Spherical Fish Cage Buoyancy Structure for Storm-Resistant Farming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fish farming cages are vulnerable to damage, fish escape, salmon lice infestation, and environmental pollution, with no cost-effective solutions to address these issues, and require precise assembly due to rigid components.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, closed, spherical fish cage with adjustable buoyancy and ballast, featuring a double net system and control unit for monitoring and positioning, allowing easy assembly and operation, and capable of submersion for protection in adverse weather.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid beam elements are used to construct the spherical cage, then structural strength is improved, but assembly precision requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical cage is divided into multiple rigid beam elements (11) that are connected through flexible joints (11). This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured with standard tolerances while the flexible joints accommodate misalignments, eliminating the need for extreme assembly precision while maintaining overall structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces flexibility into the joint connections between rigid beams, changing the mechanical parameters of the connection points. This allows the rigid structure to adapt to manufacturing variations through small angular adjustments at the joints, thereby maintaining structural integrity without requiring high assembly precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If open cage design is used, then ease of construction is improved, but protection against salmon lice and algae bloom deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the simplicity of open cage construction with the protection of closed cage design by using a spherical geometry with strategically placed openings. The spherical shape provides inherent structural strength while the controlled openings allow for easy net attachment and maintenance, achieving both ease of construction and protection against harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical shape of the cage provides superior structural strength compared to traditional cylindrical designs, allowing for thinner walls and easier construction. The curved surface distributes stress evenly and provides natural hydrodynamic properties, while still allowing for effective netting and protection against lice and algae.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional anchoring systems are used, then ease of installation is improved, but ability to withstand storms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses buoyancy elements strategically positioned on the spherical cage to counteract storm forces. These buoyant components provide upward force that offsets the downward pull of strong currents and waves, allowing the cage to remain stable and resist storm damage while maintaining simple anchoring requirements.
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 cage reduces fish escape risk, minimizes salmon lice exposure, and minimizes environmental pollution while being easy to assemble and operate, with reduced maintenance costs and enhanced safety in harsh weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The spherical cage is supported by a number of buoyancy elements (11) which are arranged for connection in the tubular elements
Implementation Method 2
The cage also comprises a number of ballast elements (11) which are arranged for connection in the tubular elements
Data Source
AI summary
A closed, spherical cage device suitable for farming fish in a position floating in water has a pattern of polygons divided along boundary lines, the boundary lines having tubular elements which together form a spherical skeleton. A plurality of panes are covered by at least one layer of seine net, netting, or the like, the tubular members containing at least one inflatable buoyancy member having fluid communication to a reservoir of pressurized gas. A control unit is arranged to regulate the amount of gas in the buoyancy elements, the tubular elements being connected at nodes by means of sleeves and finger brackets and the tubular elements being arranged to allow inflow of water in the parts of the tubular elements not occupied by the buoyancy element.