Lobster Trap Drawstring Mesh for Faster Catch Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lobster traps are inefficient in unloading catch, requiring manual and time-consuming processes, which delays operations and increases costs in large-scale harvesting.
Innovation Solution
A lobster trap design featuring a flexible mesh with a drawstring mechanism on the harvest side that allows for rapid unloading by expanding and constricting an opening, facilitated by a partial frame and tapered walls to guide the catch out of the trap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual unloading through hinged door is used, then catch can be removed, but unloading process is time-consuming and delays operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the static hinged door with a dynamic drawstring mechanism. The drawstring can be quickly released to expand the opening for rapid catch removal, then retracted to constrict the opening for the next catch. This dynamic adjustment allows the trap to transition between closed and open states rapidly, eliminating the time-consuming manual door operation while maintaining effective catch containment during the trapping phase.
2Ease of operation
If hinged door design is used, then catch can be accessed, but the process requires manual intervention and is inefficient for large-scale harvesting
Solution Approach 1:
The drawstring mechanism enables self-service operation where the trap structure itself facilitates rapid unloading without requiring complex manual intervention. The elastic drawstring automatically expands the opening when released, allowing catch to be removed efficiently, then automatically constricts when retracted. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for operators to manually manipulate heavy doors or complex locking systems, significantly improving ease of operation while boosting harvesting efficiency.
3Productivity
If trap remains out of water for unloading, then catch can be removed, but time is lost and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing the drawstring mechanism in advance for rapid deployment. The elastic drawstring is pre-tensioned and positioned to immediately expand the opening upon release, eliminating the need for time-consuming door manipulation. This pre-prepared mechanism allows the trap to be unloaded quickly while still positioned in the water or during minimal extraction, reducing the time the trap remains out of water and maximizing operational throughput.
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 significantly reduces unloading time, allowing for quicker trap resetting and vessel operations, thereby reducing costs and increasing revenue by minimizing time spent out of the water.
Implementation Method 1
The drawstring is releasable to expand an opening defined by the flexible mesh and is retractable to tighten the drawstring and constrict the opening
Implementation Method 2
suspending the lobster trap with the harvest side oriented downward, and such a method may also involve releasing the drawstring to expand the opening and allow lobster inside the lobster trap to fall out of the lobster trap through the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A lobster trap includes a top, a bottom, and sides coupled together to form a rectangular enclosure. The sides include an entrance side, an escape side, and a harvest side. The entrance side includes an entrance that extends and narrows inwardly into the rectangular enclosure to permit entry of lobster into the rectangular enclosure. The escape side includes an escape vent to allow lobster smaller than a minimum size to escape the rectangular enclosure. The harvest side includes a flexible mesh and a drawstring. The drawstring is releasable to expand an opening defined by the flexible mesh and is retractable to tighten the drawstring and constrict the opening. Related methods are also disclosed.