are electrically connected to the battery, and the solar panel is electrically connected to the battery.

[0016] As described above, the monitoring system of this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. It can continuously monitor the dynamic load of the net and provide early warning of risks. It can monitor the overall weight changes of the net and other objects on it (sinks and attached objects, etc.), and can also obtain the weight of the attached objects on the net separately, quantify the degree of shellfish attachment, replace subjective judgment, avoid human error, and avoid the risk of net tearing and fish escape due to excessive attachment.

[0018] 2. It enables remote visual management. The status of each net cage can be obtained through a monitoring platform on shore or mobile devices (such as weight-time curves and attachment rate heat maps), supporting remote decision-making. This allows for the rational scheduling of diving operations based on actual needs, reducing the number of unnecessary manual inspections and maintenance. Furthermore, historical data analysis can optimize the net replacement cycle and extend its service life.

[0019] 3. Applicable to various gravity-type cage structures, expandable to hundreds of cages, and has lower operation and maintenance costs compared to traditional underwater inspection methods. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the gravity-type wire mesh cage attachment load monitoring system of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the weight monitoring sensor B in this utility model.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the weight monitoring sensor C in this utility model.

[0023] Explanation of icon numbers

[0024] 1 floating body

[0025] 2. Mesh garment

[0026] 3. Sinking Stone

[0027] 4. Weight monitoring sensor A

[0028] 5. Weight monitoring sensor B

[0029] 6 Weight monitoring sensor C Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification.

[0031] It should be understood that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., depicted in the accompanying drawings are merely for illustrative purposes to aid those skilled in the art and to facilitate understanding. They are not intended to limit the scope of this invention and therefore have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in proportions, or adjustments to size, provided they do not affect the effectiveness or purpose of this invention, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed herein. Furthermore, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and "middle" used in this specification are merely for clarity and not intended to limit the scope of this invention. Changes or adjustments to their relative relationships, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered within the scope of this invention.

[0032] See Figures 1 to 3 This invention provides a monitoring system for the load attached to the netting of a gravity-type gabion. The gabion includes a float 1, a netting 2, and sinkers 3. The netting 2 is connected to the float 1, and multiple sinkers 3 are connected to the lower edge of the netting 2 to keep the netting 2 extended in the vertical direction. The gabion can adopt an existing design structure. The monitoring system of this invention includes multiple weight monitoring sensors A4, multiple weight monitoring sensors B5, and a monitoring mechanism (not shown in the attached drawings). The weight monitoring sensors A4 are located between the float 1 and the netting 2 and can detect the downward force between the netting 2 and the float 1. The multiple weight monitoring sensors A4 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the netting 2. The weight monitoring sensors B5 are located between the lower edge of the netting 2 and the sinkers 3 and are used to detect the downward force between the sinkers 3 and the lower edge of the netting 2. The multiple weight monitoring sensors B5 are also arranged at intervals along the circumference of the netting 2. Both the weight monitoring sensors A4 and B5 are communicatively connected to the monitoring mechanism, and the detected data is transmitted to the monitoring mechanism.

