Automatic Fish Transport System with Optical Sensor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fish transportation systems lack fully automatic solutions and fail to provide an even flow of alive fish to processing stations or receiving reservoirs, compromising fish welfare and control over emptying of fish reservoirs.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a controllable pump with an optical sensor system to maintain a constant water flow and adjust fish delivery based on preset amounts, ensuring an even flow of alive fish to processing stations or receiving reservoirs, with self-priming capabilities and controlled water supply to optimize fish transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual fish transportation methods are used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but automation level remains low and labor intensity is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses optical sensors to automatically detect fish presence and count fish, with the control unit autonomously adjusting pump operation based on detected parameters. The system serves itself by using sensor data to trigger appropriate pump responses without human intervention, achieving self-regulating fish transportation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control system that uses optical sensing and electronic control units to detect fish parameters and regulate pump operation, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with automated electromechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If high flow rate is used to speed up fish transport, then productivity increases, but fish welfare deteriorates due to excessive velocity and pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport speedVSAvoidfish stress from velocity and pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts pump flow rate and velocity based on real-time fish detection. The control unit modifies operational parameters according to the number of fish detected and their position in the pipeline, creating a dynamic response that optimizes transport speed while preventing harmful velocities that would stress the fish.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The optical sensors provide continuous feedback on fish presence and quantity to the control unit, which then adjusts pump operation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that flow rate and velocity are continuously optimized to maintain fish welfare while achieving productive transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If continuous pumping is used to maintain constant flow, then even fish delivery is achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow consistencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit operates the pump in periodic cycles rather than continuously. Based on optical sensor detection of fish presence and quantity, the pump is activated only when needed to maintain even fish delivery, creating periodic on/off operation that reduces overall energy consumption while preserving flow consistency during active periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Productivity

If high pressure is applied to move fish quickly, then transport efficiency improves, but fish trauma increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport efficiencyVSAvoidfish trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts pump pressure based on real-time fish detection. The control unit modifies pressure levels according to the number of fish detected and their position in the pipeline, creating a dynamic pressure response that achieves efficient transport while preventing traumatic pressure levels that would harm the fish.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 system achieves fully automatic, even fish delivery with improved fish welfare and enhanced control over the emptying of fish reservoirs, maintaining a consistent flow rate and reducing operational noise and energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

an optical sensor system downstream of the at least one controllable pump for detecting an amount of alive fish in a downstream flow of the at least one controllable pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3962266B1Method and system for transportation of alive fish

Publication Date: 2024.10.16 MASKON

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AI summary

Method and system for fully automatic transportation of alive fish (10)from a water-filled fish reservoir (20) or storage container to a processing station transportation (30, 40) or receiving reservoir or storage container (200) providing an even flow of alive fish (10)delivered to the processing station (30, 40) or receiving reservoir or storage container (200) at any time.