Aquaculture Net Cleaning Elastomeric Knuckles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aquaculture net cleaning systems face challenges in efficiently cleaning high-tension predator nets with larger mesh sizes, which require higher cleaning energy and can lead to equipment damage and slower cleaning speeds due to spike loads and impact on cage structures, especially in areas with increased predator activity and antifouling chemical restrictions.

Innovation Solution

The development of articulated knuckle designs with elastomeric couplings that absorb rotational and perpendicular impacts, allowing for reduced spike loads and improved flexibility, enabling more aggressive cleaning while protecting the net and equipment. These knuckles have curved surfaces with varying angles to optimize cleaning efficiency based on net mesh size and fouling type, and a flexible drive coupling that can handle severe overloads and easy maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional rigid cleaning systems are used on high-tension predator nets, then cleaning force is sufficient to remove fouling, but spike loads and impact on cage structures cause equipment damage and slower cleaning speeds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning speedVSAvoidequipment durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the cleaning element from rigid to flexible elastomeric material. The elastomeric knuckles can deform elastically during impact, absorbing shock loads while maintaining cleaning effectiveness. This parameter change from rigid to flexible allows the system to operate at higher speeds without causing equipment damage from spike loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite construction with elastomeric materials combined with structural components. The elastomeric knuckles are mounted on rigid propeller blades, creating a composite system where the flexible material absorbs impact energy while the rigid structure provides the necessary mechanical support and rotational force for cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If higher cleaning energy is applied to clean predator nets with larger mesh sizes, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but equipment damage and reduced equipment life occur due to spike loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidequipment life

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric knuckles serve as a cushioning element before impact occurs. The flexible material deforms elastically during contact with the net and fouling, absorbing impact energy and preventing spike loads from reaching the equipment. This beforehand cushioning allows high cleaning energy to be applied without compromising equipment life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mechanical properties of the cleaning element from rigid to flexible elastomeric. This parameter change allows the system to deliver high cleaning forces through elastic deformation rather than rigid impact, maintaining equipment life while improving cleaning effectiveness on predator nets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If rigid cleaning structures are used, then structural strength is sufficient to handle cleaning forces, but flexibility to absorb impact and protect equipment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidimpact damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite structure combining rigid propeller blades with flexible elastomeric knuckles. The rigid blades provide structural strength to handle cleaning forces, while the flexible elastomeric knuckles absorb impact and protect equipment from damage. This composite approach satisfies both strength and impact protection requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to flexible elastomeric for the cleaning elements. This parameter change allows the structure to maintain strength while gaining the flexibility needed to absorb impact, eliminating the trade-off between structural strength and impact protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enhances cleaning efficiency and rotational speeds, reduces power requirements, and extends equipment life by distributing forces more evenly across the net, allowing for more effective removal of both soft and hard fouling without damaging the nets or equipment.

Implementation Method 1

elastomeric couplings that absorb rotational and perpendicular impacts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

removal of growth by impact friction and shaking of the aquaculture net

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11523595B2Aquaculture net cleaning system

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 LINDGREN PETER B

AI summary

An apparatus for cleaning aquaculture nets underwater. The appartus employs a propeller housing with a centrally disposed axis with a plurality of propeller blades extending therefrom. An outer perimeter ring secured to an outer tip of each propeller blade with a plurality of knuckles secured to the outer perimeter ring. Each knuckle including a curved surface constructed and arranged to strike the aquaculture net upon rotation of the blades for removal of growth by impact and shaking of the aquaculture net.