Semi-automated seaweed harvester

Abstract

Large seaweed farms rely heavily on manual laborers during the planting and harvesting processes. A prevalent cultivation method among large farms involves placing seaweed spores on long ropes suspended beneath the sea surface. When the seaweed has grown to the desired length, laborers manually remove strands from said ropes. The present invention provides a system to automate the harvesting of seaweed from said ropes. The present invention combines propulsion, guidance, and harvesting mechanisms into a single unit cable of autonomously removing seaweed from said ropes.

Claims

1. A seaweed harvesting system for harvesting and storing seaweed comprising: a. A flotation system to keep the mechanism afloat and balanced while managing the load of carried seaweed b. A propulsion device enabling the system to travel down the seaweed line at a stable, quick speed c. A frame that allows easy interaction between the harvesting system and the seaweed farm ropes d. A cutting mechanism for removing seaweed from said farm ropes e. A storage compartment for holding the harvested seaweed from said farm ropes

2. The seaweed harvesting system according to claim 1, wherein the system frame comprises guide rails for aligning the farm ropes relative to the harvesting system.

3. The seaweed harvesting system according to claim 1, wherein the cutting device comprises an adjustment mechanism to produce different lengths of trimmed seaweed

4. A vessel comprising a seaweed harvesting system according to all of the preceding claims.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the core seaweed harvesting mechanisms according to the invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the seaweed harvesting apparatus according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 shows in detail a perspective view of the seaweed harvesting apparatus according to the invention.

[0014] The seaweed harvesting apparatus comprises a frame 1 for aligning the farm rope 8 relative to the harvesting apparatus using a series of grooved pulleys 7. In other words, the frame 1 has guiding means 7 for aligning the farm rope 8 and the harvesting apparatus.

[0015] The seaweed harvesting apparatus comprises a flotation system 6 for keeping the apparatus afloat and balanced.

[0016] The seaweed harvesting apparatus comprises a propulsion device 4 enabling the system to travel along the farm rope 8 at a stable, quick speed. Here, the propulsion device receives power from enclosed batteries 5.

[0017] The seaweed harvesting apparatus comprises a cutting mechanism 3 for cutting seaweed from the farm rope 8. Here, the cutting mechanism receives power from enclosed batteries 5.

[0018] The seaweed harvesting apparatus comprises a storage system 2 for holding seaweed 9 removed from the farm rope 8 by the cutting mechanism 3.

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the seaweed harvesting apparatus in relation to the seaweed farm ropes 9. The apparatus travels down the length of the farm rope 8 propelled by motor 4. The grooved pulleys 7 ensure that the farm rope 8, along with attached seaweed 9, pass over the cutting mechanism 3 as the apparatus moves forwards. Seaweed 9 falls into storage system 2 after being trimmed by cutting mechanism 3.