A twine for an aquaculture net and a method of manufacturing thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a twine (100), such as for an aquaculture net and a method (200) of manufacturing the same. The twine (100) includes a core component (102) and a cover component (103) braided over the core component (102), where the cover component (103) is bonded to the core component (101) for enhancing tensile strength and reducing 5 diameter of the twine (100). Bonding is achieved by wrapping a film (101) having a low melting point over the core component (102) before braiding of the cover component (103) and subjecting the film (101) to heating close to its melting point to create the bonding.

Description

A TWINE FOR AN AQUACULTURE NET AND A METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THEREOFTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of high-performance braided twine. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to an aquaculture net and a method of manufacturing the same. Further, the present invention focuses on the development of a twine structure comprising a cover and a core component.BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Aquaculture nets are essential components in fish farming and other aquatic applications. The nets need to be strong, durable, and resistant to the harsh aquatic environment. Traditionally, twines used in aquaculture nets are made from natural or synthetic fibers.

[0004] However, the aquaculture twines can suffer from various drawbacks, such as susceptibility to degradation, abrasion damage, limited strength. Natural fibers can degrade over time in water, reducing the lifespan of the net, synthetic fibers can be susceptible to abrasion from aquatic organisms and environmental factors, weakening the net, and some traditional twines might not have sufficient strength to withstand the weight of fish and water currents. The above drawbacks can lead to net failures, which can have negative consequences for fish health, production efficiency, and economic costs.

[0005] Traditional braided twine typically involves a core and a cover, with the core contributing significantly to the overall strength and performance characteristics of the twine. Conventional twines have been limited by their inability to provide high tensile strength at smaller diameters, necessitating larger diameters to achieve desired performance levels. The present invention addresses the limitations by introducing an innovative core design and wrapping technique that enables the production of twine with superior strength and stiffness at reduced diameters, making it particularly advantageous for use in aquaculture nets.

[0006] Thus, there exists a dire need in the art, to provide improved twines for aquaculture nets that address the limitations and provide enhanced performance in the aquaticenvironment. Further, there is also a need for a net for aquaculture that is capable of a user- friendly, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective solution for the aquaculture nets.OBJECTS OF INVENTION

[0007] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.

[0008] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a twine with a reduced diameter for an aquaculture net.

[0009] It is another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method of manufacturing twine for the aquaculture nets.

[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a braided twine that incorporates a specially designed core, wrapped with a thin film.

[0011] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.SUMMARY

[0012] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.

[0013] In an aspect, the proposed twine includes a core component; and a cover component that is braided cover component over the core component. IN an aspect, the cover component is bonded to the core component for an enhanced strength and reduced diameter of the twine.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the core component may include at least one fiber made of one or more materials selected from a group comprising high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyester, nylon, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the core component may include a plurality of fibers arranged in a predefined pattern, wherein the plurality of fibers are made of one ormore materials selected from a group comprising high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyester, nylon, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the twine may include a fdm located between the core component and the cover component, which fdm may be configured to provide the bonding between the core component and the cover component.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the film may be wrapped around the core component, and may be made of a thermoplastic material with a low melting point such that, the film on being heated to a predefined temperature provides a bonding between the core component and the cover component.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the film may be made of a material selected from a group comprising low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDP), polyester film, acrylic film.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the material of the film may be selected such that a melting point of material of the film is lower than melting points of materials of the core component and the cover component.

[0020] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a twine. The proposed method includes the steps of: (i) providing a a core component; (ii) wrapping a film around the core component; (iii) braiding a cover component over the core component wrapped with the film; and (iv) heating the film to a predefined temperature to create a bond between the core component and the cover component to enhance strength and reduce a diameter of the twine.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the method may include the step of arranging a plurality of fibers in a predefined pattern to create the core component, and wherein the film may be wrapped over the plurality of fibers and works as a protective layer for the plurality of fibers.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the step of heating the film may include the step of using a heating means or chemical means for heating the film to the predefined temperature.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the step of heating the film may include the step of heating the twine to a temperature that is close to a melting point material of the film but lower than melting point of materials of the core component and the cover component.

[0024] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Some drawings may indicate the components using block diagrams and may not represent the internal circuitry of each component. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that invention of such drawings includes the invention of electrical components, electronic components or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram showing different constituents of the proposed twine, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary method flow diagram for the disclosed method for manufacturing a twine of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following more detailed description of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Various example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which only some example embodiments are shown. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments. The present invention, however, may be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the example embodiments set forth herein.

[0030] Accordingly, while example embodiments of the invention are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit example embodiments of the present invention to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

[0031] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected,” or “coupled,” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being“directly connected,” or “directly coupled,” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between,” versus “directly between,” “adjacent,” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.).

[0032] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the terms “and / or” and “at least one of’ include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0033] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions / acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality / acts involved.

[0034] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided below along with accompanying figures that illustrate the principles of the invention. The invention is described in connection with such embodiments, but the invention is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention is limited only by the claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications, and equivalents. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. These details are provided for the purpose of example and the invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the invention is not unnecessarily obscured.

