Rotatable Brush With Secant Angle For Submerged Net Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices for submerged fish-farming nets often require surface operation, cause mechanical strain on nets, and are inefficient in removing fouling before it becomes extensive, with high-pressure systems leading to wear and gentle methods having low capacity.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable brush system with slanted rotational axes, driven by a winch, that uses multiple brush pairs in V- or X-shapes and includes depth wheels and scrapers to gently loosen and remove fouling from both vertical and horizontal threads with minimal strain, allowing for effective cleaning both upwards and downwards motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-pressure washing is used to clean the net, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but mechanical wear on the net increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces high-pressure hydraulic washing with a mechanically-driven brush system. The brush is rotated by a motor (10) and drives a cleaning element (12) that mechanically scrubs the net surface, providing effective cleaning without the damaging high-pressure water jets that cause wear and tear on the net structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is designed to be self-propelled along the net using tracked wheels (8) that grip the net structure. The device moves itself under its own power without requiring external towing or complex positioning systems, making the cleaning process more efficient and reducing the time the net is out of service.
2Strength
If gentle cleaning methods are used to minimize strain on the net, then net durability is improved, but cleaning capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The brush assembly is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to the net surface. The brush rotates at controlled speeds and the cleaning element flexes to conform to the cylindrical net shape, providing gentle yet effective cleaning that removes fouling without exerting excessive localized stress on the net threads.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device uses a composite approach combining mechanical brushing with controlled friction. The brush elements are made of materials that provide sufficient abrasion to remove fouling but are soft enough to avoid damaging the net, creating an optimal balance between cleaning effectiveness and net protection.
3Device complexity
If the cleaning device is operated from the surface using a crane and boat, then device complexity is reduced, but operational efficiency and fish health monitoring time are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is fully autonomous and self-propelled along the net using tracked wheels (8). It moves independently under its own power, positioning itself without requiring a crane or boat operator. The device can clean the entire net circumference and return to its starting position automatically, eliminating the need for complex surface-based operation systems while significantly reducing cleaning time and allowing faster return to fish health monitoring activities.
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 system achieves a 40% to 100% cleaning effect after a limited number of passes, providing a stable and efficient cleaning process that reduces mechanical stress on the net and maintains optimal oxygen flow, enhancing fish health and growth.
Implementation Method 1
The brushes are brought to rotate by being moved across and in contact with the surface that is to be cleaned
Implementation Method 2
the cleaning device is moved across the surface in a vertical direction by the cleaning device preferably being lowered and hoisted by means of a winch
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotatable brush (20A-D) for cleaning a submerged net. The rotatable brush (20A-D) comprises; - a brush core (29) with a rotational axis (290); and - a plurality of bristles (26A-C), where each bristle (26A-C) is provided with an end portion comprising a free end (30) and an opposite attachment portion (27) attached to the brush core (29), where a rotation of the rotatable brush (20A-D) moves the bristle's (26A-C) free end (30) along a circular circumferential path (31) with a centre in the rotational axis (290). The end portion of the bristle (26A-C) forms a secant angle (α) with the circumferential path (31), the secant angle (α) being different from 90 degrees.