Scallop Trap Gateway with Movable Arms for Selective Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crab and lobster traps are unsuitable for capturing scallops due to their ability to swim through small openings, unlike crabs and lobsters which can enter by walking.
Innovation Solution
A gateway with independently-movable arms and a sloped passageway is designed to allow scallops to slide into a trap by overcoming gravity, while preventing larger crustaceans from entering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional one-way openings are used in crab and lobster pots, then crabs and lobsters can be captured effectively, but scallops cannot enter the chamber because they are not strong enough to force themselves through the openings
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway employs dynamically movable arms that can pivot between a closed position (blocking the passageway) and an open position (allowing passage). This dynamic structure enables the same gateway to adapt to different species: scallops can push the lightweight arms open to enter, while crabs and lobsters are blocked by the closed arms, resolving the contradiction between capturing crustaceans and allowing mollusc entry
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the opening mechanism from a fixed rigid structure to a flexible movable one. The arms are designed with specific weight, length, and pivot point parameters that allow them to be deflected by scallops but remain effective barriers for larger crustaceans, enabling the gateway to serve multiple species capture needs
2Strength
If scallops are required to push through multiple connected arms to enter the trap, then the structure provides robust blocking, but scallops cannot overcome the cumulative force required
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway divides the blocking function into multiple independent segmented arms rather than a single connected structure. Each arm operates independently and can be deflected by individual scallops without requiring them to overcome the combined force of multiple connected arms, while still maintaining effective blocking when all arms are in the closed position
Solution Approach 2:
The arms are designed as lightweight, easily deflectable components that can be pushed open by scallops without significant force requirements. They function as temporary, easily overcome barriers rather than permanent rigid obstructions, allowing scallop entry while maintaining blocking capability
3Ease of operation
If the passageway walls are made smooth to assist scallop sliding, then scallops can enter more easily, but water current effects on the trap increase
Solution Approach 1:
The passageway wall is segmented into discrete mesh elements rather than a continuous smooth surface. This segmentation allows water currents to flow through the mesh openings, reducing current impact on the trap structure, while the overall geometry of the segmented wall still provides a smooth enough surface for scallops to slide along into the trap
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 gateway effectively retains scallops within the trap by minimizing friction and utilizing gravity, allowing efficient capture without damaging the arms.
Implementation Method 1
allowing efficient capture without damaging the arms
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a gateway in which each of a plurality of independently-movable arms 17 are pivotable about a hinge 11 between a closed position in which it extends across a passageway 1, and a deflected position in which it is spaced from the lower periphery 3 of the passageway 1. In this way, a scallop need only push the number of arms 17 necessary to pass through the gateway.