Buoyancy Bracket for Metallic Aquaculture Meshes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of heavy weight and/or metallic rigid meshes in aquaculture requires additional floating support to prevent structural integrity issues and ensure safety, as they add significant weight and can corrode when submerged, necessitating a system to safely connect and float these meshes without compromising the hydrobiological environment.
Innovation Solution
A support bracket system using HDPE or galvanized steel circular rings and pipes, with a smaller diameter connection tube and reinforced ropes or wires, to provide additional flotation and secure connection to the mesh, preventing galvanic corrosion and wear, suitable for various environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heavy weight and/or metallic rigid meshes are used in aquaculture cages, then structural strength and durability are improved, but the weight of the cage increases significantly requiring additional floating support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the anti-weight principle by introducing additional floating structures (buoyancy modules, flotation devices, or reinforced floating frames) that generate upward buoyant forces to counterbalance the increased weight of heavy weight and/or metallic rigid meshes. These floating support elements are strategically positioned to distribute the load and maintain the cage's floating equilibrium, allowing the use of stronger metallic meshes without compromising the floating capability of the overall structure.
2Reliability
If metallic rigid meshes are submerged to prevent corrosion, then corrosion resistance is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates due to galvanic corrosion at the air-water interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing protective coatings, galvanic isolation layers, or sacrificial anodes as intermediate elements between the metallic rigid meshes and the corrosive environment. These intermediaries prevent direct contact between dissimilar metals and electrolytes, eliminating galvanic corrosion pathways while allowing the meshes to remain submerged for corrosion protection. The intermediary layer acts as a barrier that preserves both corrosion resistance and structural integrity.
3Weight of moving object
If additional floating structures are added to support heavy meshes, then buoyancy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating the floating support function directly into the existing cage structure. Instead of adding separate, independent floating structures, the design combines buoyancy elements (such as buoyant sections of the cage frame, integrated flotation chambers, or combined support-floating components) with the structural framework. This integration allows the same structural elements to serve dual purposes: providing mechanical support for the heavy meshes and generating the necessary buoyancy, thereby reducing 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
Enables the safe and reliable floating of heavy weight and metallic rigid meshes, effectively distributing the weight and preventing corrosion, thereby extending the lifespan and maintaining the structural integrity of aquaculture cages while ensuring operator safety.
Implementation Method 1
a floating connection system that supplies the additional buoyancy needed for the use of heavy weight and/or metallic rigid meshes
Implementation Method 2
preventing galvanic corrosion and wear
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system that incorporates the additional connection and buoyancy means necessary for the use of rigid, metallic and/or high-weight meshes or nets, for rafts and/or cages used in the farming, keeping, confining or grouping-together of hydrobiological species. The aforesaid is achieved by means of a bracket, which allows the incorporation of the necessary buoyancy and connection elements into this type of mesh. This system has two formats, namely one that incorporates the extra buoyancy and connection components for this type of mesh in a single unit, and another designed to provide independent buoyancy and connection for this type of mesh, for use in the case of existing rafts and/or cages.