[0035] Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a twine (100) for aquaculture net is disclosed. The disclosed twine (100) incorporates a core component (102), wrapped with a thin film (101) made of material having a low melting point temperature, such as a thermoplastic material, and further encased in a cover component (102). The thin film (101) forms a bonding between the core component (102) and the cover component (102), whichprovides significant improvements in mechanical properties, which are critical for aquaculture applications.

[0036] The core component (102) can include high-strength fibers capable of withstanding substantial tensile forces. The high-strength fibers can be made of any one or a combination of HDPE, Polyester, Nylon, UHMWPE. The thin film can be made of any of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDP), polyester film, acrylic film, or any other material having a low melting point temperature compared to the melting point temperatures of the core component (102) and the cover component (102).

[0037] The film (101) also acts as a protecting layer (accordingly interchangeably referred to as protecting layer 101, herein) and enhances structural integrity of the core component (102). The wrapping process can be executed with precision to ensure consistent film coverage and adherence to the core fibers.

[0038] Further, the film-wrapped core component (102) is subsequently encased in a cover component (103), using a cover yam, such as by braiding the cover yam over the film- wrapped core component (102). The cover component (103) provides additional protection and contributes to overall strength and flexibility of the twine (100). Material of the yam of the cover component (103) can be selected based on its compatibility with the core material and its ability to enhance performance characteristics of the twine (100).

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 1, which illustrates an exemplary block diagram showing constituents of the proposed twine (100) for an aquaculture net, as shown therein, the twine (100) comprises a core component (102) and a cover component (103) that is braided over the core component (102). In an aspect, the braided the core component (102) is bonded to the core component (102), which reduces diameter and increases tensile strength of the twine(100).

[0040] In an aspect, the bonding between the core component (102) and the core component (102) is created by providing a film (101), also referred to as protecting layer(101), herein, that can be wrapped around the core component (102) before the cover component (103) is braided over the core component (102). The film (101) can be a thin film made of anyone or a combination of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDP), polyester film, acrylic film, or any other low melting film made of thermoplastic material. The film encases the core component (102) to protect the fibers of the core component (102).

[0041] The core component (102) can be made of one or more high-strength fibers designed to withstand significant pulling forces (tensile forces). The specific fibers used can be any combination of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyester, nylon, or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The choice of fibers will depend on the desired strength and other performance characteristics required for the particular aquaculture net application.

[0042] The core component (102) is surrounded by the cover component (103) that is braided around the core component (102). The braiding process and thereafter bonding of the braided cover component (103) with the core component (102) provides additional strength and stability to the twine (100).

[0043] Further, the film / protecting layer (101) located between the core component (102) and the cover component (103) is heated to a temperature close to its melting temperature. The heating can be achieved through various methods, including an external heat source, indirect heating, or microwave heating. The chosen heating method will be suitable for the specific manufacturing process used for aquaculture net. As a result of the heating process, the protecting layer (101) melts and binds the core component (102) and the cover component (103) together. The binding also leads to a reduction in the overall diameter of the twine (100), besides enhancing tensile strength of the twine (100). For example, the proposed twine (100) is able to achieve a tensile strength of 150 kgf at a diameter of 1.8 mm, compared to the conventional 2.1 mm or 2.5 mm diameters required to achieve the same strength.

[0044] Thus, the proposed structure of the twine (100) has a reduced diameter and high strength compared the conventional structure of the twine (100) used in the aquaculture net.

[0045] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary method flow diagram for the proposed method (200) for manufacturing of a twine, such as the twine (100), for aquaculture nets, such as the aquaculture net, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] The proposed method (200) for manufacturing a twine, such as the (100) shown in FIG. 1, involves a series of steps, including the step (201) of providing a core component, such as the core component (102) shown in FIG. 1, using one or more fibers, step (202) of application of a film, such as the film (101) shown in FIG. 1, by wrapping the film (101) over the core component (102), and the step (203) of braiding of a cover yam over the core component 102 wrapped with the film 101. The method further comprises the step (204) of heating the heating the film (101) to a predefined temperature to create a bond between the core component (102) and the cover component (103) to enhance strength and reduce a diameter of the twine (100).

[0047] In an embodiment, the method (200) can further include the step of arranging a plurality of fibers in a predefined pattern to create the core component (102). The film (101) can be wrapped over the plurality of fibers and can work as a protecting layer for the plurality of fibers.

[0048] In an embodiment, the step (204) of heating the film (102 can include using a heating means or chemical means for heating the film (101) to the predefined temperature.

[0049] In an embodiment, the step (204) of heating the film (101) can include heating the twine (100) to a temperature that is close to a melting point material of the film (101) but lower than melting point of materials of the core component (101) and the cover component (103).

[0050] Further, the twine (100) may also undergo rigorous testing to validate its tensile strength, stiffness, and durability. The comparative analysis with conventional twines demonstrates a superior performance of the proposed twine (100) at reduced diameters.

