Net Repair Patch Latching Unit for Low-Stress Robotic Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing net repair solutions, such as robotic patching systems, are inefficient and cause additional stress to the net, leading to tearing, folding, or failure, especially in underwater fish farm nets, where they are not durable enough to withstand harsh conditions or compatible with all types of nets.
Innovation Solution
A net repair patch latching unit with a purely mechanical, one-way latching mechanism using carabiners with elongated bendable parts and a S-shaped profile, which securely attaches patches to the net without additional stress, made from marine-grade plastics like HDPE or FRP, ensuring stability and longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If robotic or drone patching solutions are used to fix torn nets, then the fixing speed is improved and safety is enhanced, but the rigidity of the patch changes the flexibility of the net causing increased wear on the edges and potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible patch made of net-like material that matches the flexibility characteristics of the original net. This flexible patch is latched onto the torn net using a latching unit with multiple latching elements, allowing the patch to move and flex with the net without causing stress concentration or edge wear, thus maintaining net integrity while enabling rapid robotic application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the patch by making it flexible and net-like rather than rigid, and by using a latching mechanism that allows movement. This parameter change enables the patch to adapt to net flexion and movement, preventing the wear and failure issues associated with rigid patches while maintaining the productivity benefits of robotic application.
2Device complexity
If plastic clips are used to latch the patch onto the net, then the patching process is simplified, but the solution is not robust enough to withstand the required 18 months life cycle in fish farms
Solution Approach 1:
The latching unit is segmented into multiple independent latching elements (at least three) distributed around the perimeter of the patch. Each latching element independently secures a portion of the patch to the net, creating a distributed attachment system that is both simple to implement and highly durable. This segmentation allows the patch to be securely held while accommodating net movement and flexion over the 18-month life cycle.
3Reliability
If net sewing machines are used to permanently fix holes, then the repair is durable, but the tool is large and heavy requiring a large robot and the fixing process is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex sewing mechanism and replaces it with a simpler latching mechanism that attaches a pre-formed patch to the net. This extraction of the sewing function allows for rapid robotic application without the need for heavy, complex sewing machines, thereby improving productivity while maintaining repair durability through the robust latching system.
4Productivity
If springs are used to latch the patch onto the net, then the patch can be quickly applied, but stress is created on a small number of net yarns causing folding and fish escape
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible net-like patch distributes the latching stress across multiple net yarns rather than concentrating it on a small number of yarns. The latching elements engage with the flexible patch and net structure in a way that spreads the mechanical load, preventing the folding and stress concentration that would allow fish to escape, while maintaining quick application speed.
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 effectively reduces fish escapes from farms by providing a reliable, durable, and versatile net repair system that can be used with various robots and withstands environmental conditions for at least 18 months, maintaining the net's integrity and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elongated bendable part (304) having a distal end (324a) and a proximal end (324b), wherein the at least one elongated bendable part comprises at least one transitional bending area (307) connecting the spine (308a) and the proximal end (324b) of the bendable part (304)
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 1d
AI summary
A net repair patch latching unit comprises one or more carabiners (301a, 301b). The one or more carabiners comprises at least one load-bearing section (302); a spine (308a) and a forepart (308b); one or more first grooves (312) configured to accommodate a yarn of the net (370) to be repaired; and at least one elongated bendable part (304) having a distal end (324a) and a proximal end (324b). The at least one elongated bendable part comprises at least one transitional bending area (307) connecting the spine (308a) and the proximal end (324b) of the at least one bendable part (304); one or more guiding nudges (305) protruding from the load-bearing section; and one or more attaching element (316) protruding from the load-bearing section. The load-bearing section (302) comprises a first part (302a) comprising the first groove (312) and a second part (302b) comprising the attaching element (316) and the second groove (320). The first part (302a) is wider than the second part (302b).