Shellfish Growth Tray with Recesses for Branding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for growing oysters, such as using ropes or baskets, often result in equipment and shellfish damage due to exposure to the elements, and there is a need for a method that protects and standardizes the growth of shellfish while allowing for branding.
Innovation Solution
A support system with recesses, specifically a tray with rows of recesses and channels, where shellfish spat are attached and grow into the recesses, forming a deliberate mark as they mature, allowing for standardized size and shape, and enabling efficient harvesting and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shellfish are grown using ropes or baskets in the ocean, then the shellfish can be cultivated in natural marine environments, but the equipment and shellfish are damaged by exposure to the elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a tray structure with recesses that encloses shellfish spat, protecting them from environmental damage while allowing controlled growth. The tray acts as a protective shell that shields the shellfish from harmful elements such as wave action, predators, and debris in the marine environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray is divided into multiple recesses, each capable of holding individual shellfish spat. This segmentation allows for standardized growth chambers that protect each shellfish while enabling efficient harvesting and processing through uniform size and shape control.
2Productivity
If traditional growing methods are used, then shellfish can grow naturally, but there is no standardized size and shape control for efficient harvesting and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The tray structure with defined recesses constrains shellfish growth to standardized dimensions, ensuring uniform size and shape that facilitate efficient harvesting and processing operations while maintaining natural growth conditions within the protected environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray design serves multiple functions: it protects shellfish from environmental damage, standardizes their growth to uniform dimensions, and facilitates efficient harvesting and processing. This multi-functional approach simultaneously addresses protection needs and productivity requirements.
3Reliability
If shellfish are grown without protective structures, then the growing system is simple, but equipment and shellfish are damaged by exposure to the elements
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is divided into multiple recesses, each capable of holding individual shellfish spat. This segmentation allows for standardized growth chambers that protect each shellfish while enabling efficient harvesting and processing through uniform size and shape control.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray design serves multiple functions: it protects shellfish from environmental damage, standardizes their growth to uniform dimensions, and facilitates efficient harvesting and processing. This multi-functional approach simultaneously addresses protection needs and productivity requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of growing shellfish is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a support tray (1) with recesses (7) where at least some of the recesses (7) incorporate means adapted to create a deliberately formed alphanumeric, written or pictorial mark on the shellfish as it grows. Shellfish spat are attached to at least some of the recesses (7) and the tray (1) is placed in water so that the spat grow into substantially mature shellfish within the recesses (7). The spat each grow generally in the shape of their respective recess (7) so that the mark is created on the shellfish as it grows.