Buoyant Mesh Lid for Secure Fish Observation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for collecting and studying fish at shorelines or tidal pools, such as using nets and buckets, lack the educational and fun value, and do not provide a safe and secure means to observe fish movements while maintaining water quality.
Innovation Solution
A clear plastic bowl with a rope handle and a water and air permeable mesh lid, featuring a buoyant hand grip and tethered mesh screen, designed to prevent loss and allow for observation of fish movements while refreshing water without losing fish.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a net and bucket are used to collect fish, then fish can be captured, but the educational value and safety for observing fish movements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies transparency (optical property) by using a clear plastic bowl instead of an opaque bucket, allowing children to observe fish movements, colors, and behaviors while collecting them. This visual observation capability enhances both educational value and safety by enabling monitoring of fish condition without handling them.
2Reliability
If a traditional bucket is used, then fish can be collected, but water quality cannot be maintained and fish may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mesh lid with porous structure that allows water to pass through while retaining fish. This enables water exchange to maintain quality without requiring complex filtration systems, and the mesh prevents fish from escaping while allowing air circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a collection bowl, a mesh lid for water exchange, a rope handle for portability, and a buoyant element for stability. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
3Reliability
If a secure container is used to prevent fish loss, then fish safety is improved, but observation capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clear plastic bowl maintains fish retention through its enclosed structure while simultaneously providing excellent visibility. The transparency allows natural light to illuminate the fish inside, enabling observation of their movements, colors, and behaviors without compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh lid acts as a flexible barrier that retains fish while allowing light transmission and water exchange. The mesh structure provides security against fish escape while maintaining optical transparency for observation and enabling gas exchange for water quality maintenance.
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
Enhances the educational and fun experience of fish collection by providing a secure, safe, and observable environment for studying fish, ensuring the fish are not lost and water quality is maintained, with the option of assembly as a kit for additional engagement.
Implementation Method 1
The handle preferably includes a buoyant member such as a wooden cylinder hand grip which will keep the apparatus from sinking if let go.
Implementation Method 2
Tethered to the rope handle is a lid with a water and air permeable mesh.
Data Source
AI summary
A child's toy for collecting fish includes a clear bowl with a rope handle attached to it. Tethered to the rope handle is a lid with a water and air permeable mesh. The handle preferably includes a buoyant member such as a wooden cylinder hand grip which will keep the apparatus from sinking if let go. The apparatus is preferably made from a plastic fish bowl into which two diametrically opposed holes are created to receive ends of the rope handle which is held in place by tying. The fish bowl has an upper lip and a ring dimensioned to fit over the lip. A circular mesh screen is attached to the ring and the ring is attached by a tether to the bowl or to the rope handle. A kit and a method of assembly are also disclosed.