Net Patch Latching Carabiners for Fast Repair Without Yarn Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for repairing torn nets, such as those used in fish farms and plant protection, are slow, clumsy, and often cause additional stress or failure points in the net, leading to inefficiencies and compromised integrity.
Innovation Solution
A net repair patch latching unit utilizing one or more carabiners with load-bearing sections, spines, elongated bendable parts, guiding nudges, and attaching elements, which allows for secure latching of a net patch to the torn net without causing additional stress or tearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If springs are used to latch the patch onto the net, then the patch can be quickly attached, but stress is concentrated on a small number of net yarns causing folds and potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The latching unit is divided into multiple identical latching elements (at least three, preferably four) distributed around the patch perimeter. Each latching element independently engages with net yarns, distributing the mechanical stress across multiple attachment points rather than concentrating it on a single spring mechanism. This segmentation maintains quick attachment capability while improving net integrity by reducing stress concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
Each latching element is designed with specific local features including grooves for yarn accommodation, bendable parts for flexible engagement, and guiding nudges for proper alignment. These localized structural qualities enable each element to independently secure net yarns without imposing excessive stress, thereby maintaining both attachment speed and net reliability.
2Device complexity
If plastic clips are used to latch the patch, then the solution is simpler, but it is not robust enough to withstand the required 18 months life cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The latching element incorporates bendable parts that provide dynamic flexibility while maintaining structural integrity. These bendable sections allow the rigid latching structure to adapt to net movement and tension variations over time, enabling the mechanism to withstand the 18-month life cycle requirement while retaining relative simplicity in design.
3Strength
If a rigid patch is used, then the patch provides structural support, but the rigidness changes the flexibility of the net causing increased wear on patch edges
Solution Approach 1:
The latching elements incorporate bendable parts that act as flexible connections between the rigid spines and the net engagement points. These flexible sections allow the rigid patch structure to move with the net without creating excessive stress concentrations at the patch edges, thereby reducing wear while maintaining structural support capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a net sewing machine is used, then holes with different shapes and sizes can be permanently fixed, but the tool is large and heavy requiring a large robot
Solution Approach 1:
The latching unit serves as an intermediary mechanism that achieves permanent fixation without requiring complex sewing machinery. By using multiple distributed latching elements that engage with net yarns through grooves and bendable parts, the system can secure patches of various shapes and sizes while maintaining a compact, lightweight structure suitable for small robots or manual deployment.
5Reliability
If connectors with two or more parts are used, then the latching function is achieved, but the connector is complex and might break easily
Solution Approach 1:
Each latching element is designed as an integrated single-piece structure combining the spine, load-bearing section, bendable parts, and attachment elements into one unified component. This merging of functions into a single element reduces the number of parts that could potentially fail while maintaining the complete latching functionality, thereby improving reliability without increasing overall system complexity.
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 enables quick and secure attachment of net patches, reducing the risk of further damage and improving the reliability and longevity of the net repairs, suitable for use in both underwater and above-water applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elongated bendable part (104) having a distal end (124a) and a proximal end (124b), wherein the at least one elongated bendable part comprises at least one transitional bending area (107) connecting the spine (108a) and the proximal end (124b) of the at least one bendable part (104)
Data Source
AI summary
A net repair patch latching unit comprising one or more carabiners. The carabiner of the net repair patch latching unit comprises at least one load-bearing section; a spine and a forepart; one or more first grooves configured to accommodate a yarn of the net to be repaired; at least one elongated bendable part having a distal end and a proximal end. The elongated bendable part comprises at least one transitional bending area connecting the spine and the proximal end of the at least one bendable part; one or more guiding nudges protruding from the load-bearing section; one or more attaching element protruding from the load-bearing section.