Telescopic Net Closure with Frictional Draw Stem
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater nets for catching sea life, particularly lobsters, are complex and difficult to operate effectively, often leading to escape due to mechanical failures in saltwater conditions and limited user dexterity.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held net assembly with a telescopic handle and brightly colored net closure cord that slides frictionally to close the netting when the handle is extended, providing a simple and reliable mechanism for capturing and retaining sea life without intricate components prone to corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex trigger device with pulley and ratchet gear is used to close the net, then the net can be closed, but the device becomes too complex to operate reliably underwater and is prone to mechanical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex trigger device, pulley, and ratchet gear from the net closure mechanism. Instead, it uses a simple drawstring system where a cord passes through the net frame and is pulled to close the net, eliminating multiple mechanical components that could fail underwater.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using a mechanism that actively opens the net and then closes it through complex gearing, the invention inverts the approach by using a passive drawstring system where pulling the cord in one direction closes the net, and releasing it allows the net to open naturally.
2Extent of automation
If automatic snares are used to catch sea life, then the catching process is automated, but the device becomes more complex, more expensive, and dangerous to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The net is designed to be self-closing through the drawstring mechanism. When the net is pulled over sea life, the user simply pulls the drawstring to close the net automatically around the catch, requiring minimal dexterity and no complex automated activation systems.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed length handle is used in the net, then the handle structure is simple, but the user has limited control over the net closing process
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed with telescopic sections that allow it to extend and retract as the drawstring is pulled. This dynamic handle structure provides the user with better control over the net closing process, allowing the handle length to adjust naturally during operation without requiring complex mechanical controls.
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 net assembly effectively prevents escape of caught sea life by ensuring a secure closure with minimal complexity, maintaining functionality even in saltwater conditions and reducing the risk of mechanical failure, making it easier to use underwater.
Implementation Method 1
The telescopic draw stem and the net handle have a textured surface. The telescopic draw stem and the net handle are frictionally engaged together to resist movement there between
Implementation Method 2
A spring loaded button on the distal end of the telescopic stem (inside the net handle) frictionally engages the interior surface of the net handle to further resist movement there between
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held underwater net assembly with a snare closure that easily and rapidly closes the netting to prevent fish and crustaceans from escaping. The net assembly ideally includes a brightly colored net closure cord which serves to draw the netting together and close the netting when the snare handle and telescopic draw stem are proximally pulled outward and retracted by a user. The extension of the handle of the net assembly, pulls the netting into a closed position. The brightly colored net closure cord makes it easy for the underwater user to determine when the net is in the closed position and the catch is securely contained within the netting.