Rotatable Oyster Containers for Automated De-fouling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Oyster aquaculture is labor-intensive due to the need for manual handling and processing, including de-fouling, tumbling, and grading, which are time-consuming and costly in existing systems.

Innovation Solution

A mechanized oyster aquaculture system featuring cylindrical, rotatable oyster containers connected to a horizontal anchoring system and a container handling device mounted on a boat, allowing for axial rotation and automated handling, tumbling, and de-fouling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual handling and processing methods are used for oysters, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual handling flexibilityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The oyster containers are designed to automatically tumble and self-process through the water column, with the container shape and anchoring system enabling automatic orientation changes and pest organism removal without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical handling operations are replaced by a mechanized system where containers are automatically raised, tumbled, and processed by water flow and wave action, reducing labor-intensive operations while maintaining processing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If oyster containers are designed for easy handling and automated processing, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated handling efficiencyVSAvoidcontainer system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cylindrical oyster container serves multiple functions simultaneously: it holds oysters, enables automatic tumbling through its shape, allows water flow for feeding and cleaning, and integrates with the anchoring system for controlled movement, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cylindrical shape of the oyster container is specifically designed to enable automatic tumbling and rotation when raised from the ocean bottom, using the container's geometry itself to achieve processing functions rather than requiring complex mechanical tumbling devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Manufacturing precision

If oyster containers are raised periodically for de-fouling and tumbling, then oyster quality and shell shape improve, but time loss and operational disruption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoyster shell shape qualityVSAvoidcontainer retrieval time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes periodic natural occurrences such as tides and wave action to automatically tumble and de-foul oysters during regular raising operations, converting what would be disruptive manual handling into a routine periodic process that coincides with natural environmental cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The raising operation, which interrupts oyster growth, is converted into a beneficial multi-purpose event that simultaneously achieves de-fouling, tumbling for shell shaping, and feeding opportunities through water flow, transforming a potentially harmful disruption into a beneficial integrated processing cycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 reduces manual labor, enables controlled tumbling and de-fouling, and improves efficiency in oyster handling and processing, making oyster aquaculture more efficient and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

The oyster container includes a generally cylindrical outer surface configured for engaging with and traversing a surface of a container handling device portion of the aquaculture system, said engagement imparting axial rotation to the oyster container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11632940B2Oyster aquaculture method and apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.04.25 DOCKER PHILIP IAN

AI summary

For oyster aquaculture, oysters are housed in cylindrical containers. The containers have open (e.g. mesh) sides allowing water and nutrient flow. Containers are attached at each end to a horizontal anchoring system, such as a pair of lines running near the water surface. The attachment involves rotatable connection, allowing the containers to roll. The containers include a traction surface, such as a ridged or toothed surface for traction, or another roughened or corrugated surface. This allows the containers to be rolled without disconnection from the anchoring system, for tumbling and transport. A container handling device mounted on a boat includes a ramp descending into the water and an operating area. The operating area includes a de-fouling bath and a surface on which the containers roll, facilitating tumbling. The container handling device travels along a line of containers with the anchor lines running overtop, lifting each container up and through the operating area in turn.