Floating Fish Cage with Elastic Articulation for Wave Force Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating fish farming systems face challenges in efficiently managing water quality, fish crowding, and disinfection, with limitations in dynamic force absorption and fish handling, particularly in coastal conditions.
Innovation Solution
A floating fish farming plant design featuring a buoyant body with a cage that can be lifted using lifting means, comprising elastic and rigid sections for dynamic force reduction and water flow management, with integrated water circulation and a movable lower section for efficient fish handling and disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the cage is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then structural strength is improved, but the ability to absorb dynamic forces from waves and currents deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section, third section) connected by articulation points that allow relative movement. This segmentation enables each section to independently respond to dynamic forces while maintaining overall structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure where sections can move relative to each other at articulation points. This dynamic capability allows the cage to adapt to wave and current forces while maintaining structural strength through controlled movement rather than rigid resistance.
2Productivity
If the cage volume is increased to reduce fish crowding, then fish welfare and growth rates are improved, but water quality management and disinfection efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The large cage volume is segmented into multiple smaller sections that can be independently managed. This allows water quality control and disinfection operations to be performed in smaller zones while maintaining overall large volume capacity, resolving the contradiction between fish welfare and operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated sections can be dynamically reconfigured or positioned to optimize water flow patterns and access for disinfection operations. The dynamic structure enables flexible management of water quality in different zones while maintaining the benefits of large overall volume for reduced fish crowding.
3Ease of operation
If the lower section is made movable for efficient fish handling and disinfection, then ease of operation is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lower section is separated as a distinct movable component from the upper cage structure, allowing independent operation for fish handling and disinfection. This segmentation enables the lower section to be manipulated separately through the articulation point without affecting the overall cage structure, improving operational ease while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower section is designed with dynamic movement capability relative to the upper sections through the articulation point. This dynamic configuration allows the lower section to be positioned optimally for fish handling and disinfection operations while the articulated connection manages structural complexity by providing a simple hinge-like mechanism rather than complex mechanical systems.
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 design enhances water quality, reduces stress on fish, improves growth rates, and facilitates gentle and efficient fish handling and disinfection, while maintaining structural stability and preventing lice ingress.
Implementation Method 1
a cage (6) supported by a buoyant body (2) which is configured for floating in a body of water
Implementation Method 2
the lower section (6c) at least partially being elastically connected to an adjoining section (6b) of the cage, whereby transfer of dynamic forces between the lower section and the adjoining section is reduced
Data Source
AI summary
A floating fish farming plant including a cage supported by a buoyant body which is configured for floating in a body of water. The farming plant further includes a lifting portion arranged between the buoyant body and the cage and configured for moving the cage between a position at the level of, or below, the buoyant body and a position in which at least a portion of the cage is above the buoyant body. The cage includes at least a lower section, forming a bottom portion of the cage, said lower section having a wall comprising an elastic material and/or being elastically connected to the middle sections; whereby transfer of dynamic forces between the lower section and the adjoining section is reduced. An assembly comprises a plurality of fish farming plants.