Trawl Net Gate Mechanism With Turbine-Powered Catch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trawl nets lack effective selectivity to prevent unwanted species or undersized fish from entering the cod end, leading to bycatch and discarding issues, which are harmful to the environment and violate quotas.
Innovation Solution
A gate mechanism mounted within the trawl net extension, powered by a turbine, with a rotatable door and barrier that can selectively open or close based on real-time imaging and processing to control the passage of fish into the cod end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mesh size of the cod end is controlled to allow undersized fish of one species to escape, then selectivity for that species is improved, but legally catchable fish or shellfish of another species may also escape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic gate mechanism that can be actively opened or closed during trawling operations. Unlike static mesh size control, this gate can be adjusted in real-time based on the species and size of fish being caught, allowing the system to adapt selectivity parameters dynamically to prevent unwanted species while maintaining catch of desirable species
Solution Approach 2:
The gate mechanism changes the physical parameter of passage availability - it can transition from an open state (allowing all fish through) to a closed state (blocking passage). This parameter change enables selective control over which species enter the cod end, resolving the contradiction between species selectivity and catch quantity by allowing operators to adjust the gate state based on real-time catch composition
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a gate mechanism is added to provide selective catch control, then bycatch and discards are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gate mechanism is designed to be self-powered through a turbine that utilizes the natural water flow generated during trawling operations. This hydrodynamic power source eliminates the need for external power systems, motors, or complex control mechanisms, allowing the gate to open and close automatically based on flow conditions while reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using the kinetic energy of water flow to drive the turbine and gate mechanism. This hydraulic approach leverages the existing water movement in the trawl net to power the selectivity control system, avoiding the need for mechanical motors, electrical systems, or complex actuation mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If real-time imaging and processing are implemented to control gate operation, then selectivity and quota compliance are improved, but energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging and processing system is powered by the same hydrodynamic turbine that drives the gate mechanism. The water flow that naturally moves the gate also turns the turbine to generate electrical power for the cameras, processors, and communication systems, eliminating the need for external power sources and reducing overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power generation function with the imaging and processing functions by using a single hydrodynamic turbine to drive both the gate mechanism and generate electricity for the electronic systems. This consolidation eliminates separate power sources and reduces the overall energy burden on the system
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
Provides selective catch control, reducing bycatch and discards by allowing operators to release unwanted species before they enter the cod end, enhancing sustainability and compliance with quotas.
Implementation Method 1
a turbine for powering rotation of the gate mechanism as it is dragged through the water within the trawl net
Data Source
AI summary
A gate mechanism (20) is adapted for mounting within the extension (4) of a trawl net (1), the gate mechanism comprising a turbine (47/147/247) for powering rotation of the gate mechanism as it is dragged through the water within the trawl net.