Knotless Fish Farming Grid with Thermoplastic Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fish farming grids face issues with mesh stability, wear resistance, and ease of cleaning, particularly with smaller mesh sizes, which lead to increased flow resistance and the need for manual patching due to rough seams.
Innovation Solution
A knotless fish farming grid designed for high mesh stability and wear resistance, using stable multifilament threads and a thermoplastic coating to reduce web width and flow resistance, with a production process involving warp knitting and plastisol dipping to create a flexible and elastic coating that encases the threads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional knotted nets are used, then mesh stability is achieved through knot connections, but the nets fray during cleaning and require manual repair
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the knotting element entirely from the net construction. Instead of using knots to connect mesh points, the invention uses a knitted fabric structure where the binding threads are integrated into the mesh itself, eliminating the need for separate knot connections and subsequent manual repairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of knot connections with the knitted fabric structure. The binding threads are woven into the mesh during manufacturing, combining the structural support of knots with the integrated design of knitted material, thereby eliminating the need for separate attachment operations.
2Reliability
If thicker mesh bars are used to increase stability, then mesh stability improves, but flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different structural characteristics to different parts of the mesh. The longitudinal bars use a specific knitting pattern for stability, while transverse bars use a different pattern that reduces bulk. This local differentiation allows each element to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the mesh bars through selective knitting patterns and coating. The longitudinal bars have a slightly different construction than transverse bars, and both are coated to reduce friction and flow resistance while maintaining structural integrity.
3Reliability
If chemical and thermal fixation methods are used to increase mesh stability, then mesh stability improves, but thread strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical and thermal fixation methods with a mechanical knitting structure. The mesh stability is achieved through the interlocking nature of the knitted fabric and the way binding threads are woven into the mesh, eliminating the need for chemical adhesives or thermal bonding that would compromise thread strength.
4Manufacturing precision
If smaller mesh sizes are used, then fish farming precision improves, but flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin, flexible knitted fabric structure that maintains small mesh sizes without creating excessive bulk. The knitting pattern creates a lightweight, flexible mesh that allows water to flow through easily while maintaining the desired mesh dimensions for precise fish farming.
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 solution provides a stable, easy-to-clean fish farming grid with reduced flow resistance and production costs, as well as enhanced antifouling properties and improved stitch stability, allowing for seamless attachment of suspension straps without weakening the grid.
Implementation Method 1
The thermoplastic coating, especially PVC coating, smooths the surface, reduces fouling, facilitates cleaning
Implementation Method 2
The coating also reduces the web width and therefore the flow resistance
Implementation Method 3
Only through tempering, i.e., heating for several minutes at typically 160 to 180 °C, does the mixture become a permanently tough-elastic plastic
Data Source
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AI summary
A knotless fish farming grid (10) has a rectangular grid structure formed by longitudinal grid bars (6) and transverse grid bars (5) extending across them, wherein: - a knitted grid structure made of carrier and binding threads (1.1, ...1.4; 2.1, ..., 2.4, 3.1, ..., 3.4) is formed; - the transverse grid bars (5) are each formed by adjacent sections of at least two neighboring, meandering carrier threads (1.1, ...1.4; 2.1, ..., 2.4); - the longitudinal grid bars (6) are each formed by adjacent sections of at least two carrier threads (1.1, ...1.4; 2.1, ..., 2.4), which are wrapped with at least one knitted fabric made of at least one binding thread (3.1, ..., 3.4); and - the grid structure is coated on both sides with a thermoplastic polymer coating.