[0033] The main working principle of the monitoring system of this utility model is as follows: the number of weight monitoring sensors A4 and their specific positions along the circumference extension direction can be arranged according to actual needs, forming a circular distribution while maintaining a certain degree of dispersion. Similarly, the number of weight monitoring sensors B5 and their specific positions along the circumference extension direction can also be arranged according to actual needs, forming a circular distribution while maintaining a certain degree of dispersion. During operation, the total weight information of the net 2 and other objects on it (including sinkers 3 and attached materials, etc.) can be evaluated through the measurement data of multiple weight monitoring sensors A4, denoted as W. totalSpecifically, because the net 2 also has buoyancy in the water, as well as the connecting tension between the net 2 and the float 1, the measurement data of the weight monitoring sensor A4 is not equal to the actual total weight of the net 2 and other items on it. However, the change in the measurement data of the weight monitoring sensor A4 can be used to assess the total weight W. total The changes, combined with the overall total weight W of the mesh garment 2 and other items on it. total The actual initial value, that is, the total weight W, can be used to assess the overall total weight. total Furthermore, since multiple weight monitoring sensors A4 are spaced apart along the perimeter of the mesh 2 to acquire data at different locations, the weight distribution at different locations can be determined, and the weight information can be more accurately evaluated by averaging the values. Similarly, the weight of all sinkers 3 can be evaluated by measuring data from multiple weight monitoring sensors B5. The monitoring agency collects data from weight monitoring sensors A4 and B5, and can evaluate and judge multiple states of the mesh 2: (a) The measurement data of weight monitoring sensor A4 is denoted as W. A It can reflect the total weight W of the netting 2 and other objects on it. total This data can be used to assess whether there is a risk to the connection strength between the net 2 and the float 1. When the net cage is first assembled and put into use, it is denoted as W. A0 Record as W after a period of use. A1 Then determine the rate of increase in the total weight of the mesh 2 and other objects on it (W). A1 -W A0 ) / W A0 (a) By combining the initial values ​​of the actual weight of the net 2 and other objects on it on the shore, the increased weight can be calculated; (b) The measurement data of the weight monitoring sensor B5 is recorded as W. B It can reflect the weight of all sinkers 3. During long-term use, deposits will accumulate on sinkers 3, increasing their weight. This can be addressed by using W... A and W B The difference ΔW can subtract the influence of sinker 3 and directly reflect the weight information of net 2. By monitoring the change of ΔW in real time, the weight change of net 2 (ΔW1-ΔW0) / ΔW0 can be obtained. Combined with the initial value of the actual weight of net 2 on the shore, the actual increase of the attached material on net 2 can be obtained.

[0034] See Figures 1 to 3 The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments:

[0035] In this embodiment, see Figure 1As a preferred design, the number of weight monitoring sensors A4 is four, and the four weight monitoring sensors A4 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the mesh 2. The upper part of the mesh 2 is circular, meaning that the central angles of adjacent weight monitoring sensors A4 are the same. This allows for better monitoring of the total weight of the mesh 2 and the objects on it. Similarly, the number of weight monitoring sensors B5 is four or other, also arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the mesh 2. This allows for better monitoring and evaluation of the total weight of the sinker 3. In other embodiments, the upper part of the mesh 2 can also be other shapes, such as polygons or ellipses, and the number of weight monitoring sensors A4 and B5 can also be different. They can also be arranged at unequal intervals along the circumference of the mesh 2, as long as a certain degree of dispersion is maintained.

[0036] In this embodiment, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 Multiple sinkers 3 are connected to the lower edge of the netting 2 via connecting ropes. Weight monitoring sensors B5 can be positioned between these connecting ropes; that is, the upper test connection point of the weight monitoring sensor B5 is connected to the lower edge of the netting 2 via a connecting rope, and the lower test connection point is connected to the sinkers 3 via a connecting rope. The downward force between the sinkers 3 and the lower edge of the netting 2 is obtained by measuring the tensile force of the connecting ropes. Four sinkers 3 are selected, and a weight monitoring sensor B5 is installed between each of these four sinkers 3 and the lower edge of the netting 2. In other embodiments, the weight monitoring sensors B5 can also be installed using other suitable methods.

[0037] In this embodiment, see Figure 1 and Figure 3 As a preferred design, the netting also includes multiple weight monitoring sensors C6, which are embedded in the netting 2 and located underwater. The weight monitoring sensors C6 can detect the tensile force on the netting 2 in the vertical and circumferential directions. The weight monitoring sensors C6 are communicatively connected to a monitoring mechanism, transmitting the detected data to the mechanism. The multiple weight monitoring sensors C6 are positioned at different locations on the netting 2, preferably arranged in a circle at equal intervals along the circumference of the netting 2. The multiple weight monitoring sensors C6 can be positioned at the same height on the netting 2 or at different heights. Because the deposits on the netting 2 can be unevenly distributed during use, areas with more deposits will exert greater tensile force on the netting 2, resulting in tensile forces in both the circumferential and vertical directions, which can easily lead to localized damage. Therefore, weight monitoring sensors C6 are embedded in different locations on the netting 2 to detect the distribution of deposits in different areas.

