Timed Release Cam for Rope-Less Aquatic Trap Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fishing technologies pose a significant risk of entanglement to marine life, particularly large whales, due to the use of traditional rope-based fishing gear, which is difficult to adapt into rope-less systems without impacting the viability of fisheries.
Innovation Solution
A line restraint system comprising a housing, processor, motor, and release cam, which is designed to restrain and then release a trap line from an aquatic trap at a pre-programmed time, minimizing exposure to whales by allowing the trap line and buoy to rise to the surface, thereby reducing entanglement hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional rope-based fishing gear is used, then fishing operations can maintain efficiency and cost-effectiveness, but entanglement risk to marine life increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-programming the release mechanism with a timer before deployment. The trap line is restrained from the beginning, and the release is automatically triggered after a predetermined time period, eliminating the need for continuous human monitoring and ensuring consistent timing for reducing entanglement risk while maintaining fishing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical rope-based system with an automated electromechanical system. A motor-driven release mechanism, controlled by a processor and timer, substitutes for manual rope handling. This automation allows precise control over line restraint and release timing, reducing entanglement risk while maintaining operational efficiency.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the trap line is restrained to reduce whale exposure, then entanglement hazard decreases, but deployment and retrieval time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically restraining and releasing the trap line without requiring continuous human intervention. Once deployed, the timer-controlled mechanism autonomously manages the line restraint period and automatically releases at the predetermined time, minimizing the active time required for deployment and retrieval while maintaining reduced entanglement hazard throughout the fishing period.
3Measurement precision
If an automated release mechanism is implemented, then release timing precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device achieves multi-functionality by integrating several functions into a single compact unit: the processor controls both the timer and motor, the release cam mechanism provides both restraint and release functions, and the housing protects all components while allowing water intake for trap operation. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining precise release timing through coordinated operation of integrated components.
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 effectively reduces entanglement risks to marine animals while maintaining the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of traditional fishing operations, allowing for easy integration into existing fishing processes and providing reliable retrieval of aquatic traps.
Implementation Method 1
a motor, which may be contained within the housing... The stem portion may be rotatably coupled to the motor. The motor may be configured to turn the arm portion of the release cam
Implementation Method 2
The housing may seal the motor and the processor from getting wet when the housing is submerged
Data Source
AI summary
An example line restraint system comprises a housing, a processor, a motor, a release cam, and a timer. The release cam comprises a stem portion and an arm portion. The stem portion is proximate to the housing and the arm portion may be opposite the stem portion. The stem portion may be rotatably coupled to the motor. The motor may be configured to turn the arm portion of the release cam between an open and closed state. When in the closed state, an overhang of the arm portion at least partially defines a cavity capable of retaining a release line. When in the open state, the release cam opens the cavity to enable release of the release line. The timer may receive instructions from the processor to set a particular time and to trigger the motor to turn the release cam from the closed state to the open state.