Acoustic Trap Line Release Cam to Reduce Whale Entanglement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fishing technologies pose a significant risk of entanglement to aquatic animals, particularly large whales, due to the use of traditional fishing gear that can ensnare them, leading to injuries and fatalities, especially in U.S. coastal waters.
Innovation Solution
A line restraint system integrated into aquatic traps that includes a housing, a motor, a release cam, and a receiver, which is activated by an acoustic signal to release the trap line and buoy from underwater, minimizing exposure to marine life by allowing the buoy to rise to the surface for retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional fishing gear is used, then fishing operations can be conducted, but entanglement risk to marine life increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by deploying the trap with restrained line before the fishing operation begins. The release cam is pre-configured to automatically release the trap line at a predetermined depth, eliminating the need for manual intervention and preventing entanglement before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical retrieval systems with an acoustic release mechanism. The receiver detects acoustic signals and triggers the release cam to rotate, substituting complex mechanical retrieval with a simpler acoustic-field-based system that reduces marine life entanglement risk.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the trap line is released underwater, then entanglement risk is reduced, but retrieval frequency and operational efficiency may be impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically releasing the trap line at the predetermined depth without requiring human intervention. The release cam rotates automatically upon receiving the acoustic signal, and the buoy automatically surfaces to indicate trap location, eliminating the need for manual retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback through the buoy that surfaces when the trap line is released. This provides visual confirmation to fishermen that the trap has been successfully released and located, enabling efficient retrieval operations while maintaining reduced entanglement risk.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a release mechanism is added to the trap, then entanglement risk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the release mechanism as a separate, modular component (release cam) that can be independently attached to the trap. This modular approach allows the core trap structure to remain simple while adding only the necessary release functionality through the acoustic receiver and cam mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The release cam serves multiple functions: it restrains the trap line during deployment, rotates to release the line when triggered by acoustic signal, and works with the buoy system to indicate trap location. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces entanglement risks to marine life while maintaining the viability of fishing operations by ensuring easy integration, reasonable costs, and high retrieval frequency without significant operational impact.
Implementation Method 1
The receiver may be configured to receive an acoustic signal
Implementation Method 2
The motor may be configured to turn the arm portion of the release cam between an open and closed state
Implementation Method 3
The housing may protect the motor from getting wet when the housing is submerged
Data Source
AI summary
An example line restraint system comprises a housing, processor, motor, release cam, and a receiver. The release cam comprises a stem portion opposite an arm portion. The arm portion may extend away from the stem portion of the release cam. The stem portion may be rotatably coupled to the motor with the motor being configured to turn the arm portion of the release cam between an open and closed state. When in the closed state, an overhang of the arm portion of the release cam at least partially defining a cavity capable of retaining a release line. When in the open state, the release cam opening the cavity to enable release of the release line. The receiver may be configured to receive an acoustic signal. The processor may be configured to trigger the release cam to turn based on the acoustic signal.