[0038] In this embodiment, see Figure 1 and Figure 3As a preferred design, the weight monitoring sensor C6 has force detection functions in at least two directions. Specifically, the weight monitoring sensor C6 includes an upper detection connection point, a lower detection connection point, a left detection connection point, and a right detection connection point. The upper detection connection point, the lower detection connection point, the left detection connection point, and the right detection connection point are all connected to the mesh knots of the mesh 2. When the mesh 2 is pulled in the vertical direction, the upper detection connection point and the lower detection connection point are pulled upward and downward, respectively, thereby detecting the tensile force of the mesh 2 in the vertical direction. Similarly, when the mesh 2 is pulled in the circumferential extension direction, the left detection connection point and the right detection connection point are pulled to the left and to the right, respectively, thereby detecting the tensile force in the circumferential extension direction of the mesh 2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the weight monitoring sensor C6 includes four detection connection points distributed at the four corners of the rectangle. Thus, the detection connection point at the upper left corner serves as both the upper and left detection connection points, the detection connection point at the upper right corner serves as both the upper and right detection connection points, the detection connection point at the lower left corner serves as both the lower and left detection connection points, and the detection connection point at the lower right corner serves as both the lower and right detection connection points. In other embodiments, the weight monitoring sensor C6 can also employ other suitable structures and installation methods, as long as it can detect the tensile force of the mesh 2 in both the vertical and circumferential directions.

[0039] In this embodiment, as a preferred design, weight monitoring sensors A4, B5, and C6 can all be high-precision strain gauges or piezoelectric tensile sensors (range 0–200 kg, resolution 0.1 kg, self-compensating temperature drift). Flexible load-bearing strips can also be sewn at equal intervals along the longitudinal warp of the mesh 2. The connection nodes of each sensor are connected in series with the load-bearing strips to form a "segmented weighing" structure. The connection points between the sensors and the mesh 2 can also use existing modular "Velcro + buckle" structures, allowing for one-time recycling with the mesh 2 and avoiding secondary submersion. Weight monitoring sensors A4, B5, and C6 can detect changes in the load on the mesh 2 in real time, especially in areas with high rates of attachment.

[0040] In this embodiment, as a preferred design, weight monitoring sensors A4, B5, and C6 can all be encapsulated in a waterproof and corrosion-resistant housing (with an added silicone sealing layer), with a waterproof rating of ≥IP68.

[0041] In this embodiment, see Figure 1As a preferred design, the monitoring mechanism includes a data acquisition module and a monitoring platform. The data acquisition module collects detection data from weight monitoring sensors A4, B5, and C6. The monitoring platform communicates with the data acquisition module, receiving and processing the data. The monitoring platform is configured as a mobile platform, which can be located on shore and communicates wirelessly with the data acquisition module for remote monitoring and control. Specifically, the data acquisition module can integrate a microcontroller unit (e.g., STM32 or ESP32) and a wireless communication module (LoRa / NB-IoT / Wi-Fi / 4G) to wirelessly upload weight data in real time. The monitoring platform receives the uploaded data and visualizes the weight change trend (displaying the netting weight curve, attachment growth rate, etc.). It features weight curve display, threshold setting, net replacement window recommendations, one-click work order generation, and threshold alarm functions to alert workers, such as tiered warnings: green (<50kg), yellow (50–80kg), orange (80–100kg), and red (>100kg).

[0042] In this embodiment, see Figure 1 As a preferred design, the monitoring system can also be connected to the net cage hydrological monitoring system (such as dissolved oxygen sensor), and combined with the hydrological monitoring information and the net 2 attachment load monitoring information, to comprehensively judge the impact of the blockage caused by the attachment on the net 2 on the aquaculture environment.

[0043] In this embodiment, as a preferred design, it also includes a battery and a solar panel (not shown in the figures) disposed on the float 1. The weight monitoring sensor A4 and multiple weight monitoring sensors B5 are electrically connected to the battery and powered by the battery. The solar panel is electrically connected to the battery and is used to charge the battery, thereby meeting the long-term working needs of the monitoring system.

[0044] The gravity-type gabion mesh attachment load monitoring system of this invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0045] 1. It can continuously monitor the load dynamics of net 2 and provide early warning of risks. It can monitor the overall weight changes of net 2 and other objects on it (sink 3 and attached objects, etc.), and can also obtain the weight of attached objects on net 2 separately, quantify the degree of shellfish attachment, replace subjective judgment, avoid human error, and avoid the risk of net 2 tearing and fish escaping due to excessive attachment.

