Net Repair Fastening for Fish Farm Hole and Rift Patching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for repairing holes and rifts in fish farm nets are time-consuming, prone to oversight, and can cause damage to the nets and fish, with limited cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a main part and a release part connected by an activation element, with grip-hooks that secure to the net to prevent movement and a locking mechanism for easy deployment and removal using a ROV or diver, ensuring minimal stress on the net and fish.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If visual inspection with divers or ROVs is used to detect holes and rifts in nets, then detection capability is provided, but the method is time-consuming and causes prolonged response times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates detection and repair functions into a single device that can be deployed immediately upon suspicion of damage. The device includes inspection components that can preliminarily assess net integrity before full repair deployment, reducing the need for separate inspection phases and accelerating response time while maintaining detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional repair methods are used to fix holes and rifts in nets, then repair function is provided, but the methods cause damage to the nets and fish

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepair functionVSAvoiddamage to net and fish
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible repair elements and thin film patches that conform to the net structure without requiring rigid fixtures or aggressive fastening methods. These flexible components repair holes and rifts while minimizing stress concentration and preventing damage to surrounding net material and nearby fish

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses intermediary repair elements that mediate between the damaged net areas and the surrounding healthy net structure. These intermediary components distribute loads and stresses evenly, preventing further damage propagation while maintaining net integrity and protecting fish from harm

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If permanent repair solutions are deployed in nets, then durability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the repair system into modular segments that can be independently deployed and configured. Each segment contains standardized repair components that can be assembled in various configurations depending on the specific damage pattern, providing durable repair without requiring complex integrated systems for each repair scenario

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates universal repair components that can address multiple types of damage (holes, rifts, frayed edges) with a single standardized system. These multi-functional elements provide durable repair across different damage scenarios while reducing overall device complexity by eliminating the need for specialized components for each damage type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4572604B1A device for repairing holes and/or tears in a net
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 NJORD SYST AS
  • EP4572604B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP4572604B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6
  • EP4572604B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

The present invention concerns a device (1) for repair of holes and/or rifts in a net or equivalent, where the device (1) comprises a main part and a release part connected to each other through an activation element. The present invention also concerns a method for repair of holes and/or rifts in a net or equivalent, a method for removal of a device (1) for repair of holes and/or rifts in a net or equivalent from the net or equivalent, as well as a utilization of the device and the methods.