Helical Aquaculture Feed Disperser with Spaced Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fish feed distribution systems in aquaculture pens lead to intense competition for feed, resulting in uneven consumption and increased aggression among fish, as well as feed loss and waste, due to concentrated feed outflow points.
Innovation Solution
A submersible fish feed dispersing apparatus featuring a flexible helical tube with multiple spaced-apart apertures that attaches to a fish pen, allowing for adjustable pitch and distribution of feed throughout the enclosure, reducing competition and promoting more equitable feed access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a small concentrated feed outflow point is used, then the feed distribution system is simple, but feed competition is intense and distribution is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The single concentrated feed outflow point is segmented into multiple spaced-apart apertures distributed along a helical tube. This segmentation allows feed to be delivered to multiple locations simultaneously, reducing competition and improving distribution uniformity while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed distribution system transitions from a single-point (0D) or linear (1D) distribution to a three-dimensional helical configuration. The helical tube with spaced apertures distributes feed throughout a volumetric space, enabling more uniform distribution without increasing operational complexity.
2Device complexity
If feed is delivered over a small area, then the dispensing structure is simple, but competition for feed increases and aggressive fish dominate
Solution Approach 1:
The concentrated feed stream is segmented into multiple smaller streams through spaced-apart apertures. This segmentation creates multiple access points for fish, reducing dominance by aggressive individuals and allowing more equitable feed access across the population.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear feed delivery path is replaced with a helical (curved) configuration. This curvature distributes feed in a three-dimensional pattern rather than a linear path, creating more equitable access zones and reducing the ability of aggressive fish to dominate a single feed location.
3Device complexity
If a conventional feed delivery system is used, then the system structure is simple, but feed loss and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
Feed is segmented and delivered to multiple locations along the helical tube rather than concentrated at one point. This segmentation reduces feed waste by distributing pellets to fish at various positions, preventing feed from sinking to the bottom where it would be lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed delivery system adds vertical and radial dimensions to the distribution pattern through the helical configuration. This three-dimensional distribution keeps feed suspended in the water column longer and distributes it across a larger volume, reducing bottom accumulation and associated feed loss.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fish feed dispersing apparatus includes a helical dispersing tube attached to a fish pen with a mounting assembly. The helical dispersing tube has an inlet end that receives fish feed from a source, and includes a number of spaced apertures that disperse the received fish feed. A mounting assembly supports the dispersing tube, and includes two spaced-apart attachment members connected by a plurality of elongate members, and a plurality of hanger subassemblies. Each hanger subassembly has a first end attached to one of the elongate members and a second end that includes a clamp configured to engage the helical dispersing tube. The hangar assemblies are adjustable, and support the helical dispersing tube during use.