Modular Crab Pot with Replaceable Trigger and Corrosion-Resistant Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crab pots face issues with fouling of triggers by seaweed, corrosion of frames, and the time-consuming process of replacing netting, which affects their efficiency and durability in marine environments.
Innovation Solution
The crab pot design incorporates modular mesh panels, corrosion-resistant stainless steel mesh, an improved trigger mechanism that resists fouling, and brightly-colored entrance tunnels for enhanced visibility and durability, allowing for easier maintenance and replacement of parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional trigger mechanisms are used in crab pots, then the trapping function is achieved, but the triggers are fouled by seaweed reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable portion of the trigger is extracted as a separate component that can be easily removed and replaced. This allows the trigger mechanism to be maintained by simply replacing the fouled pivotable portion rather than the entire trigger assembly, thereby maintaining reliability while addressing the seaweed fouling issue through easy maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable portion is designed to be disposable or easily replaceable. When fouled by seaweed, it can be discarded and replaced with a new one, ensuring the trigger mechanism continues to function reliably without requiring complex cleaning or repair procedures.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional frame designs are used in crab pots, then structural support is provided, but corrosion from salt water reduces durability
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is constructed using corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel or aluminum, which are composite materials designed to resist salt water corrosion. This extends the durability of the frame while maintaining its structural support function in the marine environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The material composition of the frame is changed to have higher corrosion resistance properties. By selecting materials with specific corrosion-resistant parameters, the frame's durability in salt water environments is significantly improved without compromising its structural support capability.
3Ease of repair
If netting is permanently attached to the frame, then structural integrity is maintained, but replacement of netting is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The netting is segmented into modular panels that can be independently removed and replaced. Each panel is attached to the frame in a way that allows for quick detachment and reattachment, enabling rapid replacement of damaged netting without requiring time-consuming complete disassembly of the crab pot structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism for the netting panels is designed to be dynamic and adjustable, allowing for quick connection and disconnection. This enables the netting to be easily replaced while maintaining structural integrity during operation, significantly reducing maintenance time.
4Reliability
If basic crab pot design is used, then simplicity is maintained, but efficiency and durability do not improve despite extreme conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The crab pot is divided into modular components including frame, netting panels, trigger mechanism with pivotable portion, and entrance tunnels. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The modular design improves reliability by allowing easy replacement of individual components without affecting the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves multiple functions: providing structural support, serving as an attachment point for netting panels, and acting as a mounting structure for the trigger mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, maintaining design simplicity while improving overall reliability and durability.
Data Source
AI summary
A crab pot including a top, a bottom, and at least one side wall disposed between the top and the bottom, the top, bottom, and the at least one side wall being supported by a frame and enclosing an interior space. The crab pot further includes at least one entrance tunnel in the at least one side wall to permit entry of an animal into the interior space, the at least one entrance tunnel including a first end adjacent the at least one side wall and a second end opposite the first end, the second end disposed within the interior space. The crab pot also includes a trigger including at least one rod pivotably mounted at the second end of the at least one entrance tunnel.