[0051] The present invention offers numerous advantages and is particularly suitable for aquaculture applications. Benefits of the present invention includes enhanced strength and reduced diameter, customizable stiffness, and durability and longevity. Achieving high tensile strength at reduced diameters makes the twine (100) ideal for aquaculture net, where weight and bulk are critical considerations. The reduction in material usage contributes to cost savings and environmental benefits. The ability to adjust the twine's (100)'s stiffness by altering process temperatures provides flexibility in meeting specific application requirements in aquaculture. The customization ensures optimal performance for different aquaculture environments and species.

[0052] Further, enhanced properties of the proposed twine (100) make it highly suitable for aquaculture, where the aquaculture net is exposed to harsh conditions and requires long- lasting performance. The durability of the twine ensures long-term use, reducing the need for frequent replacements and thereby lowering operational costs.

[0053] In a nutshell, the present invention represents a significant advancement in the field of braided twine technology, specifically for aquaculture applications. By incorporating the core component (102)’s design wrapped in thin film and encased in a cover yam, the twine (100) achieves superior tensile strength and stiffness at reduced diameters. The ability to customize stiffness through process temperature adjustments further enhances the twine (100)'s versatility and applicability. The customized twine (100) structure addresses the limitations of conventional twines and provides a high-performance solution tailored to the demanding requirements of the aquaculture industry.

[0054] Although the foregoing embodiments have been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, the invention is not limited to the details provided. There are many alternative ways of implementing the invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive.

[0055] What are described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are not to limit the present invention; any modification, equivalent replacement, and improvement within the principle of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0056] The example embodiment or each example embodiment should not be understood as a restriction of the invention. Rather, numerous variations and modifications are possible in the context of the present disclosure, in particular those variants and combinations which can be inferred by the person skilled in the art with regard to achieving the object for example by combination or modification of individual features or elements or method steps that are described in connection with the general or specific part of the description and are contained in the claims and / or the drawings, and, by way of combinable features, lead to a new subject matter or to new method steps or sequences of method steps, including insofar as they concern production, testing, and operating methods.

[0057] References back that are used in dependent claims indicate the further embodiment of the subject matter of the main claim by way of the features of the respective dependent claim; they should not be understood as dispensing with obtaining independent protection of the subject matter for the combinations of features in the referred-back dependent claims. Furthermore, with regard to interpreting the claims, where a feature is concretized in more specific detail in a subordinate claim, it should be assumed that such a restriction is not present in the respective preceding claims.

[0058] Since the subject matter of the dependent claims in relation to the prior art on the priority date may form separate and independent inventions, the applicant reserves the right to make them the subject matter of independent claims or divisional declarations. They may furthermore also contain independent inventions that have a configuration that is independent of the subject matters of the preceding dependent claims.

[0059] Further, elements and / or features of different example embodiments may be combined with each other and / or substituted for each other within the scope of this disclosure and appended claims.

[0060] Example embodiments being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the scopeof the present invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION:

[0061] The proposed invention provides a twine for an aquaculture net and a method of manufacturing the same.

[0062] The proposed invention provides the combination of a strong core component and a protecting outer layer ensuring the twine's durability and resistance to harsh aquatic environments.

[0063] The proposed invention provides a twine that includes the braiding of the cover component further enhancing the twine's strength and stability.

[0064] The proposed invention provides twine with a reduced diameter that achieved through the heating process can make the twine lighter and potentially more manageable for use in aquaculture nets.

[0065] The proposed invention offers a simple and user-friendly solution for twines for aquaculture use.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A twine comprising: a core component; and a cover component that is braided cover component over the core component; wherein the cover component is bonded to the core component for an enhanced strength and reduced diameter of the twine.

2. The twine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the core component comprises at least one fiber made of one or more materials selected from a group comprising high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyester, nylon, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

3. The twine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the core component comprises a plurality of fibers arranged in a predefined pattern, wherein the plurality of fibers are made of one or more materials selected from a group comprising high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyester, nylon, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

4. The twine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the twine comprises a film located between the core component and the cover component, wherein the film is configured to provide the bonding between the core component and the cover component.

5. The twine as claimed in claim 4, wherein the film is wrapped around the core component and is made of a thermoplastic material with a low melting point such that, the film on being heated to a predefined temperature provides a bonding between the core component and the cover component.

6. The twine as claimed in claim 4, wherein the film is made of a material selected from a group comprising low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDP), polyester film, acrylic film.

7. The twine as claimed in claims 4, wherein material of the film is selected such that a melting point of material of the film is lower than melting points of materials of the core component and the cover component.

8. A method for manufacturing a twine, comprising the steps of: providing a a core component; wrapping a film around the core component; braiding a cover component over the core component wrapped with the film; and heating the film to a predefined temperature to create a bond between the core component and the cover component to enhance strength and reduce a diameter of the twine.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, comprising the step of arranging a plurality of fibers in a predefined pattern to create the core component, and wherein the film is wrapped over the plurality of fibers and works as a protecting layer for the plurality of fibers.

10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the step of heating the film comprises using a heating means or chemical means for heating the film to the predefined temperature.

11. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the step of heating the film comprises heating the twine to a temperature that is close to a melting point material of the film but lower than melting point of materials of the core component and the cover component.

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