Trawl Bag Opening Control for Real-Time Fish Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trawl systems lack the ability to accurately monitor and sort fish by type and size in real-time during fishing, leading to inefficiencies and unnecessary time spent on sorting unwanted catch when the trawl is brought on deck.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a monitoring device, such as a camera or echo sounder, integrated with the trawl to provide real-time data on fish inflow, allowing for automatic or operator-controlled movement of trawl bag openings to direct unwanted fish outside the trawl bags, utilizing a two-way communication link and processing unit to optimize fish sorting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If real-time monitoring and sorting of fish is implemented during fishing, then sorting time on deck is reduced and fishing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to addition of monitoring devices and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device detects fish type, size, and quantity before the fish enter the trawl bags. The control unit receives this advance information and pre-positions the trawl bag openings to direct unwanted fish outside the bags. This preliminary detection and positioning action prevents unwanted fish from being collected in the first place, thereby reducing sorting time on deck without requiring complex post-catch sorting mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
A control unit acts as an intermediary between the monitoring device and the trawl bag opening mechanism. The monitoring device provides fish information to the control unit, which then automatically adjusts the trawl bag openings accordingly. This intermediary system simplifies the overall control architecture while enabling real-time adaptive sorting, balancing automation benefits with system manageability
2Loss of substance
If trawl bag openings are moved to direct unwanted fish outside the trawl bags, then the amount of unwanted fish collected is minimized, but the time required for monitoring and control decision-making increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device operates continuously as fish enter the trawl, providing real-time information about fish type, size, and quantity. The control unit continuously processes this information and continuously adjusts the trawl bag openings accordingly. This continuous operation eliminates interruptions and ensures that unwanted fish are directed outside the bags in real-time, minimizing unwanted fish intake without significant time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the monitoring device continuously provides information about the fish entering the trawl, the control unit processes this information and adjusts the trawl bag openings, and the results are immediately reflected in the fish collection. This closed-loop feedback system enables rapid adaptation to changing fish conditions, minimizing the time required for monitoring and control decisions while effectively reducing unwanted fish intake
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
This solution enables precise monitoring and sorting of fish, reducing the time spent on deck by minimizing the intake of unwanted fish, thereby enhancing fishing efficiency and reducing sorting time.
Implementation Method 1
The monitoring device may be in the form of a camera, echo sounder, trawl eye or other devices which permit real time monitoring of the inlet to the trawl bags
Data Source
Figure 1~2C
AI summary
A system and method for sorting fish where the system comprises; - a trawl (2) consisting of at least one trawl bag (3, 3', 3"), and where the at least one trawl bag (3, 3', 3") has an opening which covers a part of an inflow area in the trawl (2), - at least one monitoring device (6) arranged in connection with the inflow area and where signals can be transmitted to a processing unit from the at least one monitoring device (6), and - where a device, based on data from the processing unit, can move the opening in the at least one trawl bag (3, 3', 3") to a position where fish flow through the inflow area but on the outside of the at least one trawl bag (3, 3', 3").