Collapsible Fish Trap with Acoustic Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small-vessel fishing fleets face challenges in using traditional sablefish pots due to size, weight, and predation by whales, while longline hooks result in bycatch and labor-intensive baiting, necessitating a collapsible, lightweight fish trap that can catch commercially valuable fish without being susceptible to predation.
Innovation Solution
A fish trap featuring a helical spring with a thickness of at least 6 mm, forming a column shape with a diameter over 50 cm and length over 100 cm, coupled with a net that has a surface density of 110-350 g/m², and includes hoops for fish access, support wires for rigidity, and a collapsible design to reduce drag and acoustic masking to evade whale predation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid pots are used, then predation resistance is improved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a collapsible frame structure that transitions from an expanded rigid state during deployment to a collapsed compact state for retrieval. This dynamic transformation allows the trap to maintain predation resistance when needed while reducing weight and complexity during handling, directly resolving the contradiction between predation protection and weight reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible frame design allows the trap to nest into a compact configuration when collapsed, with components fitting within each other to minimize volume and effective weight during retrieval. This nesting principle enables the trap to achieve low surface density without sacrificing structural integrity during the fishing operation
2Reliability
If traditional rigid pots are used, then predation resistance is improved, but drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trap dynamically changes its physical state between expanded (for predation resistance) and collapsed (for reduced drag) configurations. When retrieved, the collapsed state presents minimal hydrodynamic resistance, significantly reducing the energy required to haul the trap through water while maintaining full structural protection during the fishing phase
3Ease of operation
If smaller vessels are used, then ease of operation is improved, but predation vulnerability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible design enables small-vessel operation by reducing the trap's effective size and weight during retrieval, making it manageable for smaller boats. Simultaneously, the expanded configuration provides full predation resistance when deployed, allowing small vessels to access previously unprotected fishing grounds
Solution Approach 2:
The trap's physical parameters (volume, weight, surface area) are dynamically changed between expanded and collapsed states. This parameter transformation allows the same device to be both predator-proof when deployed and vessel-size-adaptive during retrieval, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and predation protection
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 collapsible fish trap allows for efficient fishing by smaller boats, reducing drag and whale predation risks, while maintaining the ability to catch commercially valuable fish without extensive equipment or labor, and can be easily retrieved and emptied.
Implementation Method 1
the net may have a surface density from 110 grams/meter squared to 350 grams/meter squared... The net and the web have the same acoustic signature
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the disclosure generally relate a fish trap for use in waters among marine predators which use echolocation. In one aspect the fish trap has acoustic masking properties. In one aspect the fish trap may be a lightweight, collapsible column for use by small commercial vessels and recreational fishing. In one aspect the fish trap may have an overlapping net, forming a double seam for added strength. In one aspect the fish trap may have reinforcing wire along bridle attachment points to hold heavier loads of fish.