Fish Stunning Trigger Unit with Optical Size Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fish stunning devices face challenges in optimally positioning anesthetic points on a fish's head for stunning, especially considering variations in fish size, and often require manual adjustments or complex mechanisms that can disrupt automated operation.
Innovation Solution
A trigger assembly with a position control element that can be moved and fixed based on fish size, using a fish size control system to adjust the positioning means, ensuring the anesthetic is uniformly positioned for different fish sizes without manual intervention, featuring a sliding surface in the fish receiving space and a controllable actuator for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a mechanical measuring and controlling system is used to adjust the anesthetic position according to fish size, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases and the positioning is not satisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measuring and controlling systems with an optical sensing system (light source and sensor) to detect fish size and position. The control unit processes optical signals rather than mechanical measurements, simplifying the mechanical structure while maintaining positioning precision through electronic control of the anesthetic actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary between the optical sensing system and the anesthetic actuator. This control unit processes the detected fish size information and automatically adjusts the anesthetic position, eliminating the need for complex direct mechanical coupling and manual adjustment mechanisms.
2Extent of automation
If manual adjustment work is performed to position the anesthetic, then the device complexity is reduced, but the automation is interrupted and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting fish size through optical sensors and autonomously adjusting the anesthetic position via a control unit and actuator. This eliminates the need for manual intervention, maintaining continuous automation while managing complexity through integrated sensor-control-actuator loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor continuously detects fish position and size, the control unit processes this information, and the anesthetic actuator adjusts accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system maintains automation continuity while managing complexity through standardized control algorithms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a bearing plate with trigger device is used for positioning, then the structure is simplified, but the positioning accuracy for different fish sizes is not satisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic positioning where the anesthetic actuator can be automatically adjusted based on detected fish size. Unlike static bearing plate positions, the system dynamically adapts the anesthetic location to match each fish's dimensions, achieving both versatility and precision through active control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positioning parameters (anesthetic location) based on detected fish size parameters. The control unit modifies the actuator position according to the measured fish dimensions, enabling accurate positioning across different fish sizes without requiring multiple fixed bearing plate configurations.
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
Ensures reliable and efficient stunning of fish with optimal anesthetic placement across various sizes, maintaining automated operation and simplifying the device's design for consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
a fish position actuator (7) which can be controlled by means of the fish size detection device (6) and is used for positioning the fish positioning means (21) in a temporary stop position
Implementation Method 2
The fish head strikes the trigger stop element (43) under the fish's own weight, which is thereby moved along a triggering path
Implementation Method 3
a means of slaughter (3), in particular a mechanical anesthetic (31), which acts on the skull in the area of the head of the fish (90)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A fish-stunning apparatus (1) comprises a fish-feeding device (11), also comprises a fish-accommodating space (12), which can be charged with fish (9) with the head in front, further comprises a fish-positioning means (21), which acts on the fish's head (90) and, for the purpose of stunning the fish (9), defines a releasable temporary stop position for the fish (9), additionally comprises a stunning means (31) for acting on the fish's head (90), furthermore comprises a trigger device (4) for defining the stop position and for initiatiing the stunning means (31), and yet further comprises a control device (5) for controlling operation. Locations on the fish's head (90) which end up located in the fish-accommodating space (12) in dependence on the size of the head and/or body of the fish (9) should be positioned in optimal fashion for stunning purposes. A fish-position adjuster (7) can be controlled by means of a fish-size-sensing device (6) and is connected to a positioning element (211) of the fish-positioning means (21) for local adjustment, as a result of which any fish head (90) can be moved automatically, in accordance with the size of the fish, into a common position in relation to the stunning means (31). A trigger unit (8), which can be installed in the fish-stunning apparatus (1), comprises the fish-position adjuster (7) with a trigger-stop element (43), formed by the positioning element (211), and also comprises a controllable adjuster actuator (75) for actuating the fish-position adjuster (7). According to a method for initiating the stunning means (31), a fish-size-related control value, which represents the size of any fish (9), is sensed and the positioning element (211) is set automatically, in accordance with the size of the fish, into an associated starting position.