Timed Trap Line Release Cam for Whale Entanglement Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fishing technologies pose a significant risk of entanglement to large whales, particularly humpback, grey, and blue whales, which are protected species, without effectively addressing this issue while maintaining the viability of commercial fisheries.
Innovation Solution
A line restraint system comprising a housing, motor, release cam, and timer, which seals the motor and processor from water, allowing the release cam to open at a programmed time to release the trap line and buoy, reducing entanglement risk by minimizing exposure to marine animals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional fishing lines and buoys are used to maintain trap position, then fishing efficiency is maintained, but entanglement risk to whales increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-programs the release time of the trap line and buoy before deployment. The processor stores deployment time and calculates a predetermined soak time, then automatically triggers the motor to release the line at the appropriate moment, eliminating the need for continuous line exposure and reducing whale entanglement risk while maintaining fishing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical buoyancy-based line restraint system with an automated electromechanical system. The motor, driven by a battery and controlled by a processor, substitutes for the passive mechanical buoy system, enabling precise timing control and automatic release to minimize entanglement hazards
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the trap line and buoy are kept submerged to reduce entanglement risk, then whale safety is improved, but trap retrieval capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores the predetermined time for buoy release based on deployment time and soak time parameters. This preliminary timing setup ensures that the buoy is released at the optimal moment to minimize whale entanglement risk while maintaining full trap retrieval capability through controlled, timed deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the trap line restraint state through automated motor control. The line transitions from a restrained submerged state to an released floating state based on timed processor commands, creating a dynamic system that balances whale safety with retrieval capability rather than maintaining a static position
3Object-affected harmful factors
If automated timing systems are implemented to control line release, then entanglement risk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated timing system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a processor for time calculation and control logic, a motor for mechanical actuation, a battery for power supply, and a release cam mechanism for line disengagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, reducing overall system complexity while achieving automated entanglement risk reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the trap's own deployment time as the basis for calculating the release time, eliminating the need for external timing references or complex synchronization systems. The processor automatically manages the entire timing sequence from deployment to release, making the system self-sufficient and reducing operational complexity
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.