[0046] 2. It enables remote visual management. The status of each net cage can be obtained through a monitoring platform on shore or mobile devices (such as weight-time curves and attachment rate heat maps), supporting remote decision-making. This allows for the rational scheduling of diving operations based on actual needs, reducing the number of unnecessary manual inspections and maintenance. Furthermore, historical data analysis can optimize the net replacement cycle and extend its service life.

[0047] 3. Applicable to various gravity-type cage structures, expandable to hundreds of cages, and has lower operation and maintenance costs compared to traditional underwater inspection methods.

[0048] In summary, this utility model effectively overcomes the various shortcomings of the prior art and has high industrial application value.

[0049] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this utility model should still be covered by the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A monitoring system for the load attached to the netting of a gravity-type gabion, the gabion comprising a float (1), a netting (2), and sinkers (3), the netting (2) being connected to the float (1), and a plurality of sinkers (3) being connected to the lower edge of the netting (2), characterized in that: The monitoring system includes multiple weight monitoring sensors A (4), multiple weight monitoring sensors B (5), and a monitoring mechanism. The weight monitoring sensors A (4) are located between the float (1) and the upper edge of the net (2) and can detect the downward force between the net (2) and the float (1). The multiple weight monitoring sensors A (4) are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the net (2). The weight monitoring sensors B (5) are located between the lower edge of the net (2) and the sinker (3) and can detect the downward force between the sinker (3) and the lower edge of the net (2). The multiple weight monitoring sensors B (5) are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the net (2). Both the weight monitoring sensors A (4) and B (5) are connected to the monitoring mechanism.

2. The monitoring system for the load attached to the mesh of a gravity-type gabion cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple weight monitoring sensors A(4) are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference extension direction of the mesh (2).

3. The monitoring system for the load attached to the mesh of a gravity-type gabion cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple weight monitoring sensors B(5) are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference extension direction of the mesh (2).

4. The monitoring system for the load attached to the mesh of a gravity-type gabion cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes multiple weight monitoring sensors C(6), which are embedded in the net (2) and located underwater, and can detect the tensile force of the net (2) in the vertical direction and the circumferential extension direction; the weight monitoring sensors C(6) are connected to the monitoring mechanism.

5. The monitoring system for the load attached to the mesh of a gravity-type gabion cage according to claim 4, characterized in that: The weight monitoring sensor C(6) includes an upper detection connection point, a lower detection connection point, a left detection connection point, and a right detection connection point. The upper detection connection point, the lower detection connection point, the left detection connection point, and the right detection connection point are all connected to the mesh wire knots of the mesh (2). When the upper detection connection point and the lower detection connection point are pulled, they can detect the tensile force in the vertical direction of the mesh (2). When the left detection connection point and the right detection connection point are pulled, they can detect the tensile force in the circumferential extension direction of the mesh (2).

6. The monitoring system for the load attached to the mesh of a gravity-type gabion cage according to claim 4, characterized in that: Multiple weight monitoring sensors C(6) are arranged at intervals along the circumferential extension direction of the mesh (2).

7. The monitoring system for the load attached to the mesh of a gravity-type gabion cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The weight monitoring sensor A (4) and multiple weight monitoring sensors B (5) have a waterproof rating of ≥ IP68.

8. The monitoring system for the load attached to the mesh of a gravity-type gabion cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The monitoring mechanism includes a data acquisition module and a monitoring platform. The data acquisition module is used to collect the detection data of weight monitoring sensor A (4) and weight monitoring sensor B (5). The monitoring platform is connected to the data acquisition module and is used to receive the data collected by the data acquisition module and perform processing and calculation.

9. The monitoring system for the attachment load of gravity-type gabion mesh as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The monitoring platform is a mobile platform and communicates wirelessly with the data acquisition module.

10. The monitoring system for the load attached to the mesh of a gravity-type gabion cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a battery and a solar panel mounted on the float (1), wherein the weight monitoring sensor A (4) and multiple weight monitoring sensors B (5) are electrically connected to the battery, and the solar panel is electrically connected to the battery.

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