Automated Oyster Cage Inversion Mechanism for Biofouling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual flipping of floating oyster cages is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and hazardous, requiring frequent inversion to control biofouling, which affects oyster growth and water flow.
Innovation Solution
A mechanized device comprising a fixed and rotatable ring system with supports that encircle the oyster cage, allowing for automated 180-degree inversion without disconnection from anchors, powered by motors to reduce labor and improve efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual flipping is performed by crew working from boats, then the cage can be inverted to control biofouling, but the process becomes labor-intensive and hazardous requiring two strong persons to lift one side of the cage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of two persons lifting and rotating the cage with an automated mechanical system. A winch mechanism with a rotating arm and cable assembly automatically lifts and inverts the cage, eliminating the need for manual labor while maintaining the biofouling control function. The winch motor provides the lifting force, and the rotating arm mechanism performs the inversion operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage inversion system is designed to operate autonomously without requiring crew members to manually handle the cage. The automated winch and rotating arm system performs the entire inversion sequence independently, with the mechanism self-regulating through its mechanical design including brakes, guides, and positioning features that ensure proper inversion and return to original position.
2Reliability
If the cage is suspended under floats of sufficient size to enable inversion, then biofouling can be controlled through drying, but the device complexity increases with the need for floating support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The floating platform serves multiple functions: it provides buoyant support for the cage, acts as the mounting base for the winch and rotating arm mechanisms, and serves as the operational platform for the automation system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized structures, thereby reducing overall device complexity while enabling the inversion operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the floating support structure with the inversion mechanism mounting structure. The same floating platform that supports the cage also carries the winch, rotating arm, and other mechanical components. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate structural elements needed, simplifying the overall device while maintaining both the cage support and inversion capabilities.
3Productivity
If frequent inversion is performed to control biofouling, then oyster growth rates improve and water flow increases, but the time required for flipping operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated winch and rotating arm mechanism performs the inversion operation much faster than manual methods. The mechanical system can lift, rotate, and position the cage in a matter of minutes, whereas manual operation would take significantly longer. This time efficiency enables more frequent inversion cycles without sacrificing productive time, thereby improving oyster growth rates through more effective biofouling control.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system allows for rapid succession of inversion operations with minimal downtime between cycles. The winch mechanism can quickly return the cage to its original position after inversion, and the system is ready for the next operation immediately. This continuous operational capability maximizes the frequency of useful inversion actions, enhancing biofouling control and oyster growth while minimizing loss of time.
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 mechanized system significantly reduces labor and time required for flipping, effectively controlling biofouling and enhancing oyster growth rates by automating the process while ensuring safety for farm personnel.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable ring rotatable concentric with the fixed ring; a means of rotating the rotatable ring relative to and concentric with the fixed ring
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of supports fixed on an interior surface of the rotatable ring such that one support extends at a first angle to the interior surface
Implementation Method 3
positioning the cage and the oysters inside the cage out of the water and subjecting them to drying from the action of sun and wind
Implementation Method 4
subjecting them to drying from the action of sun and wind
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention solves the problem of flipping floating oyster cages by using a rotating system that lifts one side of the oyster cage while depressing the other side. The resulting rotation torque is able to invert the oyster cage to allow the cage and the oysters to temporarily dry out as a way of controlling marine biofouling. The invention may be mounted on a boat or between two boats and can sequentially flip the oyster cages along an anchored string.