Buoyant Crowding Net Layout for Low-Stress Fish Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for handling farmed fish, such as in floating fish pens or land-based tanks, are stressful and time-consuming, often requiring significant manpower and vessels, and can be lethal for vulnerable individuals.
Innovation Solution
A crowding net with buoyancy means is positioned within the enclosure, allowing it to be turned inside out by displacing the top edge, forcing fish to swim through a controlled passage, reducing stress and manpower requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional handling methods using vessels and pumps are used, then fish can be moved and handled, but stress and lethality increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful pumping process entirely from the system. Instead of using pumps to move fish, the system uses gravity and natural water flow through the passage, eliminating the stress of mechanical pumping while maintaining handling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The passage structure acts as an intermediary element that allows fish to move between compartments voluntarily. This mediator provides a controlled, low-stress transition path that replaces the harsh pumping mechanism while still achieving the goal of fish relocation and handling
2Ease of operation
If traditional handling methods are used, then fish can be counted and graded, but significant manpower and vessels are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service handling where fish move through the passage and are sorted automatically based on their own swimming behavior. The crowding net and passage structure guide fish without requiring active manipulation by operators, reducing manpower while maintaining processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The tank is segmented into multiple compartments separated by the crowding net and passage structure. This segmentation allows different handling operations (counting, grading, treatment) to occur simultaneously in different sections, reducing overall handling time and manpower requirements
3Productivity
If a crowding net is used to force fish through a passage, then handling becomes more efficient, but fish stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crowding net applies only partial crowding pressure - enough to guide fish toward the passage but not so much as to cause stress. The net is positioned and tensioned to create a gentle funneling effect rather than forceful confinement, maintaining efficiency while reducing harm
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of water flow rate through the passage to optimize fish movement. By controlling flow velocity and volume, the system creates ideal conditions for voluntary fish passage without requiring excessive crowding pressure that would increase stress
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 method enables gentle and efficient handling of fish, minimizing stress and manpower, while allowing for counting, grading, and treatment without the need for additional vessels.
Implementation Method 1
The top edge is provided with buoyancy means
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
Fish pen (1) comprising a buoyancy member (11) encircling an enclosure (2) for raising fish (9). The enclosure (2) comprises a side wall (23) and a bottom (25). The fish pen (1) comprises a crowding net (3) positioned within the enclosure (2), and the crowding net (3) forms a top edge (30). The top edge (30) is provided with buoyancy means (31), two side edges (33) and a bottom edge (35), and the length (L) of the crowding net (3) between the two side edges (33) is larger than a diameter (De) of the enclosure (2), and wherein the crowding net (3) is fastened to the side wall (23) along the side edges (33). A method for managing fish (9) in a receptacle for fish by use of the crowding net (3) is disclosed.