Fish Pen Buoyancy Coupling for Distributed Bag Load Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closed fish pens face challenges with securing devices that concentrate strain on the bag, leading to potential tearing and require complex attachment methods, especially in varying water conditions.

Innovation Solution

A coupling system with a fastening eye and strap arrangement that distributes strain across a larger area of the bag, allowing quick attachment and release, using a sleeve and yoke structure with hooks for secure connection to the buoyancy system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing securing devices are used to attach the enclosure to the buoyancy system, then the attachment can be achieved, but the strain is concentrated on the bag leading to potential tearing and requiring complex attachment methods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidbag strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The securing device is divided into multiple attachment points distributed around the circumference of the enclosure. This segmentation distributes the strain across multiple locations on the bag rather than concentrating it at a single point, preventing tearing while maintaining reliable attachment to the buoyancy system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system transitions from a single-point or limited-point attachment to a distributed circumferential attachment. By adding the dimensional aspect of circumferential distribution, the strain is spread across a larger area of the bag, enhancing both reliability and preventing localized stress concentration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If existing securing devices are used, then attachment can be achieved, but the attachment method becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidattachment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing device incorporates a self-adjusting mechanism that automatically adapts to the enclosure's position and shape. The device includes features that self-align and self-secure without requiring complex manual adjustment or multiple components, simplifying the attachment process while maintaining reliable connection to the buoyancy system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If the enclosure is attached to the buoyancy system, then the fish pen can float, but the attachment points experience high stress especially in varying water conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefish pen stabilityVSAvoidattachment stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple attachment points are distributed around the circumference of the enclosure to segment the stress load. This prevents any single point from experiencing excessive stress during wave action or varying water conditions, while collectively maintaining the stability of the entire fish pen structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system is designed to dynamically adjust its mechanical properties in response to varying water conditions. The device can change its stiffness or flexibility parameters to accommodate wave motion and stress variations, maintaining stability while reducing peak stress at attachment points

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 coupling system effectively distributes strain, preventing tearing and facilitating easy attachment and detachment, while providing a breakwater and wave-damping function, enhancing the stability and durability of closed fish pens.

Implementation Method 1

a buoyancy body (3) for a fish pen, the buoyancy body (3) floating on a water surface (9)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

the inner buoyancy body (3) and the outer buoyancy body (4) can move independently of each other relative to waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWave motion: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4233535B1Buoyancy system for a fish pen
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 AKVAFUTURE AS
  • EP4233535B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4233535B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4233535B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5D

AI summary

A coupling (6) for releasably securing an enclosure (21) in a fish pen (2) for fish-farming to a buoyancy body (3) for the fish pen (2). The enclosure (21) has a wall (25) with an outside and an inside. The enclosure (21) is secured to the buoyancy body (3) floating on a water surface (9). A fastening eye (63) is attached to the outside of the wall (25) in a portion below the buoyancy body (3), and a strap (8) connects the fastening eye (63) to the buoyancy body (3).